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It is better for all the world, if instead of waiting to…

“It is better for all the world, if instead of waiting to execute degenerate offspring for crime or to let them starve for their imbecility, society can prevent those who are manifestly unfit from continuing their kind. The principle that sustains compulsory vaccination is broad enough to cover…” quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr
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“It is better for all the world, if instead of waiting to execute degenerate offspring for crime or to let them starve for their imbecility, society can prevent those who are manifestly unfit from continuing their kind. The principle that sustains compulsory vaccination is broad enough to cover cutting the fallopian tubes. Three generations of imbeciles are enough.”

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates preventing individuals deemed unfit from reproducing, likening it to compulsory vaccination policies.

In simple terms: Preventing perceived unfit individuals from reproducing is justified.

Key Takeaway

Consider the ethics of eugenics.

Themes

ethics public health eugenics population control

Mood

controversial critical thought‑provoking

Type

argumentative philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • medical legislation
  • population planning
  • human rights discussions

Key Concepts

biomedical ethics social engineering genetic determinism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it ever moral to control who can reproduce?
  • What safeguards prevent misuse?
A Different Perspective

Such views ignore individual rights and can lead to abuse.

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