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352
Hereditary Genius
the world itself; also, by analogy, of other scenes of existence than
this particular planet of one of innumerable suns. Our world appears
hitherto to have developed itself, mainly under the influence of
unreasoning affinities; but of late, Man, slowly growing to be
intelligent, humane, and capable, has appeared on the scene of life
and profoundly modified its conditions. He has already become able
to look after his own interests in an incomparably more far-sighted
manner, than in the old pre-historic days of barbarism and flint knives;
he is already able to act on the experiences of the past, to combine
closely with distant allies, and to prepare for future wants, known
only through the intelligence, long before their pressure has become
felt. He has introduced a vast deal of civilization and hygiene which
influence, in an immense degree, his own well-being and that of his
children; it remains for him to bring other policies into action, that
shall tell on the natural gifts of his race.
It would be writing to no practically useful purpose, were I to
discuss the effect that might be produced on the population, by such
social arrangements as existed in Sparta. They are so alien and
repulsive to modern feelings, that it is useless to say anything about
them, so I shall wholly confine my remarks to agencies that are
actually at work, and upon which there can be no hesitation in
speaking.
I shall have occasion to show that certain influences retard the
average age of marriage, while others hasten it; and the general
character of my argument will be to prove, that an enormous effect
upon the average natural ability of a race may be produced by means
of those influences. I shall argue that the wisest policy is, that which
results in retarding the average age of marriage among the weak, and
in hastening it among the vigorous classes; whereas, most unhappily
for us, the influence of numerous social
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