In fact, Spencer was a self-identified political liberal of the old-school variety. Thus, the canard that he was the promulgator of a ruthless social Darwinism is more caricature than reality.

April 25, 1880 The New York Times Archives See the article in its original context from April 25, 1880, Page 5 Buy Reprints View on timesmachine ...

Spencer’s embraced the universe; Darwin’s was little less comprehensive. But in working out these great plans, what a contrast in method!

MR. SPENCER’S treatise on education consists of four essays, originally contributed to English reviews, and first collected and published in this country in 1860.