Eugenics

[madnak]

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you might want to look up the definition of the word eugenics. because what you propose is not even close. by definition, it involves entire populations and is certainly not voluntary.

your scenario rocks though. hope it happens someday.

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I don't think anyone is arguing for eugenics in the classic sense.

But I think people overestimate the impact of relative status in society. Let's say that I'm the best person in the world at a certain task, but then I become the worst person in the world at that task. Did I get any worse at the task? No. In fact (and here's the important thing) I'm still excellent at the task. I still do a great job at the task. But now everyone else does an almost-perfect job.

For this reason, I don't think the "dumbest person" in a genius society can be likened to the "dumbest person" today. In particular, even the dumbest person in a genius society will be able to perform all the necessary functions of life, to make reasonable decisions, to manage resources, and to communicate effectively. Such a person might never end up in a leadership role (because everyone else has even better leadership abilities!), but they will be independent agents in society.

And they'll have a fine quality of life. Will they be poor by our standards? Damn right. But they'll have a spacious space-flat with perfect climate control and a great view on the window display panels, they'll have all the Nutri-Pellets they can handle, they'll have the holonet and all 7*10^14 channels of VirtuaPr0n.

And personally? I think they'll be less alienated. I think they'll be more caring. I think they'll have lots of kinky atheist sex. But even if not, chances are everyone will have a safe warm place to sleep, plenty of food, and the freedom to say and think what they please.

If eugenics were the only way to achieve that... Would it be so wrong?