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Releasing the Gene Genie |
| Section: NATURAL SCIENCE / ENGINEERING GENES |
| Author: Robert B. Eckhardt |
| Publication: The world & I online |
| Issue Date: 1/1/2000 |
| Size: 3,051 Words, 19,816 Characters |
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In traditional mythology, a genie is released from its bottle by the unwitting actions of a hapless human. The otherworldly spirit possesses vast powers that he exercises entirely without consideration of their consequences. Whether bane or benefit results from the powers depends on the wisdom of the human agent. For the gene genie of genetic engineering, however, another rub further compounds the one that loosed it in the first place: The human agency has passed from person to polity. We all are the collective inheritors of power over, and responsibilities for, the gene genie. Having been loosed, this genie will be commanded. Now we must ensure that the human voice of control will be one that resonates with strains of reason and wisdom rather than merely fear or greed.
The power to com...
. . .
...legislation increases in probability with the proximity of genetic engineering initiatives to our own species. The gene genie already knows how to implant our genes into salmon and sheep, with reverse transfers being equally possible technologically. But such manipulations raise fundamental questions about human existence. On these the genie is silent; he can act for us, but not think for us.
(806 of 19,816 characters)
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