John Maynard Keynes: So-Called Economist and Certain Eugenicist

John Maynard Keynes is widely remembered as the father of modern macroeconomics, credited with reshaping economic theory and policy during the 20th century. But a lesser-known—and far more controversial—aspect of Keynes's legacy is his deep involvement in the eugenics movement.

Keynes wasn’t just a casual supporter. He served as the Director of the British Eugenics Society from 1937 to 1944. During this time, he advocated not just for economic reform but also for population control—both in terms of quantity and quality. In his own words, Keynes described eugenics as “the most important, significant, and, I would add, genuine branch of sociology which exists.” That’s a stark admission from a man whose ideas shaped global policy.

To Keynes, managing the economy wasn’t just about markets and spending—it was about managing people. He believed that the state had a role in shaping the future population, favoring selective breeding and other interventions to improve what he saw as the "quality" of the populace. This aligned with the broader eugenicist view that some lives were more valuable—or more "fit"—than others.

These beliefs influenced not only his economic thinking but also broader policy recommendations around welfare, fertility, and social planning. While many celebrate Keynes for his progressive stance on government intervention in markets, it's crucial to also acknowledge how those same impulses extended into disturbing territory when it came to controlling human life.

Remember who these Keynesians really are.