Eugenics; Eugenics -- United States; Euthenics -- United States
Looked at from the standpoint of society, there is no single choice which
compares in importance to the choice of a mate; for on that choice depend
the qualities which this generation will transmit to the next, and from
which the next generation must create its follower. Furthermore, there is
no choice which, in modern society, is more completely individual--more
freed from social interference, than the choice of a life mate. The man in
choosing his life partner, chooses the future. Civilization hangs
expectant on his decision. The Super Race, dim and indistinct, may be
made a living reality by a eugenic choice in the present--a choice for
which each man and woman who marries is in part responsible. With the
advance of woman's emancipation, with the increasing range of her
activity, comes an ever increasing opportunity to exercise such a choice.
She, as well as the man, may now assist in the determination of the
future. She as well as the man may now be held accountable for the
non-appearance of the Super Race.
Does the burden of Eugenic Choice rest heavily upon the shoulders of the
individual? Does he hesitate to assume the responsibility of the future
race? The burden of shaping Social Adjustments is no less onerous.
Briefly, then, what changes may the individual make in institutions to
develop the qualities of the Super Man? The social institutions with which
the average man comes into the most intimate contact are:
1. The Home.
2. The School.
3. The Government.
The home as an institution must provide for the Super Man enough food,
clothing and shelter to guarantee him a good physique; enough training in
coöperation and mutual helpfulness to give him the vision of a Super Race;
and a supply of enthusiasm sufficient to enable him to work with
increasing energy for the fulfillment of those things in which he
believes. In order that the home may supply these things, it must have an
income sufficient to provide all of the necessaries and some of the
comforts of life. It must further be dominated by a spirit of sympathetic
democracy.
While the present system of wealth distribution is so grotesquely
unscientific that men are forced to rear families on incomes that will not
provide the necessaries, to say nothing of the comforts, of life, no true
home can be established nor can a Super Race be produced. If the child is
an asset to the state, the state should support the child, guaranteeing to
it an income sufficient to provide for its material welfare.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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