course of time they would, joined to other conditions, of which more
hereafter, gradually breed such a population, living in enjoyment of
animal life at least, happy therefore, and beautiful according to the
beauty of their race. On this point I may note that the very
variations in the races of men are caused by the conditions under
which they live, and though in these rougher parts of the world we
lack some of the advantages of climate and surroundings, yet, if we
were working for livelihood and not for profit, we might easily
neutralize many of the disadvantages of our climate, at least enough
give due scope to the full development of our race.

Now the next thing I claim is education. And you must not say that
every English child is educated now; that sort of education will not
answer my claim, though I cheerfully admit it is something:
something, and yet after all only class education. What I claim is
liberal education; opportunity, that is, to have my share of whatever
knowledge there is in the world according to my capacity or bent of
mind, historical or scientific; and also to have my share of skill of
hand which is about in the world, either in the industrial
handicrafts or in the fine arts; picture-painting, sculpture, music,
acting, or the like: I claim to be taught, if I can be taught, more
than one craft to exercise for the benefit of the community. You may
think this a large claim, but I am clear it is not too large a claim
if the community is to have any gain out of my special capacities, if
we are not all to be beaten down to a dull level of mediocrity as we
are now, all but the very strongest and toughest of us.

But also I know that this claim for education involves one for public
advantages in the shape of public libraries, schools, and the like,
such as no private person, not even the richest, could command: but