[pnh102]

The idea of breeding better humans was around for a long time prior to Charles Darwin. The ancient Spartans for example, would discard babies which they did not deem worthy once they were born. Ancient Romans also engaged in the practice.

[ReignOfError]

Animal husbandry existed before recorded history. Selective breeding of animals to maximize desirable traits is older than writing — and the idea of doing the same with humans did not begin with Darwin.

[RobbyS]

More releevant is the fact that Darwin belived in Herbert Spencer's Social Darwinism which supported the indifference of the great industralists to the blight of their employees and to the brutal imperialism of the Euopeans in Africa. Bryan, who is caricatured in the movie "Inherit the Wind" was actually not opposed to evolution as science but to the application of social darwinism as public policy.