Eugenics and Other Evils : An Argument Against the Scientifically Organized State

by G. K. Chesterton

On This Page

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.

.

Tags

Recommendations

Member Reviews

2 reviews
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 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 show more 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

Members

Recently Added By

Lists

Books Read in 2021
5,361 works; 114 members

Author Information

Picture of author.
798+ Works 60,047 Members
Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in London, England, in 1874. He began his education at St Paul's School, and later went on to study art at the Slade School, and literature at University College in London. Chesterton wrote a great deal of poetry, as well as works of social and literary criticism. Among his most notable books are The Man Who Was show more Thursday, a metaphysical thriller, and The Everlasting Man, a history of humankind's spiritual progress. After Chesterton converted to Catholicism in 1922, he wrote mainly on religious topics. Chesterton is most known for creating the famous priest-detective character Father Brown, who first appeared in "The Innocence of Father Brown." Chesterton died in 1936 at the age of 62. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

Some Editions

Clare, Ray (Narrator)
Perkins, Derek (Narrator)

Series

Belongs to Publisher Series

Work Relationships

Common Knowledge

Canonical title*
Eugenetica e altri malanni: ragionamenti contro l'organizzazione scientifica della società
Original title
Eugenics and Other Evils
Original publication date
1922
First words
The wisest thing in the world is to cry out before you are hurt.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)And if they do not believe now, neither would they believe though one rose from the dead; though all the millions who died to destroy Prussianism stood up and testified against it.
Original language
English
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.

Classifications

Genres
Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality
DDC/MDS
363.92Society, government, & cultureSocial problems and social servicesPublic Safety - Police, Crime InvestigationPopulation problemsEugenics
LCC
HQ755 .C48Social sciencesThe family. Marriage, Women and SexualityThe Family. Marriage. WomenThe family. Marriage. HomeParents. Parenthood
BISAC

Statistics

Members
321
Popularity
99,493
Reviews
1
Rating
(3.84)
Languages
5 — English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Media
Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
ISBNs
58
ASINs
18