in the grand tapestry of human history threaded with the rise and fall of Empires the birth and death of civilizations one peculiar practice has woven its Sinister strand Through the Ages inbreeding from the Royal houses of Europe to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt the corridors of power have echoed with this disturbing Melody but what were the ramifications of this practice and how did it shape the course of history consider Charles II of Spain the unfortunate product of Habsburg inbreeding whose Litany of health

problems and impotence led to the end of a dynasty in the late 17th century or take the ancient Egyptian pharaohs like Tutankhamun who was the result of a brother-sister union and was plagued by physical deformities and health issues but why you might ask did these influential figures indulge in a practice we now know to be biologically risky the answers are as complex as the genetic codes it intertwines the desire to maintain pure Bloodlines to concentrate power to control alliances the reasons were Myriad and entwined

with the social and political fabric of the time yet as Charles Darwin wisely observed in the long history of humankind and animal kind too those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed it seems that inbreeding while consolidating power in the short term was a perilous gamble against Nature’s insistence on diversity join us as we tread the shadowy paths of inbreeding through history unearthing the tragic tales and examining the far-reaching consequences of this controversial practice

welcome to the Diary of Julius Caesar Echoes through time the intricate dance of inbreeding inbreeding fundamentally involves the union of individuals closely related by ancestry a practice more prevalent in history than one might imagine these unions were often orchestrated by societies and cultures across the globe from remote Islands to Grand kingdoms but why one might ask would such a practice be prevalent the motives were as varied as the cultures themselves ancient societies for example believed in preserving their societal

fabric by maintaining Bloodlines within their own kin it was a well-calculated move an attempt to protect their Heritage status and at times their wealth the Royals of Egypt famous for their Majestic pyramids and cryptic hieroglyphs were also known for their marital traditions where siblings shared marital bonds to preserve the purity of their Royal lineage indeed The Echoes of pharaoh akanaten and Queen Nefertiti’s Union still reverberate through the corridors of History their story full of power and passion was also an emblematic

representation of the societal Norms of their time by preserving their bloodline they aimed to keep the Royal scepter from falling into the hands of the undeserving the notion of inbreeding however wasn’t confined to the banks of the Nile it crossed oceans and continents finding its way into the Regal courts of Europe the house of Habsburg a name that commands respect in the pages of European history was known for similar practices the infamous Habsburg jaw a distinct physical characteristic was a testament to their familial

intermarriages it’s important to acknowledge that these practices were not without consequences the intertwining of close Bloodlines increased the chances of undesirable traits and ailments a price paid for the preservation of power and Status the same Habsburg jaw became a mark of the health issues that plagued the lineage leading to their eventual downfall contrary to popular belief the practice wasn’t limited to Regal or Noble Bloodlines inbreeding was also found in isolated communities hidden away from the prying eyes of the world here the

motives were often different lack of viable Partners geographical isolation or societal norms the secluded communities on the Isles of Tristan de kunha provide a prime example of such occurrences Whispers from the sands of time the pharyonic dance of Bloodlines as we tread through the shifting sands of time we are drawn to the land of the Nile a cradle of ancient civilization that shaped the course of history the Grandeur of the Pharaohs of Egypt their enigmatic practices and their intriguing Legacy remain imprinted on the Sands of

this Timeless landscape among these practices one that has woven itself into the tapestry of their narrative is the tradition of inbreeding the roots of this practice Trace back to the very origins of Egyptian dynastic rule around 3100 BC with the reign of Nama often hailed as the unifier of Egypt this trend of preserving the purity of the bloodline however reached its Zenith during the ptolemaic dynasty a period extending from 305 BC to 30 BC in the heart of this dynasty we find the tale of Ptolemy II philadelphus a

pharaoh whose marriage to his full sister are sinoy II was a source of both Fascination and controversy the ptolemaic Pharaohs often Justified these unions by associating themselves with the Divine siblings Isis and Osiris thus adding a touch of divine sanction to their Earthly Deeds the tale of Cleopatra VII the last active ruler of the ptolemaic kingdom is another captivating chapter in this Saga known for her intelligence and Charisma Cleopatra was a product of generations of familial intermarriages she herself married two of her younger

