Compatible with the genetic data of the living world and with the happiness of the individual

The doctrine of cultural relativism, which has occupied a great deal of place in anthropology of the past century, is not scientifically founded. It holds more of an ideology that would give man complete freedom of conduct, and neglects the limits imposed by our genome.

A culture based on the use of alcohol causes damage. The peasant practices of sleeping babies by putting a tampon impregnated with water of life in their mouth had catastrophic consequences for psychic development. Alcoholism has done and continues to wreak havoc in our society. Similarly smoking, a source of cancer and cardiovascular disease with their countless tragedies. One cannot sweep the problem of a back of the hand, saying that any form of culture is good.

On the contrary, we must distinguish from one side all types of culture which correspond to our innate potential. In this case, we can speak of “progenetic cultures”. The constraints they impose will not have effet-pervers.

On the other hand, there may be some forms of cultures that are incompatible with our genetic data: those that subject our organisms or psyches to unbearable constraints, either physically or psychologically. A repressive culture, for example imposing too strict sexual prohibitions, has the effect of endemic neurosis, thus a disorder of psychic functioning. A culture that conveys a toxic culinary tradition, such as frying and roasting, has disastrous health effects.

It is true that the human being is much more adaptable than the animal, it can be done in all kinds of new situations. But this does not exclude painful stick returns when these situations exceed his ability to adapt.