The Origin of Human Races and the Antiquity of Man Deduced from Natural Selection

If it can be shown that individual variations can ever accumulate and become permanent so as to form well-defined races, it follows that the differences we now see in mankind must have been produced before he possessed a human intellect or human sympathies. This view also makes possible, or even requires, that man existed at a relatively distant geological period. For, during the long periods in which other animals were undergoing changes to their entire physical structure—enough to become distinct genera and families—man’s body remained basically the same, while his head and brain alone changed as much as theirs did.

We can thus understand why Professor Owen Sir Richard Owen (1804–1892), a prominent English biologist and comparative anatomist. classifies man in a distinct sub-class of mammals based on the head and brain, while, regarding the rest of the body, there is the closest anatomical resemblance to the great apes. "Every tooth and every bone is strictly identical—which makes defining the difference between Homo original: "Homo"; Man and Pithecus original: "Pithecus"; Ape the anatomist’s greatest challenge." The present theory fully recognizes and explains these facts. We may perhaps claim it is true because it neither requires us to downplay the intellectual gap that separates man from the apes, nor refuses to fully recognize the striking physical resemblances to them that exist in the rest of the human structure.

François Guizot François Guizot (1787–1874) was a French historian and statesman. says: "For myself, I am convinced that there is a destiny for humanity, a passing on of the sum total of civilization." (Civilization in Europe.)

In concluding this brief sketch of a great subject, I would point out its impact on the future of the human race. If my conclusions are correct, it must inevitably follow that the higher—the more intellectual and moral—races must displace the lower and more degraded races. The power of "natural selection," still acting on man's mental organization, must lead to the more perfect adaptation of man’s higher faculties to the conditions of the surrounding environment and the demands exigencies of social life.

While his external form will likely remain unchanged, except for the development of that perfect beauty which results from a healthy and well-organized body—refined and ennobled by the highest intellectual faculties and sympathetic emotions—his mental makeup may continue to advance and improve. This will continue until the world is again inhabited by a single, unified homogeneous race, where no individual will be inferior to the finest examples of humanity living today. Each person will then work out their own happiness in harmony with the happiness of others. Perfect freedom of action will be maintained, since well-balanced moral faculties will never permit anyone to infringe on the equal freedom of others.

Restrictive laws will not be needed, for every man will be guided by the best of laws: a thorough appreciation of the rights and a perfect sympathy with the feelings of everyone around him. Compulsory government will have died away as unnecessary (for every man will know how to govern himself) and will be replaced by voluntary associations for all beneficial public purposes. The passions and animal instincts will be restrained within those limits which best lead to happiness; and mankind will have at length discovered