brothers as was custom maintaining the tradition of her ancestors the practice wasn’t merely a matter of tradition or a demonstration of power there were political undertones too by marrying within the family the Pharaohs ensured the consolidation of power and wealth eliminating potential threats from ambitious Outsiders the Royal Blood remained within the Royal household and the scepter of power was safely passed down the line of succession however this practice was not without its Shadows the intertwining of closely

related Bloodlines had its consequences often surfacing in the form of Health complications King Tutankhamun often referred to as King Tut the boy King who ascended the throne at the tender age of nine provides a poignant example recent studies on his mummy reveal the presence of multiple maladies including a clubfoot and malaria which have been linked to the legacy of inbreeding in his lineage it is also important to remember that this was not just a practice confined to the Royal palaces the societal Norms of

the time also witnessed commoners marrying close relatives often driven by the Limited choice of Partners within their small agricultural communities the Habsburg Labyrinth the consequences of powers preservation as the curtain lifts on the grand stage of European history we find ourselves enveloped in the captivating Narrative of the House of Habsburg a dynasty that played a pivotal role in shaping The Contours of the continent the Habsburg Dynasty whose Origins can be traced back to the 11th century spread its wings over Europe

reigning over territories that spanned from the Iberian Peninsula to the lands of Austria and Hungary the aim was clear to keep the power within the family ensuring that the torch of authority was passed down through generations untainted by external influences one of the most prominent figures to emerge from this lineage was Charles II of Spain whose Reign from 1665 to 1700 marked the Zenith of Habsburg power Charles II endearingly known as El hechizado or the Bewitched was a product of generations of familial

intermarriages his mother Mariana of Austria and his father Philip IV of Spain were uncle and niece a union that symbolized the depth of inbreeding within the dynasty however the preservation of power came with a hefty price the recurrent familial unions led to the rise of the infamous Habsburg jaw a physical characteristic marked by an elongated lower jaw and a protruding lower lip Charles II the epitome of Habsburg inbreeding exhibited this trait among other health issues plagued by physical infirmities and mental instability his

rule was fraught with challenges and he remains a poignant reminder of the consequences of inbreeding the Habsburg jaw though a stark physical manifestation was not the only consequence of this intricate dance of bloodlines the dynasty faced an increased risk of stillbirths and infant deaths a shadow that loomed over their grand palaces the lack of viable heirs became a pressing concern threatening to extinguish the torch they had so diligently tried to keep a flame perhaps the most consequential outcome was the inability of Charles II to

produce an heir despite two marriages his health issues attributed to generations of inbreeding prevented the continuation of the Habsburg lineage in Spain following his demise in 1700 a void opened leading to the war of Spanish succession as European powers scrambled to claim the vacant throne The Lion and the Unicorn Tangled Bloodlines of the British Monarchy the tale of the British Monarchy is akin to a grand tapestry intricately woven with threads of power tradition and Blood Ties while not as notorious as the Pharaohs

of Egypt or the habsburgs for inbreeding the British royal lineage has its share of closely intertwined familial unions that shaped its trajectory the tradition of marrying within close blood relations has roots in the medieval period where the consolidation of power and the preservation of alliances were of Paramount importance one such notable figure was King Edward III who ruled from 1327 until his demise in 1377.

 his marriage to Philippa of hainalt his second cousin resulted in a lineage that would come to impact the course of British history significantly this web of interconnected royal bloodlines culminated in the reign of Queen Victoria often touted as the grandmother of Europe her rule which extended from 1837 to 1901 saw her children intermarrying into various European Royal houses creating a network of relationships that spanned the continent Queen Victoria herself married her first cousin Prince Albert of sax Coburg and gotha a union that produced

nine children the practice of marrying within close relations however was not without consequences hemophilia a blood clotting disorder found its way into the Royal lineage believed to have been introduced by Queen Victoria herself one of her sons Leopold Duke of Albany inherited this condition leading to a life fraught with health complications the Royal disease as it was often referred to became a poignant symbol of the Perils of royal intermarriage this genetic condition spread to various European Royal houses through Victoria’s

daughters who were carriers of the gene as we tread further into the 20th century we see a shift in the marital practices of the British Monarchy the tradition of marrying within close blood relations began to fade reflecting the changing social norms and understanding of genetics Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II are third cousins both great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria however since their Union no other close familial marriages have occurred in the British royal family the enigmatic puzzle of heredity

