Due for the most part to my genetic makeup, I do not claim to have a complete grasp of the complexities of the current body of genetic research. However, I think that I have been able to obtain an above average understanding of the important role our genes have in almost everything basic to our existence.
For example, take into consideration that the manipulation of the tiniest of portions of a person's genes could turn the dullest among us into a brilliant mind on the order of an Einstein. Or change another infinitesimal area and the deepest of depressive personalities instantly becomes the happy go lucky soul.
As of now it is looked down upon to go messing with people's genes. But in the future, it will most likely be commonplace for parents to select good traits they would like for their children or select away harmful genes. The sooner we get over the hang-ups about "playing God", the sooner we can minimize, if not eradicate suffering in the world.
It is the same inferior genetics that can delay that progress in that those draconian beliefs in the need to suffer is partially at fault for holding back genetic research. It is most sure that some day this will be looked back at as a time of complete barbarism in relation to these concepts.
So, the next time you would like to blame the homeless bum in the street for his or her lot in life, remember, that could be you with the most minor of genetic alterations. All of the sudden, the common "blame the victim" mentality takes on a whole new meaning. Where am I going with all of this? Heck if I know. I think my genetic makeup has led me to a dead end. But hey, that gives you something to think about, doesn't it?
I think the hangup of "playing God" is not in the concept but in the extent. I would agree and venture to say, that most people would wholeheartedly agree that altering genes to eliminate disease and despair would be a miraculous thing. I don't believe altering genes to develop only good traits is something that should be "messed" with. Who is to decide between good and bad? Unfortunately, it seems that our society can't be trusted to maintain control, therefore the implications to where gene manipulation might lead is a very frightening concept.
ReplyDeleteWell, I understand where you're coming from. However, the good traits I would be in favor of would include those that eliminate disease and despair. So, we may be more in agreement than not. Of course there actually are some traits that would most likely be universally viewed as good or bad by reasonable folks. Examples could be some extreme traits that would manifest themselves in sociopathic type behaviors such as the lack of compassion or unbridled violent tendencies.
ReplyDeletePoint well taken, but unless there is a guarantee that "reasonable folks" and not "sociopaths" are making the choices of good and bad traits, I'm not quite sure it's worth the risk. As far as I can see, we're becoming overrun by "sociopaths" as it is! :)
ReplyDeleteYes Diane, you are so right. Those running the show, the ultimate control freaks, are most certainly a greedy, self serving lot who are totally lacking in any human compassion whatsoever. Its up to relatively small group of mesengers like us to keep getting the word out in order to facilitate the paradigm shift, of which we are fast approaching. That is our only hope. Thank you for your important work.
ReplyDelete