1 14 Heredity and Environment 



We have proved that the environment of the " sub- 

 merged third " of the British nation is the worst 

 possible environment for the evolution of the indi- 

 vidual and the race, and that of the privileged aristo- 

 cratic class is even worse, as it produces — what that 

 of the lower orders certainly does not — an incapaci- 

 ty for the propagation of the species. So much is 

 this the case that but for its constant renewal from 

 below, as pointed out already, the aristocracy would 

 become increasingly sterile, and finally disappear. 

 This argument shows how fallacious it is to try to con- 

 tinue the constitution of society on its present lines, 

 and that the first thing to do is to alter the environ- 

 ment of the poor, not in the first place in their own 

 interest, but in order to improve the general stamina 

 of the nation. If society is constantly renewed from 

 below, it follows that at present we are doing our 

 utmost to keep down the general physique, because it 

 is poisoned at its source by bad air, filth, insufficient 

 clothing and food. We start society with a weak 

 strain, which is bound to be felt in the upper strata. 

 If we wish to benefit the nation as a whole, and par- 

 ticularly the unborn generations which are to follow, 

 it is clear that we must give the children of the workers 

 of the nation the best possible environment, so as to 

 secure them a good start and the opportunity of stead- 

 fast progress in well-being from infancy to manhood, 

 and not forgetting to surround them with the accumu- 

 lated culture of the ages in the shape of education on 

 the best lines, and a wise selection of the best thought 

 of the best minds of the past. Before many generations 

 were over the impetus towards a higher order of things 

 would be felt ; society would be regenerated from be- 

 low ; the physique of every class would benefit, and 

 health, happiness, and all-pervading culture would be 

 the order of the day. 



