Herbert Spencer on the Americans and the Americans on Herbert Spencer

The collection features speeches and letters that reveal Herbert Spencer's interactions and reputation in America, showcasing his influence as a leading intellectual of the 19th century. Born in England in 1820, he gained recognition for his works in sociology and psychology, notably "Social Statics" and "Principles of Psychology." Spencer introduced the term "Evolution" and the phrase "Survival of the fittest," paralleling societal evolution with organic evolution. His concept of "Social Darwinism" significantly impacted contemporary thought, despite lacking the theoretical depth of Darwin's work.