inbreeding’s invisible hand the intricate tapestry of human genetics is a Marvel of nature each thread weaving a complex and unique pattern that tells the story of our ancestry however when these threads are knotted too tightly the fabric of our genetic Legacy becomes fraught with challenges inbreeding a phenomenon observed in various societies throughout history has left its indelible mark on Humanity manifesting in numerous genetic and health consequences the story of inbreeding’s impact on human genetics dates back to ancient

civilizations where familial unions were orchestrated to maintain power and wealth within close circles the consequences of such unions however were often obscured only to be unveiled by the march of scientific progress the study of genetics a relatively young field of inquiry has unraveled the mysteries of inbreeding’s effects on human health Gregor Mendel the father of modern genetics laid the groundwork for understanding heredity in the mid-19th century through his pioneering work on pea plants Mendel’s Laws of inheritance provided

valuable insights into the world of genetics Illuminating the potential risks of inbreeding inbreeding reduces genetic diversity increasing the likelihood of inheriting undesirable traits and amplifying the risk of hereditary diseases these conditions often recessive surface with greater frequency when closely related individuals reproduce in recent history the scientific Community has made great strides in understanding the genetic implications of inbreeding one notable figure in this realm is British statistician and geneticists Sir Ronald

ailmer Fisher who in the early 20th century developed the concept of the coefficient of inbreeding this measure quantifies the probability of two alleles at a given Locus being identical by descent helping us assess the risks associated with inbreeding the consequences of inbreeding are not limited to the pages of history books today many isolated communities worldwide still practice consanguineous marriages leading to increased incidences of genetic disorder one such example is the island of pingalap in Micronesia where a considerable

percentage of the population suffers from a rare genetic condition called acromatopsia or total colorblindness due to the Island’s isolation and limited gene pool the Advent of genetic counseling and screening has provided a ray of Hope in mitigating the risks associated with inbreeding Pioneers like Sheldon Reed who coined the term genetic counseling in the 1940s have paved the way for a better understanding of the interplay between genetics and reproduction empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their family planning

the wild dance of jeans inbreeding in the animal kingdom in the vast and varied Panorama of nature inbreeding plays out as an intriguing Paradox while human societies have long recognized its perils many animal species routinely practice inbreeding as a normal part of their survival strategy this journey takes us back to the early 19th century when the understanding of inbreeding in nature was just beginning to unfold Charles Darwin the renowned naturalist was the first to observe the effects of inbreeding in plants and animals

Darwin’s experiments on self-fertilization in Plants led him to believe that marriage between near relatives could lead to reduced vitality and fertility the complexity of inbreeding becomes even more apparent when we delve into the world of endangered animals the plight of the Florida panther a majestic creature teetering on the brink of Extinction provides a glimpse into the intricate dance of genetics in the 19 only a few dozen of these Panthers roamed the Wilds of Florida with such a small population inbreeding

became unavoidable the result was a slew of genetic issues such as heart defects and kinked Tails threatening the survival of the species however nature in her infinite wisdom has a way of balancing the scales in 1995 in a bold conservation move Wildlife biologists introduced eight female Texas cougars into the Florida Panthers habitat this infusion of fresh genetic material or genetic rescue led to a significant increase in the panther population showcasing the potential of proactive interventions in the face of

inbreeding moving across the globe we encounter another example in the Galapagos Islands a place renowned for its unique biodiversity here the population of Galapagos Hawks isolated by the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean offers a lesson in inbreeding studies led by Patricia Parker a noted ornithologist discovered that these Hawks have been in breeding for Generations without apparent detriment in fact they seem to have developed mechanisms to purge deleterious alleles underscoring the fascinating adaptability of nature in the realm of

the tiny the world of insects provides a different perspective many insect species including ants and bees reproduce through a method called haplodiploidy in this system males develop from unfertilized eggs and are haploid carrying only a single set of chromosomes from their mothers this peculiar system of reproduction results in highly related sisters a form of inbreeding that contributes to the highly Cooperative societies observed in these species silent Echoes the genetic ripples in isolated human communities in the

