The quality of the future population, and of one's own country in particular, should be a matter of deep concern for all. Throughout history, many political leaders and scientific advancements have aimed to modify and improve the human race. This process is supplemented by something infamous as eugenics; the science used to control gene selection and reproduction. Greg Egan's "The Cutie" explores many of the issues underlying eugenics, including the moral and ethical implications of the process. The science of eugenics can be considered ethical in that its end goal is to improve future generations; leave behind desirable traits such as health, intelligence, and a noble character; conversely, it can be considered unethical in that it aims to create a perfect or superhuman being, not only ignores but violates human rights, and can be used for the purposes of racial and genetic hygiene; a form of discrimination. This is why eugenics is considered a great ethical and moral failure in modern society. Some claim that the ultimate goal of eugenics is a patriotic goal; namely, increasing the commercial and combat effectiveness of a nation. Others, however, do not intend to advocate it for these reasons, but rather recommend it as a path to increased happiness; or, in any case, as a means of avoiding a lot of unnecessary misery. Francis Galton, who coined the term, defined eugenics as “the science of improving the genetic material of the human race through “better reproduction.” While this may seem like a positive step forward, those who do not meet certain conditions are eliminated, or at least prevented from passing on their “infected” genes to future generations. The possibility of someone being rejected...... middle of paper ...... suffers from unwanted illnesses or disabilities. Such laws exist in Cyprus, China, Japan, Israel and even the United States where in some states couples must have a blood test before getting married to reduce the spread of hereditary diseases. These laws are unethical and a violation of basic human rights. If history provides a good lesson on what to do in the future, eugenics in the form of racial and genetic hygiene should no longer be practiced. Galton argued in his hereditary genius that the intelligence of a population is a major element of its cultural, scientific, and economic achievements; that these are the defining characteristics of civilization; that civilization is better than barbarism; and that to maintain and promote an advanced civilization, the intelligence of the population must be improved and prevented from declining..