Review of The New Eugenics
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Padmapriya R
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Review of The New Eugenics
[Following is a volunteer review of "The New Eugenics" by Conrad B. Quintyn.]
The author Conrad B. Quintyn, Ph.D. claims that the idea for his book - The new eugenics is totally inspired from Daniel Kelves’ In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity. Here, he explains how the development of genetic engineering and techniques related to it has affected the world. In the 15 chapters, Quintyn has discussed nearly hundred years of scientific advancements. The main concept that can be understood in many of his chapters is that, the scientists want humans to live a better life. We all would have heard the far-reaching discoveries like Dolly, gene therapy, CRISPR and so on. But with the help of this book, we can understand the struggles the scientists had underwent and their inventions are not something they achieved overnight. In the race of “doing something good as the first person” a lot of scientists fail to check the consequences, which are explained intensely in this book. He clearly explained the possibilities of scientists playing to be god, by “designing” babies. He illustrates how the inventions might make us go back to the shadows of old eugenics. Not only that, he has also given a lead to future with genetics and how that might influence human’s life; like a possibility of formation of new species called Homo evolutis.
Quintyn has mentioned a lot of interesting examples from movies as well as science-fictions, like Captain America, the novels Frankstein, The island of Dr Moreau and many others which make the book fascinating. He has made sure that the readers not only feel awe about the discoveries, they should also know the consequences which may occur. And he made sure that he is not inserting his own opinions but quotes a lot of other scientists who think in positive as well as negative way.
I wouldn’t name it as a negative aspect, but a few chapters explained in the book may not be clearly understood by general public. For people who haven’t heard of certain terms may find it really hard to understand.
I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The book is well edited, with minimal errors. The reason I give this rating is only because of the point I mentioned earlier. If the few complex chapters were easier, this book would have got my full rating.
I recommend this book to students who pursue their education in life science, or even people who might be interested to read about it. This book gives them a realistic idea on many important inventions they would have studied. As the author had mentioned, this book is not to scare the readers, but to create awareness.
******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The author Conrad B. Quintyn, Ph.D. claims that the idea for his book - The new eugenics is totally inspired from Daniel Kelves’ In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity. Here, he explains how the development of genetic engineering and techniques related to it has affected the world. In the 15 chapters, Quintyn has discussed nearly hundred years of scientific advancements. The main concept that can be understood in many of his chapters is that, the scientists want humans to live a better life. We all would have heard the far-reaching discoveries like Dolly, gene therapy, CRISPR and so on. But with the help of this book, we can understand the struggles the scientists had underwent and their inventions are not something they achieved overnight. In the race of “doing something good as the first person” a lot of scientists fail to check the consequences, which are explained intensely in this book. He clearly explained the possibilities of scientists playing to be god, by “designing” babies. He illustrates how the inventions might make us go back to the shadows of old eugenics. Not only that, he has also given a lead to future with genetics and how that might influence human’s life; like a possibility of formation of new species called Homo evolutis.
Quintyn has mentioned a lot of interesting examples from movies as well as science-fictions, like Captain America, the novels Frankstein, The island of Dr Moreau and many others which make the book fascinating. He has made sure that the readers not only feel awe about the discoveries, they should also know the consequences which may occur. And he made sure that he is not inserting his own opinions but quotes a lot of other scientists who think in positive as well as negative way.
I wouldn’t name it as a negative aspect, but a few chapters explained in the book may not be clearly understood by general public. For people who haven’t heard of certain terms may find it really hard to understand.
I would rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The book is well edited, with minimal errors. The reason I give this rating is only because of the point I mentioned earlier. If the few complex chapters were easier, this book would have got my full rating.
I recommend this book to students who pursue their education in life science, or even people who might be interested to read about it. This book gives them a realistic idea on many important inventions they would have studied. As the author had mentioned, this book is not to scare the readers, but to create awareness.
******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Days of the Giants by RJ Petrella
