Fertility

By the time I wrote In the Shadow of Humanity, my wife and I had been trying to conceive for 10 years. We went through many phases of “coping.” The experience defined an entire epoch of our life together.

The issues of “fertility,” “childbearing,” and “legacy”—while not the primary themes of the book—nevertheless make several appearances in the story. The manner in which we as society relate to these issues will continue to change as new technologies and lifestyles enter the picture. Since these issues also touch on some of our deepest values, we should try to prepare for the challenges and conflicts that will arise. This is where “imagination” comes in. “Imagination” mixed with sensitivity that comes from personal experience.

Each time the issue of “fertility / legacy” shows up in my book represents a different phase of my own personal psychological and emotional journey. It started with the simple uncertainty and sense of momentous loss that accompanies potential infertility, then progressed through explorations of medical treatments, followed by research into adoption. Finally, I realized that a “genetic” or a “family” legacy is not necessarily the most impactful kind of legacy to leave; if my writing could have a positive influence on others—maybe thousands of others?—perhaps that would be a legacy worth leaving.

In that spirit, I wrote the book.

Pretentious, I know. But writing a book is inherently pretentious, if you think about it.