Free Speech Friday: Harvey Fineberg: Are we ready for neo-evolution? (via Writing Success Program at UCLA)

The Third Choice – I think that would be a great name for a book on the subject. The third choice of mankind being taking control of our own evolution: neo-evolution.  We will take charge of our own evolution. It is inevitable. Probably, the United States, as it gradually  becomes an intellectual and scientific backwater, will pass legislation forbidding that kind of science. In a nation where science is continually overrode by religious zealots challenging evolution or attacked by industry front groups as if scientists were some kind of rationalist cult, you can expect to wind up as thoroughly second rate in the sciences.

But it will be done. it will be a pity that new form of humanity will be Polish, Chinese, Ukranian, but not American. But we can watch and fear as they race past us.

James Pilant

About this talk: Medical ethicist Harvey Fineberg shows us three paths forward for the ever-evolving human species: to stop evolving completely, to evolve naturally — or to control the next steps of human evolution, using genetic modification, to make ourselves smarter, faster, better. Neo-evolution is within our grasp. What will we do with it? As I browsed the front page of TED.com this morning, the nerd inside of me immediately h … Read More

via Writing Success Program at UCLA