The ongoing problem is the term that can't shake (or is not allowed to shake) its controversial history.
Perplexity likes these three terms suggested! If used whenever eugenics is discussed, the controversial
"
eugenics" should quickly become "So last century!"
Q: Are these (or related) terms possible substitutes?
"Proactive Wellness", "Personal Trait Choice", "Genetic Wellness"
(
P) "Absolutely! The terms you’ve suggested - “Proactive Wellness,” “Personal Trait Choice,” and “Genetic Wellness” -
are all plausible substitutes or rebrandings for society’s ongoing interest in enhancing human traits. Here’s how they fit:
1. Proactive Wellness
Meaning: Implies taking active, preventive steps to optimize health and well-being, potentially including genetic or technological interventions.
Connotation: Positive, holistic, and future-oriented. Emphasizes agency and self-care rather than coercion.
Current Usage: Already used in health and wellness industries, though not always tied to genetics or trait enhancement.
Could easily be expanded to include these ideas.
2. Personal Trait Choice
Meaning: Suggests individuals or parents making conscious decisions about which traits to select or enhance, especially in reproductive contexts.
Connotation: Strongly emphasizes autonomy, choice, and personalization. Avoids historical baggage of "eugenics" by focusing on individual rights rather than societal mandates.
Potential Use: Could be used in discussions of reproductive technology, embryo selection, or gene editing.
3. Genetic Wellness
Meaning: Focuses on optimizing health and well-being through understanding and potentially modifying one’s genetic makeup.
Connotation: Medicalized, scientific, and health-focused. Avoids the negative history of eugenics while still addressing genetic improvement.
Current Usage: Already emerging in the context of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and personalized medicine.
Comparison Table
Term ~ Focus/Implication ~ Suitability as Substitute
Proactive Wellness ~ Preventive, holistic health (potentially genetic) ~ High - broad, positive, non-coercive
Personal Trait Choice ~ Individual selection of traits (esp. reproductive) ~ High - emphasizes autonomy and choice
Genetic Wellness ~ Health optimization via genetics ~ High - medical, avoids eugenics connotation
Conclusion
Yes, these terms are possible - and effective - substitutes for older, more controversial language around human trait enhancement.
They each frame the conversation in a way that emphasizes individual empowerment, health, and well-being, while avoiding
the coercive and negative associations of "eugenics." In fact, terms like these are increasingly used in both marketing
and professional discourse to reframe discussions about genetic technologies and human optimization."
More Q&A, brief and encouraging, reflecting UB vision ...
Q: Do modern gene therapy, genetic screening, and embryo selection
reflect the early guidance of this Urantia Book quote?
"Man’s evolutionary destiny is in his own hands, and scientific intelligence must sooner or later
supersede the random functioning of uncontrolled natural selection and chance survival." (65:3.6)
(
P) "These technologies allow humans to intentionally influence genetic outcomes, moving beyond the randomness of natural selection.
For example, genetic screening and embryo selection let parents choose embryos without certain genetic diseases, and gene therapy
can correct genetic defects after birth. This represents a shift from 'chance survival' to the 'intelligent fostering of the evolutionary
potentials' that the Urantia Book describes.
In summary,
these modern scientific advances are practical examples of humanity taking evolutionary development
into its own hands, as envisioned in the Urantia Book passage."
Similar agreement from UB-centric AI ...
(
UB Tutor) "The quote, 'Man’s evolutionary destiny is in his own hands, and scientific intelligence must sooner or later supersede the random functioning of uncontrolled natural selection and chance survival,' reflects a profound vision of humanity's role in guiding its own evolutionary trajectory through deliberate and intelligent intervention. Modern advancements in gene therapy, genetic screening, and embryo selection can indeed be seen as manifestations of this principle.
These technologies represent humanity's growing capacity to influence genetic and biological outcomes, moving beyond the slower, less predictable mechanisms of natural selection.
Gene therapy, for instance, allows for the correction of genetic disorders at their source, directly addressing inherited conditions that might otherwise persist through generations. Genetic screening provides the ability to identify potential risks and make informed decisions about reproduction, while embryo selection offers the possibility of ensuring that only embryos with the most favorable genetic profiles are implanted.
These practices align with the idea of fostering the evolutionary potentials still resident within humanity, as described in the text, by using scientific intelligence to enhance health, longevity, and overall quality of life.
