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by mullingitover 1394 days ago
Counterpoint: our species has very little genetic diversity, we’re all pretty closely related. The odds that there’s there’s something unique or special about any one person’s lineage is pretty low.
2 comments

The more genetically similar we are, the more socially valuable the relative differences become.
It depends on the difference, because genetic differences aren't always beneficial. The Hapsburg Dynasty's Charles II famously had an inherited birth defect due to the heavy inbreeding[1] among the ruling class, for example. It was of no value to anyone.

The true reason for valuing lineages is more about social rank/class protectionism.

[1] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/distinctive-habsbu...

The value of that intermarriage was ability to maintain an empire of significant power and influence, as well balance relationships with nearby royals, who were all cousins.

"no value" here is probably in tens, maybe hundreds of trillions of dollars in the present time PPP basis.

In this context, it's probably more of a matter of personal and familial pride and honor rather than promoting the benefit of humankind.