CHAPTER XII 



HUMAN CONSERVATION 



1. How MANKIND MAY BE IMPROVED 



THERE are two fundamental ways to bring about 

 human betterment, namely, by improving the in- 

 dividual 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. 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 usu- 

 ally present so strong an appeal to the individual. 



The first is the method of euthenics, or the science 

 of learning to live well. The second is eugenics, 

 which Gal ton defines as "the science of being well 

 born." 



These two aspects of human betterment, however, 

 are inseparable. Any hereditary characteristic must 

 be regarded, not as an independent entity, but as a 

 reaction between the germplasm and its environment. 

 The biologist who disregards the fields of educational 

 endeavor and environmental influence, is equally 



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