The Descent of Man

fellow-men. Nor must he break through the
fixed habits of his life, especially if these are
supported by reason; for if he does, he will assuredly
feel dissatisfaction. He must likewise
avoid the reprobation of the one God or gods in
whom, according to his knowledge or superstition,
he may believe; but in this case the additional
fear of divine punishment often supervenes.
THE STRICTLY SOCIAL VIRTUES AT
FIRST ALONE REGARDED.
The above view of the origin and nature of the
moral sense, which tells us what we ought to
do, and of the conscience which reproves us if
we disobey it, accords well with what we see of
the early and undeveloped condition of this
faculty in mankind. The virtues which must be
practised, at least generally, by rude men, so
that they may associate in a body, are those
which are still recognised as the most impor-