The Crest-Wave of Evolution: A Course of Lectures in History, Given to the Graduates' Class in the Raja-Yoga College, Point Loma, in the College-Year 1918-19

"The Crest-Wave of Evolution" by Kenneth Morris is a collection of lectures in history presented around the early 20th century, likely during the post-World War I period. This work delves into historical narratives, focusing not merely on the events and figures of history, but rather on the underlying cyclic movements and philosophies that shape human evolution and cultural development. Morris aims to explore the essence of the Human Spirit and the deeper truths of history, challenging conventional narratives that often overlook the complex dynamics of cultural growth, especially as related to ancient civilizations such as the Celts, Greeks, and Chinese. At the start of the book, Morris introduces a novel perspective on history, arguing that conventional accounts often miss the spiritual and psychological elements that drive cultural evolution. He suggests that instead of viewing history solely through the lens of wars and political events, one should seek to understand the cyclic nature of human civilizations and the "noumenon" that underlies historical phenomena. Morris intends to reassess the contributions of lesser-known cultures, particularly focusing on the Celtic peoples, suggesting that their historical significance and achievements have been largely obscured. As he sets the stage for this exploration, he introduces concepts of racial growth and cycles, hinting at an analytical approach to understanding history that intertwines human experiences across time and space.