GENETICS — STERN 275 



equally important to stress the great adaptability and plasticity of 

 man particularly in mental attributes. Much of the genetic diversity 

 may play an insignificant role in the actually observed range of nor- 

 mal and even abnormal human behavior and accomplishments. The 

 results of genetics are fully compatible with the recognition that 

 many men with equal accomplishments may greatly differ genetically, 

 and many other men with different accomplishments be much alike. 

 Genetics gives little basis for belief in basic distinctions among 

 classes and races. 



Those who in their hearts applaud the last statement in general 

 often are loath to accept the relative term "little" which was used. 

 "No basis," they feel, would be a more fortunate expression. The 

 observing scientist, however, has no power over what is fortunate or 

 unfortunate. If he comes to the conclusion that there is no dif- 

 ference he will say so, but if his finding is "some difference, even if 

 slight" he cannot falsify the record as he reads it. 



One of the most comforting results of the geneticist's thoughts has 

 been the recognition that the problems of the genetic future of man- 

 kind are not as urgent as they seemed a generation ago. Mankind 

 will not degenerate overnight if nothing is done to change its re- 

 productive patterns, nor would it have blossomed out suddenly if the 

 old-time eugenicists had had their will. We now know that the 

 immense genetic pool of mankind can be changed only very slowly, 

 for better or worse. Here then is one problem at least about which 

 mankind can take its time. 



A problem it is, nevertheless, and eugenics, in a sobered mood, 

 is still a demanding goal. Wliile it is true that the methods of the 

 animal husbandman should not be applied to human beings, the dis- 

 covery of man's genetic diversity cannot escape the treatment which 

 men have successfully applied to so many other facts, namely, use in 

 intelligent planning. It is strange that resistance to this proposition 

 seems strongest among some of the most audacious social designers. 



Genetics in the world today can point to spiritual flowers as well 

 as to material fruits. It can justify its existence on either ground. 

 Nor does it need to be ashamed of either. The student of universal 

 phenomena may well rejoice when his search leads to practical 

 benefits, and the biological engineer may well appreciate the more 

 detached task of his theoretical colleague. We cannot afford to 

 measure all human endeavor by its practical benefits. Wliere would 

 painting and poetry be, where astronomy and archeology, where games 

 and hiking and sports? If we do not permit these activities for 

 pure joy's sake alone, we shall end up with the slogan Kraft durch 

 Freude (strength through joy) which historically turned strength 

 into disaster. If you might call my point of view "romanticism" then 



