Publication
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (2018), 158 p.
Original publication date
1922
Collections
Subjects
Description
When the concept of eugenics -- the practice of selecting for desirable traits in the larger population by encouraging gifted and/or attractive people to breed -- began to take hold in the early twentieth century, British thinker and writer G.K. Chesterton took a stance contrary to that of many intellectuals of the period and denounced it as evil in this bold, engaging series of essays.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Brent_Brown
A fantastic work, rivaling even Orthodoxy with its razor sharp insight, wit and prescience. Chesterton was an early opponent to eugenics at a time when it was very fashionable. With a clarity that is as tragic as it is brilliant, Chesterton foretold what was to come. There are many things that can
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be said about the Holocaust, but one thing that cannot be said is that we were not warned.In addition to dealing with the Eugenists, Chesterton also speaks on economics and freedom. Building on the foundation that Hilaire Belloc began with The Servile State, Chesteron comments on the deficiencies and absurdities of both Capitalism and Socialism, offering Property (Distributism) as the sane and humane alternative.The timelessness of this book is truly remarkable. Even though overt eugenics has fallen into disfavor, it is tragically apparent that the same goals and mindset are thriving in the abortion industry. Indeed, abortion and artificial contraception has largely succeeded in fulfilling the wildest dreams of the Eugenists... and Chesterton cries out from heaven warning us, once again, of what is to come. Show Less
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
9781985007864
Physical description
158 p.; 8 inches
Pages
158