Let’s take a moment to look into the future.
Soon enough we will have the technology to alter our genes, and very accurately I might add. On top of that, we will be able to select the genetic traits of our offspring. Whether this happens in 10 years or 100 years doesn’t matter - it’s as inevitable as the iPhone once was. This brings into question the very essence of humanity. What does it mean to be human?
If you’re a student of history, you’ll know that as a race we humans will take everything and anything as far as we possibly can, no matter the ethics or environmental/social considerations. We destroy our planet in the name of commerce and destroy our minds in the name of technology, without much thought. In terms of of gene engineering, we will surely do the same. We will do everything we can to play God, and we will alter our offspring to be as genetically perfect as possible. In time, everyone will be an Ubermensch. As crazy as Nietzsche was, he sure knew how to predict the future.
I’m not going to go into the chaos this will bring to our race, namely in the form of racial, class and ethical divides. I just want to imagine the end result. What will humanity be if everyone is perfect?
Call me old fashioned, but I think by that time, we will no longer be able to call ourselves human. The beauty of humanity is the brokenness. The beauty of the individual is the unique way he or she is broken. It is both the blessing and the curse, very much on par with death itself. Yes, we will always strive to reach God, but what’s after that? Will we ever be satisfied with our fate?
Today, think about all the things that make you imperfect. Are you able to find the silver lining in them? Enjoy your idiosyncrasies - future generations might not be so lucky. A Brave New World may be on its way, but that only makes our time so much more precious. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but here’s a quote from Tyra Banks:
Perfect is boring, human is beautiful.
She’s damn right about that.