However, this shift from natural selection to guided evolution also brings ethical and philosophical challenges. The text emphasizes the importance of wisdom and spiritual idealism in directing such advancements, cautioning against purely material or utilitarian approaches. The ultimate goal is not merely the enhancement of physical or intellectual traits but the elevation of humanity's moral and spiritual capacities, ensuring that these scientific tools are used in alignment with higher ideals and the collective good.
In this context,
modern genetic technologies can be seen as steps toward fulfilling that vision of a more deliberate and enlightened approach to human evolution. Yet, they also serve as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with such power, urging humanity to balance scientific progress with ethical foresight and spiritual wisdom."
"But wait! There's more!" (science unknown when the UB was authored
and
now focused on private, parental choice)
Q: Does modern eugenics now include more than gene therapy, genetic screening, and embryo selection?
(P) "Modern eugenics, often referred to as 'new eugenics' or 'liberal eugenics,' now encompasses a broader range of technologies and practices beyond traditional gene therapy, genetic screening, and embryo selection. While
these three remain central, the scope of modern eugenics has expanded in several significant ways:
Polygenic Embryo Screening: Advances in genomics have enabled the use of polygenic risk scores to screen embryos not just for single-gene disorders, but for complex traits such as intelligence, height, athleticism, and even personality traits. This approach analyzes clusters of genetic markers associated with desirable or undesirable traits and is marketed by some biotech startups to prospective parents.
Gamete Selection and Donor Matching: Modern eugenics now includes the selection of sperm and egg donors based on a wide range of characteristics, including intelligence, appearance, ethnicity, and personality. Apps and sperm banks facilitate this process, allowing parents to select gametes with preferred traits, sometimes from high-achieving or physically attractive donors.
CRISPR and Advanced Gene Editing: Technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 allow for precise editing of specific genes in embryos or gametes, raising the possibility of directly engineering genetic traits before birth. These modifications can be heritable, affecting not just the individual but future generations.
Selective Breeding and Reproductive Technology: While less common, some discussions include the use of selective breeding practices, now mediated by technology and genetic knowledge, to achieve desired outcomes in offspring.
Expansion to Non-Disease Traits: There is a growing trend toward using these technologies not just to prevent disease, but to enhance or select for non-disease traits such as cognitive abilities, physical attributes, and other characteristics considered advantageous.
Integration with Consumer Technology: The commercialization and digitization of these services - such as apps for donor selection and direct-to-consumer genetic testing - have made eugenic practices more accessible and individualized, shifting the focus from state-driven programs to private, parental choice.
In summary,
modern eugenics now includes a suite of reproductive and genetic technologies that go well beyond gene therapy, genetic screening, and embryo selection, encompassing polygenic screening, gamete selection, advanced gene editing, and the pursuit of non-disease trait enhancement."
Good evidence that eugenics research has been ongoing for many decades:
(
P) Technology ~ Research Began ~ Key Milestones/References
Gene therapy ~ 1970s ~ First clinical trial in 1990
Genetic screening ~ 1960s-1970s ~ Newborn screening, "eugenic counseling"
Embryo selection (PGD) ~ 1989 ~ First use for X-linked diseases
Polygenic screening ~ Late 2010s ~ First child born via PES in 2020
Gamete selection ~ 1990s ~ Sperm sorting for sex selection
Advanced gene editing ~ 2012 ~ (CRISPR) First embryo editing in 2015, live births 2018
Non-disease trait enhancement ~ Late 2010s (theoretical) ~ Feasible with polygenic screening, debated
Why other terms for "eugenics" are already being used for these new medical interventions:
(
P) "
The term 'eugenics' is likely to remain controversial for as long as the 'swastika' remains stigmatized,
primarily due to their deep and lasting association with Nazi ideology and atrocities. Both the swastika and
the concept of eugenics were appropriated and radically transformed by the Nazi regime: 'Swastika', once
a symbol of good fortune in many cultures, became globally recognized as a symbol of hate and genocide;
'eugenics', once a scientific and social movement with international adherents, became irreparably tainted
by its role in Nazi policies of forced sterilization, euthanasia, and genocide."
Rod
) 
The human brain has to disconnect from its memory in order for that not to influence 
LOl (or not): Who will be the employed workers with sufficient income 
Since this article's title indicates explanation about the grooves, 
As an aging retiree, now zipping in the slow lanes
