If there were no goodness in people, mankind would still be confined to loping across a Savannah somewhere on Earth, watching the elephants rule, or some other more compassionate species.
The quote suggests that human progress and civilization are fundamentally linked to the inherent goodness within people. Without this goodness, humanity would be stagnant, living in a primitive state, much like early hominids. This implies that traits like compassion, cooperation, and morality have been essential for advancement and success as a species.
The reference to watching "the elephants rule" highlights the idea that, in a lawless world devoid of kindness, more dominant or aggressive species would prevail. It underscores the importance of altruism and empathy in shaping human society and culture, which fosters understanding and growth rather than mere survival.