Genetics and Human Nature

Genomic, reproductive, and pharmacogenetic technologies can present a challenge to our traditions of religion, philosophy, and politics. Increasingly, it seems that every aspect of our humanity may be “treatable” on a molecular level. If every aspect of our humanity can be controlled, will we create a Brave New World? Or will we give individuals superhuman abilities, such as ultraviolet vision or supercomputer brains? Who will have access—will the rich buy the best genes?

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley (1932)
Huxley’s classic dystopia proposes what would happen if society decided to manufacture humans the way we manufacture cars—by mass production. Humans are cloned in different “models,” different castes that perform different functions. Embryos are manipulated not only by genetics but also by chemical treatments to limit the function of worker castes and elevate the function of Alphas. Perfect genetics and pharmacology keep people alive until age sixty, when they accept euthanasia.

Discussion Questions
1. The goal of society in Brave New World is to improve human existence by altering our genes. What happens as a result? Do you think Huxley is right, or is he overly pessimistic? Should we consider engineering humans today—for example, to eliminate obesity or to increase intelligence? The April 2000 issue of Scientific American featured the article “Building a Brainier Mouse” If we can make a smarter mouse, why not smarter people?

2. Huxley perceptively observes that genetics alone does not determine the fate of an embryo; development depends upon environmental chemicals. Might we be able to control human function at the molecular level, as Huxley proposes?

3. Was Huxley right that genetic and chemical manipulation will lead to cheapening of human emotions? Will negative emotions be considered something to “cure” with Prozac or future drugs? Was he right that in vitro conception of children leads to depersonalization?

4. Have advances in medical care led to increasing demands for euthanasia? Might some of the medical advances promised by genomics and proteomics cause people to seek to end their own lives? Consider, for example, our growing ability to identify genetic defects without cure.

Gattaca, directed by Andrew Niccol (1997)
This film presents a DNA-based Brave New World. All children are supposed to be made by genetic engineers who pick out the “best” genes from either parent. Each person’s position in life is based on his or her DNA. But one individual, Vincent, born with DNA that predicts his early death of heart failure, defies the system. Vincent fakes his genetic identity, using the DNA of a disabled athlete in order get a position as an astronaut for a space mission to Titan.

Discussion Questions
1. Should medical insurers and employers be allowed to judge people on the basis of their DNA rather than their demonstrated ability? What if DNA predicts a condition that might pose a significant risk to fellow employees?

2. Vincent engages in swimming competitions with his brother, who was conceived with the proper technology and received the “right” genes. In the end, Vincent outswims his brother, who is forced to turn back first. What does this say about the role of genes and character? Why does Vincent risk his life in this way? Can the swimming competition be seen as a metaphor for the mode of evolution illustrated by the lemmings in Vonnegut’s Galapagos?

3. A possibility not addressed in Gattaca is that of gene manipulation in adults, either by gene therapy or by molecular interactions. If children could get their genes “corrected,” how would this change the world of Gattaca? Would some of the problems of this world be solved?

Brain Plague, by Joan Slonczewski (2000)
In the world of Brain Plague, medicine produces microscopic robots and engineered microbes that deliver health care directly to every human cell and provide superhuman abilities. But access to molecular medicine has led to a pervasive market economy. Any level of medicine, from health care in street clinics to procedures that ensure immortality, is available for a price. Those at the top ask, How “old” do I want to be for the next five centuries? Those at the bottom ask, Can I sell a kidney to get my brother new mitochondria? And all—rich or poor—can be seduced by “intelligent” microbial drugs with a price of their own.

If you cannot obtain a copy of this book, contact Joan Slonczewski at slonczewski@kenyon.edu (limited quantity available).

Discussion Questions
1. Today, living cells and molecular mechanisms, such as the transcription and translation apparatus of genes, are studied as models for miniaturized technology, or nanotechnology. In Brain Plague, how is nanotechnology used in machines and architecture? What advantages and disadvantages emerge?

2. In Brain Plague, nanotechnology is applied to medicine. Microscopic robots that swim within the blood stream deliver medical treatments. Can you imagine this technology being extended to the direct manipulation of genes or proteins?

3. Why is there such a huge gap between the medical care available to the poorest and the wealthiest citizens? Can you suggest any better ways to address this dilemma—either in Brain Plague or in our own society?

4. The story suggests that as molecular medicine becomes increasingly sophisticated, our pharmacology will make possible an astonishing extension of human abilities—such as the ability to perceive a wider range of colors, including ultraviolet and infrared, or the ability of the human brain to function as a supercomputer. This pharmacology, however, may provide ever-greater temptation for abuse (consider Ecstasy and Rohypnol). How do different characters try to balance the positive and negative possibilities? Which approach do you think works best?

5. How do the genetic worlds of Sterling’s Distraction and Slonczewski’s Brain Plague resemble Brave New World, and how do they differ? Which of the three futures (or which aspects of each) do you consider most likely for us?

© 2009 Howard Hughes Medical Institute. A philanthropy serving society through biomedical research and science education.
4000 Jones Bridge Road Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789 | (301) 215-8500 | e-mail: webmaster@hhmi.org