‘Every sane man recognises that infinite possibilities of error may lurk in a phrase of political philosophy.’

A critical essay written in 1922, Eugenics and Other Evils is G.K. Chesterton’s damning reckoning with the eugenics movement and the rise of social engineering.

Bold and prophetic, this essay is a scathing critique of eugenics and the danger it poses to both individual freedom and societal structure. With his trademark wit and moral clarity, Chesterton discusses the history of eugenics and the growing admiration of the movement – then gaining popularity amongst various intellectuals and politicians – arguing that this genre of ‘improvement’ threatens liberty, dignity and the rights of the poor. Meditating on eugenics’ philosophical implications, Chesterton emphasises the importance of rigorously challenging the movement before it progresses any further. A powerful warning against dehumanisation and tyranny, Eugenics and Other Evils remains a compelling defence of human freedom. This audiobook edition is brilliantly read by John Hastings.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874 – 1936) was an English novelist, philosopher, journalist and critic. A Christian apologist, he is famed for creating the fictional priest-detective Father Brown. His writing was also renowned for his sense of humour: known as ‘the prince of paradox’, Chesterton often turned common sayings upside down. Admired by several of his literary contemporaries, Chesterton’s work is still widely read today.