(AP)
Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy financier accused of sex trafficking, planned to develop an improved “super-race” of humans using genetic engineering and artificial intelligence,.In a major probe, The New York Times reported that Epstein discussed these ideas with scientists and business figures over several years. His interests were described as “transhumanism,” though they resembled a modern version of eugenics. Epstein’s plans around his own progeny began to be discussed in the early 2000s, according to three sources contacted by the paper.After his 2008 sex trafficking conviction, Epstein spoke more openly about using his New Mexico property, Zorro Ranch, as the center of his plans. The ranch, located outside Santa Fe, is one of the places where young women, including minors, were allegedly abused. NYT said there is little evidence the scheme progressed beyond fantasy.“Epstein told scientists and businessmen about his ambitions to use his New Mexico ranch as a base where women would be inseminated with his sperm and would give birth to his babies … Mr Epstein’s goal was to have 20 women at a time impregnated at his 33,000-sq-ft Zorro Ranch in a tiny town outside Santa Fe.”Epstein hosted dinners, lunches, and conferences for top scientists, including Stephen Hawking. His circle had George Church, Murray Gell-Mann, Stephen Jay Gould, Oliver Sacks, and Frank Wilczek. He funded Harvard’s Program for Evolutionary Dynamics with $6.5m and gave $20,000 to the Worldwide Transhumanist Association, now Humanity Plus.Alan Dershowitz, his 2008 lawyer, called the eugenics angle shocking. “Everyone speculated about whether these scientists were more interested in his views or more interested in his money.”Steven Pinker labeled Epstein an “intellectual impostor.” “He would abruptly change the subject, ADD-style, dismiss an observation with an adolescent wisecrack.” Jaron Lanier said Epstein’s ideas did not qualify as testable science.
