372 



POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



for the nineteenth century are valid, the promise for America is large. 

 We should during the twentieth century produce more notable men 

 than any other nation. It is ill for us, having the largest population 

 and the richest resources, if we do not keep this promise. 



30 



1100 isdo i too noo noo 



The Curves Show the Production of Great Men at Different Periods by Several 

 of the Leading Nations. 



Our racial divisions are given to us ready made. The subject 

 becomes more difficult when we try to class eminent men in accordance 

 with their traits. We can, however, perhaps use the tripartite sub- 

 division current in psychology. There we are apt to treat separately 

 cognitions, feelings and volitions. This classification proves useful 

 when applied to the traits of great men. Some excel because they 

 have strong wills, are quick and sure in action. These become leaders 

 in war and in political affairs. Others have strong feelings artists, 

 poets, men of letters. Others surpass in pure thought philosophers, 

 scholars, men of science. Distinguishing then men of action, men of 

 feeling, and men of thought, we secure the curves shown on the accom- 

 panying chart. It is seen that more men are eminent for action than 

 for either thought or feeling, though if the latter two classes are com- 

 bined it is found that the quiet work of the student has after all pro- 

 duced more eminent men than war and politics. Each class shows an 

 increase as we approach our own time and the secular variations affect 

 them together, though it is noticeable that men of thought have been 