isolated pockets of the world where human communities thrive in seclusion a unique Narrative of genetics and Heritage unfolds the story of inbreeding in such communities while steeped in Tradition and necessity also provides crucial insights into the dance of chromosomes and the implications of this intimate genetic ballet to understand this we must Journey Back to the 18th century to the remote and rugged landscape of Tristan de kunha an island in the South Atlantic its Discovery by the Portuguese explorer tristao de kunha in 1506 marked the

beginning of its fascinating history however it was not until 1816 that the British Navy formally settled the island to prevent French use during the Napoleonic Wars with the passage of time the Island’s population grew but remained largely cut off from the outside world leading to a tight-knit community with a limited pool of genetic diversity over Generations the population of Tristan de cunha now around 250 has become a Living testament to the implications of inbreeding in isolated communities the Islanders Bound by the

geographic constraints and historical circumstance have lived with the Specter of certain hereditary disorders such as retinitis Pigmentosa a type of progressive vision loss the Island community while vibrant and tenacious continues to Grapple with the consequences of a limited genetic pool illustrating the profound impact of inbreeding in such isolated communities yet it’s not only geographic isolation that can lead to inbreeding a different form of isolation cultural isolation can have similar effects the history of the

fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a religious group based in North America provides a stark example of this the flds which practices polygamy and values large families has been largely isolated from mainstream Society due to their beliefs in the late 20th century leaders like Warren Jeffs steered the flds further into seclusion leading to a situation where a significant proportion of the community could trace their lineage back to a handful of ancestors this resulted in a higher incidence of rare genetic

disorders such as fumarase deficiency a severe neurological condition despite the challenges the community remains tightly knit demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity their story underscores the complex interplay between culture genetics and inbreeding the genetic Guardians modern tools shielding us from inbreeding as the curtain of the 21st century Rose a new era of genetic understanding dawned this period often hailed as the genomic era has bestowed us with powerful tools to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of our DNA

equipping us with the means to avoid the pitfalls of inbreeding one Might Recall the momentous occasion in 2003 when the Human Genome Project was completed an international Endeavor that sequenced the entire Human Genome this Landmark achievement was akin to charting a detailed map of our genetic blueprint it gave us the ability to pinpoint potential genetic ailments and paved the way for personalized medicine forever changing our approach to health and disease this newfound genetic knowledge has proven invaluable in preventing the

consequences of inbreeding in particular genetic testing and counseling have emerged as key tools genetic testing a process that analyzes a person’s DNA for changes or mutations provides a window into one’s genetic makeup enabling us to predict and prevent adverse Health outcomes notably it can identify carriers of recessive genes that if paired through inbreeding could result in serious health issues in their offspring a poignant example of genetic testing in action is the door yeshurim program started in the early 1980s by

Rabbi Joseph Eckstein in Brooklyn New York having lost four children to Tay Sachs disease a rare and fatal genetic disorder common in Ashkenazi Jews Eckstein aimed to prevent similar tragedies within his community through confidential genetic screening and a matching service for potential couples the program has significantly reduced the occurrence of Tay Sachs and other genetic diseases demonstrating the power of genetic testing in combating the effects of inbreeding alongside genetic testing genetic counseling plays

a pivotal role genetic counselors akin to lighthouses guiding ships through treacherous Waters help individuals and families understand and adapt to the implications of genetic disorders they can assess the risk of a couple having a child with a genetic condition and provide guidance on how to manage these risks one of the early Pioneers in this field was Sheldon Reed who coined the term genetic counseling in the 1940s Reed’s work at the diet Institute for human genetics in Minneapolis laid the groundwork for the profession his

philosophy was that genetic counseling should Empower individuals to make informed decisions about their genetic Health a principle that remains at the heart of the profession today the Advent of these genetic tools is not just a scientific Triumph but a Beacon of Hope for those grappling with the Specter of inbreeding through genetic testing and counseling we have been given a powerful Shield against the potential adversities of inbreeding these tools illuminate the shadows of our genetic makeup enabling us to tread more confidently through the

intricate dance of inheritance how laws shape the landscape of inbreeding as we navigate the Labyrinth of Human Relationships we often find ourselves Bound by a variety of invisible threads one such thread is the law a complex tapestry woven with the fibers of societal Norms ethics and the principles of health and well-being it is within this tapestry that the rules and regulations pertaining to inbreeding are intricately stitched in many parts of the world laws prohibit close relatives from entering into marital

unions primarily due to the risk of adverse genetic outcomes the United States for instance has a complex Patchwork of laws that vary from state to state in some states like Rhode Island and New Jersey marriage between first cousins is permissible While others like Texas and Arizona strictly prohibited this Patchwork reflects an ongoing debate about personal freedoms versus Public Health a stark contrast to the U.

