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WHAT A PITY!

Dr. James Watson, a Nobel Laureate, was very instrumental in the discovery of the Double Helix, which scientific landmark led the way to DNA testing, RNA and the human genome. Dr. Watson is a genuine hero in the field of science. His work—which marked a scientific seism in the history of the world—has allowed us to be more genetically certain about the evolution of the human being.

This makes his current situation that much the sadder—the fact that this man of science has not been able to overcome the base instincts that, unscientifically, he has absorbed. Intellectually, he knows that the human race emerged upon the African continent, and that over the aeons natural forces have dispersed it throughout the globe. Also, he is aware that there is only one, modern human species: Homo sapiens sapiens. He is aware that nature and nurture dictate how the individual or group may utilize the natural capacities with which we are all equally endowed.

It is in the midst of this “grande contradiction” that Dr. Watson, obviously in an unguarded moment, allowed his unscientific self to take over. He let come to the surface long-held, dark, personal opinions he has held about an inherent disparity of capacity within the human race. It is reported that he was a believer in the discredited field of eugenics—of which Adolph Hitler was also a great fan. That same philosophy was expressed in a notorious book of a few years ago, “The Bell Curve.”

Dr. Watson subsequently has “apologized” for his remarks, stating that they were not scientifically supportable. As a scientist, if he knew that, why did he say what he said? We all know why; it is ingrained in the best of us.

Dr. Watson was so close to the culmination of an otherwise unsullied and laudable life. What a great pity!