i8o THE GROWTH OF GROUPS 



another. The feeling of rectitude is common to all 

 types, and is present even in those classed as insane. 

 Strength of the feeling of rectitude is not a mark by 

 which we can recognize those types destined to be pre- 

 valent in the future. The future will unfold itself, it 

 cannot be foreseen. The prevalent types of the future 

 may be called the surviving types or the fittest types, the 

 name is of no importance. 



It seems that Darwin made fitness a primary cause, 

 although it cannot be imagined by every one or seen by 

 any one. By fitness is commonly meant a state of 

 adaptation to the circumstances of life. There is, of 

 course, no such thing as perfect adaptation, we can only 

 use the term in a relative sense. Of two individuals, or 

 of two races we may say, the one is fitter or better 

 adapted to its circumstances than the other. But in 

 either case how do we know which is the fitter of the 

 two ? We can only know by watching them in com- 

 petition with another, there is no other way of deciding 

 the question. The successful one is the fitter, but only 

 for the reason that we apply the name of " the fitter " 

 to the successful one. Fitness is not a reality in itself, 

 it is only a term used to express the fact of survival. 



This opinion must be carefully examined, some 

 persons are convinced of its truth, but yet it is not widely 

 accepted. Sociologists, as a rule, do not hold this opinion, 

 and generally we find that the belief in fitness as a reality 

 is widespread. Thus, regarding two classes A and B, 

 sociologists observe that A is increasing and B is diminish- 

 ing, but yet they speak of B as fitter than A. For 

 example, it is the custom to divide mankind into three 

 classes, upper, middle, and lower. Individuals fall 



