The proximate tendency of the institution of a leisure class in shaping human character runs in the direction of spiritual survival and reversion.

Its effect upon the temper of a community is of the nature of an arrested spiritual development.

In the later culture especially, the institution has, on the whole, a conservative trend.

This proposition is familiar enough in substance, but it may to many have the appearance of novelty in its present application.

Therefore a summary review of its logical grounds may not be uncalled for, even at the risk of some tedious repetition and formulation of commonplaces.
Social evolution is a process of selective adaptation of temperament and habits of thought under the stress of the circumstances of associated life.