In 1864, following the Origin of Species, British philosopher Herbert Spencer believed that science could be applied to social thought and action. He developed his theory which consisted of achieving equilibrium, "dissolution follows evolution and disintegration follows integration" by applying natural selection to social dynamics. Spencer stated that “evolution can only end with the establishment of the greatest perfection and the most complete happiness” (Appleman, 491) applying evolution to social progress. The outcome of allowing the best of each generation to advance will benefit the entire human race. Social Darwinism promised a better future for humanity, yet the ideas were misinterpreted and used to support and justify social inequality in Europe and around the world. It contributed to the growth of the gap between rich and poor, social status and slavery of foreign races during the Victorian era. Several of Darwin's colleagues rejected the perverse version of Social Darwinism because it opposed the beliefs of Charles Darwin who opposed discrimination and supported compassion as a social policy because he believed it was "the noblest part of our nature" (Wilson, 11). During the Victorian era, Darwin revealed himself to be something else