“But until now human genes were an almost complete mystery. We will be the first generation to penetrate that mystery. We stand on the brink of great new answers but, even more, of great new questions.”
In the essays, Ridley charts the scientific progress made before, during, and after the discovery of DNA. Through this, he highlights the mystery of DNA from the perspective of the scientific community not knowing its existence to understanding its magnitude. With the discovery of the genome, Ridley acknowledges the oversimplification of the science of DNA by key players, in that scientists and policymakers incorporate the knowledge on DNA in over-simplified ways that may cause severe risks. By critiquing the Human Genome Project Ridley asserts that there are more questions to be answered about DNA than the answers already found.
“Ecology, like genetics, is not about equilibrium states. It is about change, change and change. Nothing stays the same forever.”
Ridley splits the book into chapters to delve into each chromosome of the genome to highlight the complexity of DNA. In the same way, he expounds on each chromosome he illustrates that their mechanism as a unit is much more multifaceted. Ridley affirms that understanding DNA is a never-ending journey because it changes over and over in the same way as ecological systems. DNA evolves and changes through both nature and nurture with variables such as procreation and data transference that birth new combinations. He critiques the idea of one universal genome because organisms change and evolve constantly hence their genetics.
“Life is a slippery thing to define, but it consists of two very different skills: the ability to replicate, and the ability to create order.”
Ridley affirms the future of genetic engineering and eugenics but emphasizes the balance between scientific progress and order. He argues that there is a thin line between the advancement of eugenics and its misuse due to oversimplifying the mechanism behind DNA encoding, but he acknowledges that it is a slippery slope that can cross ethical bounds and even go so far into chaotic or sinister endeavors. While scientific progress is inevitable, he cautions on an oversimplification of this branch of science by policymakers. However, he also has hope that the projects engaging in genetic engineering can offer positive solutions to diseases and social problems.
