"Тед Чан. Seventy-Two Letters (72 буквы, Рассказ) (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

"Our goal was the survival of the species, not the implementation of
partisan politics."
"On the contrary, this is purely scientific. Just as itТs our duty to
ensure the species survives, itТs also our duty to guarantee its health by
keeping a proper balance in its population. Politics doesnТt enter into
it; were the situation reversed and there existed a paucity of labourers,
the opposite policy would be called for."
Stratton ventured a suggestion. "I wonder if improvement in conditions
for the poor might eventually cause them to gestate more refined children?"
"You are thinking about changes brought about by your cheap engines,
arenТt you?" asked Fieldhurst with a smile, and Stratton nodded.
"Your intended reforms and mine may reinforce each other. Moderating
the numbers of the lower classes should make it easier for them to raise
their living conditions. However, do not expect that a mere increase in
economic comfort will improve the mentality of the lower classes."
"But why not?"
"You forget the self-perpetuating nature of culture," said Fieldhurst.
"We have seen that all megafoetuses are identical, yet no one can deny the
differences between the populaces of nations, in both physical appearance
and temperament. This can only be the result of the maternal influence:
the motherТs womb is a vessel in which the social environment is
incarnated. For example, a woman who has lived her life among Prussians
naturally gives birth to a child with Prussian traits; in this manner the
national character of that populace has sustained itself for centuries,
despite many changes in fortune. It would be unrealistic to think the poor
are any different."
"As a zoologist, you are undoubtedly wiser in these matters than we,"
said Ashbourne, silencing Stratton with a glance. "We will defer to your
judgment."
For the remainder of the evening the conversation turned to other
topics, and Stratton did his best to conceal his discomfort and maintain a
facade of bonhomie. Finally, after Fieldhurst had retired for the evening,
Stratton and Ashbourne descended to the laboratory to confer.
"What manner of man have we agreed to help?" exclaimed Stratton as soon
as the door was closed. "One who would breed people like livestock?"
"Perhaps we should not be so shocked," said Ashbourne with a sigh.
He seated himself upon one of the laboratory stools. "Our groupТs goal
has been to duplicate for humans a procedure that was intended only for
animals."
"But not at the expense of individual liberty! I cannot be a party to
this."
"Do not be hasty. What would be accomplished by your resigning from the
group? To the extent that your efforts contribute to our groupТs endeavor,
your resignation would serve only to endanger the future of the human
species. Conversely, if the group attains its goal without your
assistance, Lord FieldhurstТs policies will be implemented anyway."
Stratton tried to regain his composure. Ashbourne was right; he could
see that. After a moment, he said, "So what course of action should we
take? Are there others whom we could contact, Members of Parliament who
would oppose the policy that Lord Colhurst proposes?"