Eugenics and Other Evils (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

By G. K. Chesterton

In Eugenics and Other Evils (1922), subtitled “An Argument Against the Scientifically Organized Society,” Chesterton bravely battles with what he ridicules as the “Feeble-Minded Bill," a measure that would support a British political policy of sterilization and other methods of social cleansing that were being embraced in other European countries and the United States. With compelling arguments he reveals how eugenics is one more tool used by the State to suppress the landless poor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble
• Release date: Nov 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781411463912

G. K. Chesterton

G.K. Chesterton (1874–1936) was an English writer, philosopher and critic known for his creative wordplay. Born in London, Chesterton attended St. Paul’s School before enrolling in the Slade School of Fine Art at University College. His professional writing career began as a freelance critic where he focused on art and literature. He then ventured into fiction with his novels The Napoleon of Notting Hill and The Man Who Was Thursday as well as a series of stories featuring Father Brown.

Reviews for Eugenics and Other Evils (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

[brent_brown-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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 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.