"
(_Universal Text Book_, ii, 32.) It is obvious that virtues are
constructive and vices destructive, for Love holds together, while Hate
disintegrates. Yet the modified form of Hate--antagonism,
competition--had its part to play in the earlier stages of human
evolution, developing strength, courage, and endurance, and while Love
built up Nations within themselves, Hate made each strong against its
competitor. And within Nations, there has been conflict of classes,
class and caste war, and all this modified and softened by a growing
sense of a common good, until Competition, the characteristic of the
Path of Forthgoing tends to change into Co-operation, the characteristic
of the Path of Return. The Path of Forthgoing must still be trodden by
many, but the number is decreasing; more and more are turning towards
the Path of Return. Ideals are formulated by the leaders of Humanity,
and the Ideals held up to-day are increasingly those of Love and of
Service. "During the first stage, man grasps at everything he desires
and develops a strong individuality by conflict; in the second,
he shares all he has, and yokes that individuality to service;
ever-increasing separation is the key-note of the one; ever-increasing
unity is the key-note of the other.
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