The Descent of Man

hesitation." (29. E.B. Tylor, in 'Contemporary
Review,' April 1873, p. 707.) We may, therefore,
reject the belief, lately insisted on by some writers,
that the abhorrence of incest is due to our
possessing a special God-implanted conscience.
On the whole it is intelligible, that a man urged
by so powerful a sentiment as remorse, though
arising as above explained, should be led to act
in a manner, which he has been taught to believe
serves as an expiation, such as delivering
himself up to justice.
Man prompted by his conscience, will through
long habit acquire such perfect self-command,
that his desires and passions will at last yield
instantly and without a struggle to his social
sympathies and instincts, including his feeling
for the judgment of his fellows. The still hungry,
or the still revengeful man will not think of
stealing food, or of wreaking his vengeance. It
is possible, or as we shall hereafter see, even
probable, that the habit of self-command may,