it. The precepts, which are called moral, are, in reality, directed against the individuals, and do not in the least tend to their happiness. Equally slight is the relationship of these precepts to the “happiness and welfare of mankind"; words with which it isaltogether impossible to associate definite notions ; much less could we use them as guiding stars on the dark ocean of moral aspirations. It is not true that morality, so says prejudice, is more favourably inclined towards the development of reason than immorality.It is not true that the unconscious goal in the development of every conscious being (animal, man, mankind, &c.), is his “greatest happiness." On the contrary, at every step of our development we may gain a special and incomparable happiness, one that is neither superior nor inferior, but indeed a peculiar happiness. Development does not aim at happiness, but at development and nothing else. Only if mankind possesseduniversally accepted goal, could we propose : “This or that ought to be our line of action"; for the present there is no such goal. Hence we ought not to bring the requirements of morals into any relation whatever to mankind, which would be irrational and childish.To recommend a goal to mankind is quite a different thing; in this case the goal is put as something which lies with us; suppose that mankind would agree to such a recommendation, they might then impose on themselves a moral law at their own free will. But,
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