ABSTRACT
A first condition for the rationality of a reform is that the pressure of extant interests should demand it. That the new habit should seem valuable to the imagination, when imagination is merely visionary, does not render that proposed habit politically desirable. For instance to have web feet and hands, with longer fingers and toes, might be better for swimming: but swimming is a rare and usually optional occupation for a human being, and greater proficiency in it would be a curse if it handicapped us in other directions. So with all fantastic reforms proposed by eccentric interests, and perhaps enforced by them.
