THE DETERIORATION OF OUR BREED 67 



absence of great men. The ancient Greeks at their prime 

 turned out a larger proportion of men of genius than any 

 other nation has done in the last two thousand years. 

 Both Egypt and Rome had high civilizations which dis- 

 appeared. In these and other countries, luxury was 

 followed by internal disorders and attacks by external 

 enemies ; and then followed periods well described as dark 

 ages. One cause of deterioration which is at work now 

 was certainly at work in those ancient days, and that is a 

 low birth-rate amongst the superior breeds and a high birth- 

 rate amongst the inferior. Other causes no doubt helped 

 to ruin ancient Rome; but if we sit still her fate will be 

 ours also. 



If we wish to maintain the honour and reputation of our 

 country in the distant future, the birth-rate must be in- 

 creased where it is now often low, and lowered where it is 

 now often high. To do this wisely should be the main aim 

 of eugenics. 