S is found in the laws of South Korea until 1997 the country had an age-old law known as the same surname and same origin Clause it prohibited marriage between individuals with the same surname and ancestral home regardless of their degree of relatedness while initially designed to prevent inbreeding the law eventually came under scrutiny due to its restrictive nature and after much societal debate was abolished one cannot delve into this subject without mentioning the historic legal case of the haldane sisters in

England in 1935 Helen spurway wife of famed geneticist JBS haldane and her sister Naomi mitcherson found themselves in a peculiar situation both women carried a gene for a condition called night blindness and wanted to ensure they did not pass it on to their children this led them to test a legal boundary asking if they could marry the same man assuming he did not carry the gene the case widely covered by the media triggered a profound discussion on genetics inbreeding and the law though the sisters never went through

with their plan the case served as a catalyst for conversations on genetic disorders and inheritance as we cross the Atlantic we find Brazil a country that has taken a unique approach to combat in breeding in the isolated community of canudos where consanguineous marriages were common health officials introduced a program known as programmer Saud de Familia or family health program rather than using legal measures the program used education about genetic risks to reduce inbreeding by 2005 a significant decline in such marriages

was observed demonstrating the potential of Education as an alternative to Legal constraints Echoes of the past unraveling the tapestry of genetic disorders in inbred populations in the mysterious Labyrinth of human genetics certain patterns have emerged over the centuries linking the threads of our past to the health outcomes of today in populations with high levels of inbreeding this pattern has manifested itself in a heightened prevalence of particular genetic disorders one such disorder is cystic fibrosis the most

common life-threatening genetic disease among people of European descent first identified as a unique Disease by Dr Dorothy Anderson in 1938 It is believed to have originated around 3000 BC in the Fertile Crescent it’s thought that carriers of the cystic fibrosis Gene had a survival Advantage during cholera outbreaks because they were less likely to lose vital body fluids in today’s world however the disease leads to severe respiratory and digestive problems in the Middle East another genetic disorder known as thalassemia presents a

similar Tale characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin thalassemia was once a survival trait against malaria much like sickle cell anemia in Africa today in the absence of malaria thalassemia has become a burden historical records indicate that it has been prevalent in the region for centuries an ancient Greek text by Hippocrates describes a condition strikingly similar to thalassemia highlighting the disease’s Deep historical Roots the isolation of Island communities has also led to the prevalence of unique genetic disorders

on the island of pingalap in the Pacific Ocean a significant percentage of the population suffers from a condition known as complete acromatopsia which results in total color blindness this condition can be traced back to a typhoon in 1775 which left only 20 survivors one of whom was a carrier of the achromatopsia gene as the Island’s population Grew From these survivors the gene became widespread while these conditions present significant challenges modern science has brought hope the Advent of gene therapy a

technique that introduces removes or changes genetic material has opened new avenues for treatment in 2017 the FDA approved the first gene therapy for a genetic disease a form of inherited blindness the work of pioneers like Dr James Wilson and Dr Jean Bennett has illuminated a path towards the treatment of other genetic conditions and Gene therapies for cystic fibrosis and thalassemia are currently in clinical trials prevention strategies have also been developed such as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis in this technique

embryos created through in vitro fertilization are tested for genetic disorders before being implanted it offers families at risk of passing on a genetic disorder the chance to have a child without that disorder the delicate dance of diversity inbreeding challenges in zoos and conservation programs within the sprawling Landscapes of zoos and the meticulous planning of conservation programs there lies an intricate often underappreciated dance the careful management of breeding practices to curtail inbreeding and promote genetic

diversity among closely related animal species one of the most notable examples dates back to 1981 when the American Association of zoos and Aquariums launched the species survival plan the plan came into existence as a response to the rapidly declining population of lowland gorillas under the SSP a meticulous breeding program was implemented that paired individual guerrillas based on their genetic makeup intending to ensure genetic variability within the population the program a blend of Science and careful observation has since been

