290 FOOT-NOTES TO EVOLUTION. 
we find a maximum of sense impressions and a minimum 
of action. Where thought does not go over into action 
a sort of mental dyspepsia is produced. 
To this abnormal condition the term 
“degeneration ”’ has been applied, but 
this name is misleading, because it implies more than 
the actual truth. ce 
To a phase of degeneration Mr. Israel Zangwill has 
lately applied the clever designation of “the higher 
foolishness.” By this is meant unbal- 
anced action and expression on the part 
of people of culture or education. It 
is act or speech “which makes the judicious grieve,” 
on the part of those supposed to know better. Such 
people lacking the saving grace of common sense are 
most of those called by Nordau “ degenerates.” With 
these belong the “monkey geniuses” of Dr. Hirsch, 
the “borderland dwellers” of Dr. Maudsley, the “ bor- 
derlanders” of Mr. Stead, the “dégénerés supérieurs”’ 
of Magnan, the “mattoids” of Lombroso, and, in gen- 
eral, the inspired idiots and educated fools of all ages 
and climes. 
These people have in common the quality of abnor- 
mal mental action, verging into insanity on the one 
hand, to crime on another, and to stupidity on the third. 
They are, however, distinguished from ordinary idiots, 
or lunatics, or criminals by some notable quality, by some 
power of action or expression or attribute of genius, 
which causes them to attract public notice. 
The qualities of these people in relation to art, 
literature, and religion have been the 
subject of the remarkable work by Max 
Nordau entitled Degeneration. 
Nordau’s work has the merit of a picturesque style. 
It has a basis of truth, and contains a veritable mine of 
Mental 
dyspepsia. 
The higher 
foolishness. 
Nordau on 
degeneration. 
