Review of The New Eugenics
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Review of The New Eugenics
[Following is a volunteer review of "The New Eugenics" by Conrad B. Quintyn.]
The following is a review of the book “The New Eugenics, modifying biological life in the twenty-first century” written by Conrad B. Quintyn, Ph.D. It is a main course biotechnology book that tells us about the progress eugenics has made so far in order to advance human lives and to what costs? The writer outlines the concerns that are accompanied while a ground breaking research is being made. It questions our humanity as we make advancements with the sacrifice of other organisms that we share our planet with. Will we ever be able to eradicate all the diseases, mutations and become genetically perfect? If not, when will we realize this and stop? If yes, is eugenics the only solution?
The author expressed his views so well without any bias although he himself is a Ph.D. in biology. He explained the term ‘eugenics’ and ‘new eugenics’ and elucidated the difference between them. The book highlights both the positive and the negative sides of eugenics. It makes an effort to explain from the basics by avoiding the use of technical terms as much as possible making the readers new to this concept easier to understand. It takes us to a tour of events from the beginning of eugenics to where we have reached now. It informs us about the progress eugenics has made so far and how its change in perspective occurred whilst doing so. It also unexpectedly brings to light the racism some communities faced that tagged along during the advancement of eugenics.
The book keeps the readers engaged throughout the chapters by citing interesting facts and tries to explain the concepts with examples. Each chapter begins with an outlook given by eminent individuals making the readers geared up for what is coming up next. Even if the book is focused on eugenics, it had a good and basic amount of information about plant and microbe biotechnology as well. Another aspect I liked about the book was how it conveyed us the off-track route eugenics might take if we get devoted too much in it by referring to movies. We all know how terrifying it will be if the plot of sci-fi movies happens to come true. The possibilities are far-fetched but still it makes the readers ponder what might really be happening behind the closed doors. It reminded me of the movie “Contagion” which is so similar to Covid that is happening right now.
I found the book outstanding by the way the author executed his intuitive point of views. I found it relatable being a researcher myself because I can say for a fact that these concerns are present in the corners of our brain but we choose to brush it off. The only lacuna for me was that the book could have been more appealing if it used some pictures and models to make unfamiliar readers understand what and how it is actually happening in the cell. It had very few grammatical errors which can be overlooked easily. Other than that, the book is remarkable with no fabricated facts.
The book is well updated and the honest sentiments of the author can be felt. This book has some good mentions of scientists, their works and experiences and can be a good start for young generations who are into the field of science. I recommend this book for readers of all ages and fields although it might be a lackluster for individuals unacquainted to this field. But I still rate this book a four out of four stars and encourage readers to give it a look.
******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The following is a review of the book “The New Eugenics, modifying biological life in the twenty-first century” written by Conrad B. Quintyn, Ph.D. It is a main course biotechnology book that tells us about the progress eugenics has made so far in order to advance human lives and to what costs? The writer outlines the concerns that are accompanied while a ground breaking research is being made. It questions our humanity as we make advancements with the sacrifice of other organisms that we share our planet with. Will we ever be able to eradicate all the diseases, mutations and become genetically perfect? If not, when will we realize this and stop? If yes, is eugenics the only solution?
The author expressed his views so well without any bias although he himself is a Ph.D. in biology. He explained the term ‘eugenics’ and ‘new eugenics’ and elucidated the difference between them. The book highlights both the positive and the negative sides of eugenics. It makes an effort to explain from the basics by avoiding the use of technical terms as much as possible making the readers new to this concept easier to understand. It takes us to a tour of events from the beginning of eugenics to where we have reached now. It informs us about the progress eugenics has made so far and how its change in perspective occurred whilst doing so. It also unexpectedly brings to light the racism some communities faced that tagged along during the advancement of eugenics.
The book keeps the readers engaged throughout the chapters by citing interesting facts and tries to explain the concepts with examples. Each chapter begins with an outlook given by eminent individuals making the readers geared up for what is coming up next. Even if the book is focused on eugenics, it had a good and basic amount of information about plant and microbe biotechnology as well. Another aspect I liked about the book was how it conveyed us the off-track route eugenics might take if we get devoted too much in it by referring to movies. We all know how terrifying it will be if the plot of sci-fi movies happens to come true. The possibilities are far-fetched but still it makes the readers ponder what might really be happening behind the closed doors. It reminded me of the movie “Contagion” which is so similar to Covid that is happening right now.
I found the book outstanding by the way the author executed his intuitive point of views. I found it relatable being a researcher myself because I can say for a fact that these concerns are present in the corners of our brain but we choose to brush it off. The only lacuna for me was that the book could have been more appealing if it used some pictures and models to make unfamiliar readers understand what and how it is actually happening in the cell. It had very few grammatical errors which can be overlooked easily. Other than that, the book is remarkable with no fabricated facts.
The book is well updated and the honest sentiments of the author can be felt. This book has some good mentions of scientists, their works and experiences and can be a good start for young generations who are into the field of science. I recommend this book for readers of all ages and fields although it might be a lackluster for individuals unacquainted to this field. But I still rate this book a four out of four stars and encourage readers to give it a look.
******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: How To Be Successful by M. Curtis McCoy
