Page:Dawn of the Day.pdf/69

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FIRST BOOK
33

have proved the highest usefulness of a thing, we have for all that not taken a single step towards the explana-tion of its origin: that is, we call never make the necessity of existence intelligible by means of usefulness. But up to our days, and even in the department of the most exact sciences, the contrary judgment has hitherto prevailed. Have we not, even in astronomy, spread it about that the (alleged) usefulness in the arrangement of the satellites which, by other means, compensates for the light diminished through the greater distances from the sun, lest the inhabitants of the celestial bodies might be deficiently provided with light, is the final object of their arrangement and the explanation of their genesis? Here we shall be reminded of the conclusions of Columbus: The earth has been created for man, hence, if there are countries, they must be inhabited. Is it likely that the sun should shine on nothing, and that the nocturnal vigils of the stars should he wasted upon pathless seas and peopled countries?"

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‘’Cravings transformed by moral judgments.’’—The same craving, under the influence of the reproach which custom has cast upon this craving, develops into the painful sensation of cowardice or the pleasant sensation of humility, provided a custom, like that of Christianity, has adopted it and approved of it. That is, either a good or a bad conscience attaches itself to it. In itself,

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