CHAPTER XV 



HUMAN CONSERVATION 



1. How MANKIND MAY BE IMPROVED 



THERE are two fundamental ways to bring about 

 human betterment, namely, by improving the indi- 

 vidual and by improving the race. The first method 

 consists in making the best of whatever heritage has 

 been received by placing the individual in the most 

 favorable environment and developing his capacities 

 to the utmost through education. Such enterprises 

 may be included under this head as improving sanita- 

 tion, controlling disease, insuring health, safe-guarding 

 human life, banishing child-labor, lessening drudgery 

 of all kinds, substituting something better for the 

 slums, championing the weak, reforming penal institu- 

 tions, maintaining charitable organizations, cultivat- 

 ing true temperance, dispelling ignorance and length- 

 ening life. The second method consists in seeking a 

 better heritage with which to begin the life of the 

 individual. 



The first method is immediate and urgent for the 

 present generation. The second method is concerned 

 with ideals for the future, and consequently does not 

 usually present so strong an appeal to the individual, 



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