Full text: The shadow of the world's future, or The earth's population possibilities & the consequences of the present rate of increase of the earth's inhabitants

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
	        
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