116 THE SHADOW OF THE WORLD’S FUTURE
slow process and one which involves centuries of ex-
perience and effort.
Existing conditions are such that, if they continue,
mankind could perhaps attain to 3800 millions, double
its present numbers. This would involve no more
variation of its organisation than would seem to be
easily possible with any sincere and well-directed effort.
But to reach even this population without world-wide
calamities supervening, quite special efforts will be
essential, as anyone will readily perceive who has
taken account of the movements in the East, in Africa,
and in America. Man is face to face with issues which
demand attention, and which call for an incisive
inquiry into the position of the inferior and the so-
called coloured races. A new liberalism, and a less
egoistic regard for the well-being of all races, is being
called into existence.
For the world to attain to thrice its existing numbers,
that is to 5850 millions, fundamental changes in the
existing characters of human civilisations will not
necessarily be involved; but it will involve great im-
provements in respect of international economics, and
in respect of the moral aspects of national and inter-
national life. It will involve also many further advances
in science and technology, advances greatly surpassing
those of the past and present century. Doubtless, too,
it will involve the cultivation of areas now neglected.
For the earth to quadruple its numbers, that is to
attain to 7800 millions, is a huger task, involving
not only a much more efficient use of its surface,
but also a deeper study of the climatological factors
which can aid in the enormous improvement of its
food-supplies that will be required. But that is not
all. The chemico-physical factors are relatively simple
as compared with what is also essential, viz., the virtual
elimination of all forms of unscrupulous egoism in the
life of nations and in the relations of races. ‘This means