CONCLUSION 227 



some evidence points to the idea that change in a 

 strictly homogeneous people could not be continued 

 indefinitely, that they would tend to return to the 

 mean or average type, the divergences of origin, the 

 differences of strength, character, and ability, are so 

 marked among us, that it is clear that our nation is not 

 homogeneous, that there are many types in our race. 

 It is certain that we can favour the growth of our best 

 existing types, and thus raise almost indefinitely the 

 average value of the whole nation, even if we cannot 

 with confidence look to the development of types 

 higher than any yet known. 



But, on any view, the average strength, character, 

 and ability of the nation can be raised to such a degree 

 that many things now impossible will become easy for 

 all. Galton estimates that the ability of the ancient 

 Greeks was two of his degrees higher than that 

 of modern Englishmen. Could we only regain a 

 level already reached by one race of men, how much 

 the lot of all would be lightened ! Every man could 

 produce more with the same expenditure of energy, or 

 produce the same amount and gain new leisure and 

 ease. The health, comfort, and happiness of our nation 

 would increase enormously, and the character and 

 ability would be there, ready and capable of using well 

 the new possessions of leisure and ease. Leisure and 

 ease, useless or harmful to those who cannot fill them 

 worthily, are a priceless gift to whosoever can employ 

 them to advance civilization or can appreciate the 

 treasures of literature, science, and art. 



The certainty that the present selective fall in the 



