HUMAN AND ANIMAL EVOLUTION CONTRASTED 19 



if we try to compare that which might be accom- 

 plished by an exceptionally intelligent savage with 

 that which lies within reach of an intelligent member 

 of a civilized nation. The former can accomplish 

 little or nothing of lasting moment. All that lies 

 within the reach of the highest intelligence among 

 savages is the possibility of controlling for a few 

 years the actions of a small body of fighters. After 

 his death, and frequently long before it, his influ- 

 ence ceases entirely, and the life he has lived has 

 had hardly more lasting influence than that of the 

 buffalo he has slain. Contrast this with the power 

 and influence of a ruler of a civilization. He may 

 direct the activities of millions, may turn the tide of 

 civilization into new channels, and his influence, in- 

 stead of ending with his death, may go on with ever- 

 increasing force. The influence of the life of Lin- 

 coln is greater to-day than ever, but the influence of 

 Sitting Bull ended long before he died. Now, it may 

 be possible that the intelligence of the ruler of a 

 civilized nation is higher than that of the savage 

 chief, though there are good reasons for doubting 

 this conclusion, but it is very manifest that the dif- 

 ference in mental attainments did not explain the dif- 

 ference between the achievements of Lincoln and 

 Sitting Bull. Whether the German Kaiser, when, 

 a few years ago, he decided to demand indemnity for 

 a few missionaries killed in China, acted with more 

 intelligence than an Indian chieftain did when plan- 

 ning an Indian raid, may well be doubted, and is, 

 indeed, of no special concern, for it is perfectly evi- 

 dent that the results were not commensurate with 

 any intellectual differences between the two men. 

 The action of the one, by starting events, finally 



