MANKIND AT THE CROSSROADS.

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons Book. Good. Hardcover. 1st Edition. 1924, viii, 360pp, index, maps, diagrams. Ex-lib, G reading copy. It is the author's contention, a la Malthus, that the world population is outgrowing its ability to feed itself. As is often the case with the doomsayers, he fails to take into account the ingenuity of the human species for survival. But it seems to be more than that. He says that agriculture cannot keep pace, but even if it could he wants to restrict the number of people being born, through strict controls if necessary. Here is how he concludes: "Half the people in the world lack sufficient brains to cope with the intricate system of social life the industrial age has brought about. Half the remainder are without the proper training; they lack the power of knowledge. The remaining quarter, who might worthily direct the great majority sit complacently as long as they are permitted to take an extra toll of the good things of life." So, he from atop his lofty perch at Harvard had the answers for us if we would only listen, assuming we are capable of understanding. Almost 100 years since his dire warnings, the population has increased by more than 100%, and is feeding itself as well and as poorly as ever..