38 
MORAL CONSIDERATIONS 
this class are the congenitally deaf and dumb, most of the 
deformed, the epileptic, the weak-minded, those with in¬ 
sanity which runs in the family, those having grave incurable 
nervous disorders, habitual drunkards and drug fiends, the 
syphilitic, those suffering from lead poisoning or tubercu¬ 
losis. 
Our prisons, reformatories, almshouses, and asylums for 
defectives are largely recruited from the families of such 
people. State laws are doing something to prevent the mar¬ 
riage of these unfit. But the laws are not enough. The hu¬ 
man race cannot attain its highest development until a deep 
sense of responsibility is awakened in its younger members. 
They must recognize the fact that they are the guardians of 
the torch of life. Those unable to hand on the torch un¬ 
dimmed must voluntarily, for the sake of the race, lay aside 
all thought of matrimony. Marriage should not always 
follow where love points the way, or if marriage is consum¬ 
mated, it should be so carefully guarded that no unfit children 
are produced. Renunciation may sometimes be the highest 
duty of love. 
1. What restraining action is necessary to racial progress? 
2. What inheritable defects are multiplied by marriages of the 
unfit? 
3. What becomes of the offspring of many defective parents? 
4. How can this cankering stream be checked ? 
Eugenics, Positive. — Concerning the positive aspects of 
eugenics there is at present too little to say. With regard to 
the human race the study is just beginning. We do know, 
however, that the strong body and active mind of the parents 
are inherited by the offspring. It should add immensely to 
the interest and conscientiousness with which we care for 
ourselves, to know that we are providing not only for our 
own well-being but also for our children and our children’s 
children. There can be no more worthy consecration for a 
