The notion of risk exists very much in the world of statistics, probabilities and calculations. Quite the opposite to the organic, unpredictable nature of conception. Hallowell claims that the awareness of one’s genetic risks is increasingly being seen as a prerequisite for effective citizenship within neo-liberal societies. Thus suggesting that H.G.Wells’s prediction on the importance of statistical thinking has finally come to pass.
“The great body of physical science, a great deal of the essential fact of financial science, and endless social and political problems are only accessible and only thinkable to those who have had a sound training in mathematical analysis, and the time may not be very remote when it will be understood that for complete initiation as an efficient citizen of one of the new great complex worldwide States that are now developing, it is as necessary to be able to compute, to think in averages and maxima and minima, as it is now to be able to read and write.” H.G. Wells, Mankind in the Making 1903
As we adapt to thinking statistically, is there any wonder that we seek clear solutions that can promise risk free babies?
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