583
totality of the faculties has been most favourably moulded
by functional changes.” For, as we have already shown,
the application of different tests of fitness in the animal
world would not produce Admirable Crichtons, but would
tend to bring about a fixity of species rather than a
transmutation of species possessing more highly developed
organisms ; and Mr. Spencer argues most conclusively to
the same effect. It is true that civilised man has not yet
adopted the merciless policy of permitting the survival of
the fittest only, nor even of securing the elimination of the
worst. But civilised life involves a subdivision of labour,
and the consequent special culture of special faculties and
aptitudes. If there is competition, it is among those who
follow the same callings and develope the same faculties.
Such a state of things does not promote the cultivation of
the totality of the faculties. Success in life generally
attends those who are the most accomplished specialists.