The millionaire behind the sperm bank designed to breed ‘prodigy children’: who was Robert Klark

The millionaire behind the sperm bank designed to breed ‘prodigy children’: who was Robert Klark

November 23, 2024 – 11:00

Robert Klark Graham founded a sperm bank to create a new generation of geniuses, selecting donors with high academic and professional profiles.

In 1979, Robert Clark graham founded the “Nobel Prize” sperm bank with the vision of creating a generation of geniuses, selecting the best genes from outstanding men in science and other fields. Inspired by eugenics, his project sought to combine genetic material from individuals considered intellectually superior to improve humanity.

The bank operated for two decades, but its elitist and racist approach sparked controversy. Although the project was closed in 1999, it left a legacy that still affects the modern fertility industry and the debate over the limits of genetic selection.

What is the controversial story of Robert Klark like?

Graham, inventor of unbreakable glasses, founded the bank with the purpose of use sperm from outstanding men in various areas. Donors had to meet strict requirements: be white, married, heterosexual and, in many cases, Nobel Prize winners. His vision was to preserve and transmit what he considered the “best” genes to ensure the progress of humanity.

The eugenic ideology behind this project generated rejection from the beginning, especially due to its selection criteria and its belief in the genetic superiority of certain groups. This position, influenced by racism, was the subject of numerous criticisms.

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As the inventor of unbreakable lenses, Graham used his fortune to carry out his controversial project.

As the inventor of unbreakable lenses, Graham used his fortune to carry out his controversial project.

Genius children were born from Robert Klark’s bank

The bank helped conceive more than 200 childrenmany of whom were raised with the hope that their superior intelligence would lead them to be prodigies. However, the results were varied: some stood out in academics or sports, but in general no exceptional abilities were observed in the majority.

A well-known case was that of Doron Blakewho, growing up, questioned the bank’s assumptions and distanced himself from the idea that intelligence is so predictably heritable. This led many to doubt the effectiveness of Graham’s approach.

What was the significance of Robert Klark’s sperm bank?

Despite its closure in 1999, the work left a mark on the fertility industry. His focus on rigorous donor selection inspired many modern banks to offer more information about donorsfrom their physical characteristics to their academic and professional achievements.

Despite this, the project also raised ethical concerns that still persist. Although the bank’s methods are not replicated today, questions about the limits of genetic selection remain a topic of debate, especially when it comes to influence on human destiny.

Source: Ambito

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