It is quite futile to argue that man is small compared to the cosmos; for man was always small compared to the nearest tree.

But Herbert Spencer, in his headlong imperialism, would insist that we had in some way been conquered and annexed by the astronomical universe.

He spoke about men and their ideals exactly as the most insolent Unionist talks about the Irish and their ideals.

He turned mankind into a small nationality.

And his evil influence can be seen even in the most spirited and honourable of later scientific authors; notably in the early romances of Mr.H.G.