Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity

There are few more important contemporary topics than the potential of genetic engineering to change the course of evolution on earth. Beyond the hype and exaggeration one encounters in the mass media, the ability to write, edit and delete DNA does have planet changing implications.Hacking Darwin begins promisingly as an effort to communicate the science and ethics of bio-engineering to a wider audience. The author has toured the country speaking to young adults about the topic, has written several novels exploring the theme and served prominently in science related posts in Democratic administrations. It seems like the book has the potential to bring some sense of urgency and gravitas to an issue with more potential ramifications than whether Democrats or Republicans win the next election.But the author only does a cursory job of explaining the science of in vitro fertilization, cloning and CRISPR. Instead he devotes most of the book to more or less overtly trying to spread his own ideas about potential ethical ramifications.Thus, we learn that technological advances that cause more good than harm are morally acceptable. There is no effort to even dialogue with religious/ethical traditions that approach morality from a non-utilitarian/consequentialist framework.We also learn that enhancing intelligence, even to a super-human level, is morally equivalent to preventing your child from a severe genetic defect. Again, the author opines that regimes that try to prohibit genetic engineering will become authoritarian police states controlling the reproductive lives of their citizens.It’s not that I resent the author’s right to have strong opinions it’s that the book could have been so much more. He could have gone beyond the N.Y. Times level of science reporting and given his readers a real understanding of the subject. He could have engaged many sources of reflection on genetic engineering’s potential instead of just his own. Even his attempt to quote the Bible fails. He tries to cite Judaism’s stance by quoting from Genesis when he is actually quoting from the Talmud.Genetic Engineering will revolutionize the world. So will artificial intelligence. But there is no need for another rehashing of popular science followed by one person’s rather pedantic opinions. Perhaps young people entering college will be engaged by a book that asks these questions (as presumably the author engages audiences when he gives speaking tours) but it is not a serious contribution to a very serious subject. Not recommended.

I read Mr Metzl's book, 'Eternal Sonata' and really enjoyed it for the sci-fi angle involving genetics and intrigue. I figured I would give this a go even though he clearly had atheistic views and went so far as to refer to God as 'oh thank dog' in the book. I'm a scientist that worked on the Human Genome project and also did early research on HIV vaccines in the 90's. I'm also a Christian.Mr. Metzl believes most scientists are atheists and that the godfather of evolution, Darwin, is indeed correct in his assumptions that humans evolved from mud and developed complex organs such as the eye and brain. His reasoning is that over a billion years, 'Life finds a way.' Most scientists, from agnostic to Christian will at least concede at this point that there is intelligent design behind our complex bodies. We did not evolve by chance and I find it very difficult to take anything seriously from evolutionary atheists. The math and probabilities of something like the eye developing over a few billion years is laughable...hey but life finds a way, right? I do believe that all species of animals can and do micro-evolve based on environments and stressors.Looking past the ridiculous assumptions that we came from single cells, the rest of the book tells us that in the future we will be shunned for having children of chance. Those that choose not to select a perfect fetus and dispose (or abort for those that believe conception starts at fertilization) of the remainder of the imperfect matches, will be considered modern day pariahs. We will lose health coverage by default for having children of chance and not preventing disease that might cost an insurance company some coin.The book raises the obvious moral and ethical concerns, but presents the outcomes from a narrow perspective. The author is convinced this is around the corner, the tech is there and so forth. I get it, but I'm not buying all of it. I will stick to his fiction...

This is a terrific book. By the time I got to Chapter 3, I was ready to have a dinner party with all of my grown children and to read this chapter to them. I can almost imagine them weighing in on how they would go about making these genetic decisions and what their criteria would be. There is a mythical father-to-be in the book who weighs each of his decisions against his own value system, the mores of his parent's generation and those of his future offspring. It provides a great opportunity for self reflection in a new time. it is filled with all the evolving scientific information that is or will soon be needed to make those decisions.

Very informative with up to date information. Clearly this is one of the few ways that will enable us to break free from the limits and purpose of primitive biological evolution. That this will produce greatly enhanced and even new species of humans is to be welcomed.

An excellent account of the research being undertaken, and the benefits and possible negative consequences of the speedy progress being made in this important field of research. Research that relies heavily on artificial intelligence to crunch the huge amount of statistics involved. Written with insight and humour by someone who has studied the material, which is comprehensive and prolific, with thoughtful comments on good and bad consequences that may arise as progress is made.

I liked it VERY much in fact I have just finished reading it for the second time.A fascinating subject and well written.Highly Recommend

Nothing great. More of a story than anything. Would recommend for those who have very little knowledge on the subject (genetics and gene tech)

enjoyable and fascinating