Dana Payne

Seminar in Composition

Dr. Adam Johns

10/7/08

Ever since the recorded beginnings of mankind, progress has been a natural, unending process.  Goals have been achieved that once seemed impossible.  What goals exist for us now that we have developed into such an advanced species?  The lack of a destination is what strikes dismay into those like Bill McKibben and Edward Abbey, who stated, “Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.”  To aimlessly develop is asking for chaos.  In Bill McKibben’s “Enough”, he provides evidence that he essentially agrees with this quote, however, because of the flaws which radiate throughout mankind, growth of any kind will lead to the posthuman society  which he so fervently dreads, even if it does have some goal.  With my views on many things being unbelievably similar to McKibben’s, I agree with him.  Although I find his ideas correct, I will add my own cynical point of view, with which I do not believe he would agree.

Bill McKibben best portrays his opinion of this quote when he tells the anecdote concerning his dear childhood friend, Kathy.  According to McKibben, she was “one of the happiest and kindest people I’ve ever known, the sort of person who makes everyone around her happier and kinder” (132).  Kathy suffered from cystic fibrosis.  He goes on to discuss that scientists were already trying to use somatic gene therapy in order to weaken the disease, but wonders if they should take it a step further.  Germline engineering could have completely eradicated the disease, but McKibben wonders, at what cost?  He believes that once we develop this advanced germline engineering, the borders between medical aid and enhancement will become blurred.  We will not be able to stop ourselves once the progress has been made.  Although McKibben would not want Kathy to be saved at the price of her inborn characteristics, he rejoices that there now exists the technology to screen for the diseases while a baby is still in its embryo stage.  

Earlier in the book, McKibben begins discussing germline engineering.  He describes it as modifying an embryo’s genes and replacing it into the womb of a woman.    The possibilities for such a treatment are endless.  A mother could make it so the color of her child’s hair was her favorite color.  The horrors of such a procedure become relevant early in the book.  Although he dismays at the thought of germline engineering, Bill McKibben believes that somatic engineering is perfectly acceptable.  However, “germline genetic engineering is power of another order of magnitude--a warp drive...” (11).  Once germline engineering begins, it will be unstoppable.  “It will break us free from the bounds of our past and present and send us winging off into parts unknown” (11).  One reason it will be unstoppable is that technology necessitates more technology.  Cloning will become necessary because of the low success rate of altering genes.  

McKibben has made it apparent that he believes we have had “enough.”  Somatic gene therapy should be where we draw the line, according to him.  I also believe that we have had enough, however, the nature of humankind will not allow us to simply admit we have had enough.  I view technological progress like the advent of germline engineering as a sort of impending doom.  Why can we not stop here and say this is good enough for us?  Because people are not okay, which is in opposition to what McKibben says:  “People are okay.  I’m okay.  You’re okay.”  I simply do not agree with this.  Humans will never be able to say, “enough.”  People are selfish.  They will take whatever they can get to make their lives better, even if they do not need it.  People are greedy.  All they want is more and more.  People are lazy.  If there is some kind of computer chip that people can implant into their brains to change the television channel rather than having to exert the effort required to move a finger, they will gladly place a mini computer into their sensitive brains.  The best example that came to mind was in one of the greatest pieces of literary fiction of our time:  “Watchmen.”  With the accidental creation of the superhuman, Dr. Manhattan, technology advanced at an alarming rate.  A cold war of technology began between nations.  And what did the people do?  Like spoiled children, they took advantage of everything he had to offer without a thought concerning the ethics of such progress.  In a conversation with Dr. Manhattan, another character, Adrian Veidt, states that their progress is made possible by Dr. Manhattan, continuing, “...with your help our scientists are limited only by their imaginations.”  Dr. Manhattan responds, “And by their consciences, surely?”  Adrian Veidt’s only response is a sad and knowing, “Let’s hope so” (Moore 21).  I believe that the inherent greed, selfishness, and laziness of mankind will overcome their consciences like in the graphic novel, “Watchmen,” in which mankind demanded like a spoiled child, “More!  More!”  

McKibben agrees with Edward Abbey’s quote in essence, but frankly growth of any kind would lead to growth for the sake of growth at this point.  Although, he believes that mankind has the capacity to say, “enough.”  I do not.  People lack the maturity to look around them and appreciate what is already there without desiring more.