Post 24867
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It delivers us from the hard mechanical conception of determinism, or of a closed universe which, like a huge manufacturing plant, grinds out vegetables and animals, minds and spirits, as it grinds out rocks and soils, gases and fluids, and the inorganic compounds.
With M. Bergson, life is the flowing metamorphosis of the poets,–an unceasing becoming,–and evolution is a wave of creative energy overflowing through matter “upon which each visible organism rides during the short interval of time given it to live.” In his view, matter is held in the iron grip of necessity, but life is freedom itself. “Before the evolution of life … the portals of the future remain wide open. It is a creation that goes on forever in virtue of an initial movement. This movement constitutes the unity of the organized world–a prolific unity, of an infinite richness, superior to any that the intellect could dream of, for the intellect is only one of its aspects or products.”
What a contrast to Herbert Spencer’s view of life and evolution! “Life,” says Spencer, “consists of inner action so adjusted as to balance outer action.” True enough, no doubt, but not interesting. If the philosopher could tell us what it is that brings about the adjustment, and that profits by it, we should at once prick up our ears. Of course, it is life. But what is life? It is inner action so adjusted as to balance outer action!