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other than some such positive fact which would
put quite another color upon the matter is
the justification of desperation. That is to say, that if he
is not to say such things, he will be quite
unable to know anything of positive fact.

In a general way, this justification
certainly holds.
If man had not had the gift, which
every other animal has, of a mind adapted
to his requirements, he not only could
not have acquired any knowledge,
but he could not have maintained
his existence for a single generation.
But he is provided with certain instincts,
that is, with certain natural beliefs that