Synopsis
New edition: The author, a professor at Western Ontario university, shows that substantial racial differences exist and their pattern can only be explained adequately from an evolutionary perspective. This work reviews international data and finds a distinct pattern: People of East Asian ancestry and people of African ancestry are at opposite ends of a continuum, with people of European ancestry intermediate, albeit with much variability within each broad grouping. Rushton's thesis is that when fully modern humans migrated out of Africa. perhaps only 100,000 years ago, the colder Eurasian climate selected for larger brains, more forward planning, greater family stability, and increased longevity with concomitant reductions in sex hormone, speed of maturation, reproductive potency, and aggressiveness. Rushton's theory explains differentiation in intelligence and predicts other, seemingly unrelated race effects, such as differences in frequency of twinning. A modern masterpiece of science and irrefutable fact.
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From the Author
Race is too Important to Ignore
For the past twenty years I have studied race differences in brain size, intelligence, sexuality, personality, growth rate, life span, crime, and family stability. On all of these traits, Orientals fall at one end of the spectrum, Blacks fall at the other end, and Whites fall in between. On average, Orientals are slower to mature, less fertile, and less sexually active, have larger brains and higher IQ scores. Blacks are at the opposite end in each of these areas. Whites fall in the middle, often close to Orientals.The evidence shows that this is due to both genes and environment. I have suggested an evolutionary theory to explain this three-way pattern. But for a long time now social science has treated race as a major taboo. Many people worry that just mentioning that the races differ leads to stereotypes and a lack of opportunities. But looking at race does not mean ignoring individuals. It may even help us become more aware of each person's special needs. The goal of this book is to be scientific. I want to describe and explain the world around us as it really is. As Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, said: "Science consists in grouping facts so that general laws or conclusions may be drawn from them." I have no policy suggestions or programs to offer, but I do believe decision makers would benefit from knowing the facts about race. Both science and social justice depend on truth. Both should reject error and falsehood, however well meant.
About the Author
J. Philippe Rushton is professor of psychology at the University of Western Ontario.
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