CHAPTER VI 
THE DECLINING BIRTH RATE 
“There is no importance in an increasing population; on the con- 
trary, if the population of Europe were stationary, it would be much 
easier to promote economic reform and to avoid war. What is re- 
grettable at present is not the decline of the birth rate in itself, but the 
fact that the decline is greatest in the best elements of the population. 
There is reason, however, to fear in the future three bad results: first, 
an absolute decline in the numbers of English, French, and Germans; 
secondly, as a consequence of this decline, their subjugation by less 
civilized races and the extinction of their tradition; thirdly, a revival of 
their numbers on a much lower plane of civilization, after generations 
of selection of those who have neither intelligence nor foresight. If 
this result is to be avoided, the present unfortunate selectiveness of 
the birth-rate must be somehow stopped.”—Bertrand Russell, Why 
Men Fight, p. 197. 
“Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in 
ungodly sons. Though they multiply, rejoice not in them except that 
the fear of the Lord be with them.”’—Ecclesiasticus, 16, 1, 2. 
“Our remote descendants will probably cease to propagate.”— 
Godwin, Political Justice, II, p. 528. 
One of the most striking features of the recent biological 
history of man is the decline in the birth rate which has occurred 
in most civilized countries since the middle of the 19th century. 
The decline began, however, at different dates in different coun- 
tries. In France it set in during the first part of the last century. 
In England and Germany it was not marked before the latter 
quarter of that century. In Russia and the Balkan States it still 
continues high, Bulgaria even showing a slight increase in the 
birth rate in recent years. The general facts in regard to the 
changes in the birth rate in Europe may be seen by consulting 
the following table: 
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