replicated for various other species highlighting the critical role that these institutions play in Wildlife Conservation while the SSP has witnessed success the challenges faced by zoos and conservation programs are manifold a compelling example can be found in the story of the Florida panther by the mid 1990s the Florida panther population was down to a mere 20 30 individuals and signs of inbreeding were alarmingly evident the Panthers were plagued by heart defects kinked tails and low sperm count painting a grim picture for their

survival in an unprecedented move eight female Pumas from Texas were introduced to the Florida habitat in 1995. the result was a revitalization of the panther population underscoring the impact of external genetic contribution conservation programs worldwide have adopted similar strategies in the volcanic slopes of the Galapagos Islands the giant tortoise restoration initiative led by the Galapagos National Park Service and the Galapagos Conservancy has been grappling with the issue of inbreeding they’ve developed a

genetic matchmaking program essentially creating a lineage with diverse genetic backgrounds to secure the species future yet in the words of famed conservationist Gerald Durrell saving a species is a long-term business the challenge lies not only in managing inbreeding but also in ensuring the survival of these species in their natural habitats this was particularly evident in the case of the California condor despite successful captive breeding programs that have increased their numbers the reintroduction of these

birds into the wild presents a whole new set of challenges including habitat loss and lead poisoning interwoven Bloodlines portrayals of inbreeding in the realm of fiction and media from the quills of storytellers to the lenses of filmmakers the topic of inbreeding has found a curious niche in the realm of fiction and media one of the most compelling depictions of this theme can be traced to the land of Westeros in George R.

R Martin’s Game of Thrones introduced to readers in 1996 and later adapted into an HBO television series in 2011 the Lannister family serves as a fascinating study of aristocratic inbreeding Cersei and Jaime Lannister twins born into one of the most powerful families in the Seven Kingdoms maintain a clandestine relationship from their youth this intricate relationship defying societal Norms leads to the birth of three children all of whom wear the crown at some point thus perpetuating their lineage their story is a complex tapestry of

power lineage and a deeply ingrained belief in the purity of their bloodline Martin’s portrayal of the Lannister twins offers a nuanced exploration of how inbreeding while considered a taboo can be born out of a distorted understanding of familial love and Duty transitioning from the realm of fantasy let’s tread the line of History through the lens of media the crown a Netflix original series that debuted in 2016 offers an intricate portrayal of the British royal family occasionally touching upon the topic of

intermarriage within Royal houses a historical drama that delves into the reign of Queen Elizabeth II it subtly highlights the implications of maintaining the Blue Blood of the monarchy however it is in its nuanced portrayal of the relationships and struggles within the Royal household that the series subtly addresses the complexities associated with maintaining a Royal bloodline another fascinating representation in media is the Spanish film The nameless released in 1999.

 the movie centers around a secret society indulging in inbreeding to create a new pure lineage this portrayal underlines the Sinister potential of inbreeding when misconstrued ideologies dictate societal norms the Japanese Manga and Anime series koi Kaza released in 2001 also takes on this delicate topic The Narrative revolves around a romantic relationship between a brother and sister separated for years and unknowingly reunited the series doesn’t shy away from the societal and emotional implications of their bond creating a platform for viewers to

question societal norms and familial bonds as we draw the curtains on this intriguing Journey Through the intricate tapestry of inbreeding and its genetic implications we are reminded of the delicate dance of Nature and nurture and the profound ways our histories have been sculpted by the genes of our ancestors in the wise words of the renowned British geneticist JBS haldane the universe is not only queerer than we suppose but queerer than we can suppose as we’ve seen from the quiet island of pingalap to the vibrant Landscapes of

the Middle East the quirks of our genetic Heritage can often be as surprising as they are impactful yet as we stand on the threshold of a new era an era illuminated by the rapid advancements in genetic science we’re handed a potent tool set to rewrite some of the old narratives we have the power to not just understand our past but to also shape our future to ensure the dance continues but with a rhythm that sings the tunes of health and prosperity for all until next time remember that every strand of DNA tells a story and every

story is a part of us embrace the mystery the Beauty and the lessons they hold after all as Charles Darwin put it the mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic our journey of Discovery continues