Spencer’s account of social forces is neither good sociology nor good mechanics. Ilis feeble grasp of the conception of force vitiates, in fact, all his work. But the task of a carper is repugnant.

George Bragues, Herbert Spencer’s Principle of Equal Freedom, The Independent Review, Vol. 25, No. 2 (Fall 2020), pp. 207-228 ...

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.

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