Geschäftsreise16 Sep 2003

Yes, good catch. Ishmael is one of those novels that has been absorbed into my thoughts on this subject (although I think Quinn's 'solution' is as false as our ability to do anything about the problem).

When you are performing genetics, there is a "Parental" (P) line that gives birth to the "First Filial" (F1), who then gives birth to the "Second Filial" (F2), etc.

The use of First Filial is intended to evoke the concept that nations and civilizations have heritable characteristics that can influence its utlimate fate (just as much as your genetics dictate the course of your life).

*see 'meme' if you are interested in this line of thought.