Endurance of life : the implications of genetics for human life / Macfarlane Burnet.

  • Burnet, F. M. (Frank Macfarlane), Sir, 1899-1985.
Date:
1978
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Credit: Endurance of life : the implications of genetics for human life / Macfarlane Burnet. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Crime, suffering, pain, and evil: can they be removed by enlightened social measures? Or are they built into our very natures? In this book, the author uses his wide experience as a medical scientist to examine the phenomenon of old age, which sooner or later is of deep significance for everyone. He presents an original theory of human ageing in terms of genetics. From this he goes on to discuss the genetic factors which, moderated by the environment, produce intelligence, temperament and behaviour. In the final chapters he discusses the genetic inheritance of modern man and the difficulties it presents in today's complex civilization. Such matters as aggression, love, power, good and evil are brought out of the metaphysical realm and examined in biological terms. The author suggests that antisocial behaviour is caused, not simply by environment, but very largely by the genes. The author has founded his argument in scientific fact. But, being a pioneer in an uncharted area, he relies also on analogy and speculation. The result is a stimulating and controversial work which probes comfortable theories about our society and shows them to be wanting.