PART 23
The other races in Europe differ from one another, both as to stature
and shape, owing to the changes of the seasons, which are very great
and frequent, and because the heat is strong, the winters severe,
and there are frequent rains, and again protracted droughts, and winds,
from which many and diversified changes are induced. These changes
are likely to have an effect upon generation in the coagulation of
the semen, as this process cannot be the same in summer as in winter,
nor in rainy as in dry weather; wherefore, I think, that the figures
of Europeans differ more than those of Asiatics; and they differ very
much from one another as to stature in the same city; for vitiations
of the semen occur in its coagulation more frequently during frequent
changes of the seasons, than where they are alike and equable. And
the same may be said of their dispositions, for the wild, and unsociable,
and the passionate occur in such a constitution; for frequent excitement
of the mind induces wildness, and extinguishes sociableness and mildness
of disposition, and therefore I think the inhabitants of Europe more
courageous than those of Asia; for a climate which is always the same
induces indolence, but a changeable climate, laborious exertions both
of body and mind; and from rest and indolence cowardice is engendered,
and from laborious exertions and pains, courage. On this account the
inhabitants of Europe are than the Asiatics, and also owing to their
institutions, because they are not governed by kings like the latter,
for where men are governed by kings there they must be very cowardly,
as I have stated before; for their souls are enslaved, and they will
not willingly, or readily undergo dangers in order to promote the
power of another; but those that are free undertake dangers on their
own account,
[p. 41]and not for the sake of others; they court hazard and
go out to meet it, for they themselves bear off the rewards of victory,
and thus their institutions contribute not a little to their courage.
Such is the general character of Europe and Asia.