On the theory of natural selection we can clearly understand the full meaning of that old canon in natural history, “Natura non facit saltum.” This canon, if we look only to the present inhabitants of the world, is not strictly correct, but if we include all those of past times, it must by my theory be strictly true.

Great is the power of steady misrepresentation

Even people who aren’t geniuses can outthink the rest of mankind if they develop certain thinking habits.

I think it inevitably follows, that as new species in the course of time are formed through natural selection, others will become rarer and rarer, and finally extinct. The forms which stand in closest competition with those undergoing modification and improvement will naturally suffer most.

Endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being evolved

One general law, leading to the advancement of all organic beings, namely, multiply, vary, let the strongest live and the weakest die.

So in regard to mental qualities, their transmission is manifest in our dogs, horses and other domestic animals. Besides special tastes and habits, general intelligence, courage, bad and good tempers. etc., are certainly transmitted.