414 DARWINISM AND THE PROBLEMS OF LIFE 



of changes of civilisation — which is the only way to put 

 it scientifically — without considering them in relation 

 to some standard of value that is regarded as generally 

 valid. 



However, we may grant the possibility of a history of 

 civilisation on scientific lines, but we must entirely reject 

 the notion of a scientific ethics. It has been said that 

 the laws of science must apply always, even in the future, 

 as they are independent of time. Hence we should be 

 able to determine the laws of evolution in virtue of 

 which the human race has not only changed, but will 

 continue to change. We know that the fittest survive 

 in the struggle for existence. The point is, therefore, 

 to establish what is the fittest in particular cases. When 

 that has been done, men will be disposed to aim at that 

 particular adaptation in order that they may survive. 

 We must, of course, also determine the general direction 

 of human development, and must know what will be 

 the best adaptation in ages to come. If we can obtain 

 definite knowledge on these points, laws must be framed. 

 States constructed, and the social order regulated, in 

 relation to them. That is the language of the sociologist. 



Above all things, nothing must be done in opposition 

 to natural selection, because it is this that always confers 

 their greatest advantages on living things. It is a false 

 humanity to spare those with hereditary disease, as in 

 this way the disease is spread. It is not necessary to 

 put them to death, but merely to prevent them from 

 marrying, so that the disease-germs may die with them. 

 If, for instance, some years ago, all consumptives had 



