Hacking Darwin audiobook cover - Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity

Hacking Darwin

Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity

Jamie Metzl

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Technology & the FutureScience

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Hacking Darwin
Biology as Information Technology+
The Future of Reproduction+
Genetic Engineering+
The Genetic Arms Race+
Ethics & Society+
Regulation & Education+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
How did the discoveries of Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel complement each other to form the foundation of modern biology?
  • A. Darwin mapped the human genome, while Mendel discovered the double helix structure of DNA.
  • B. Darwin outlined the broad concept of evolution via natural selection, while Mendel discovered how biological traits are actually passed down as distinct units.
  • C. Darwin explained how traits are passed down independently, while Mendel theorized that all life shares a mutual ancestor.
  • D. Darwin proved that species evolve through genetic engineering, while Mendel proved that natural selection is a myth.
Question 2 of 8
Why are artificial intelligence and big-data analytics considered essential tools for the future of genomics?
  • A. They are required to physically extract DNA molecules from human cells.
  • B. They automatically inject CRISPR proteins into human embryos without human intervention.
  • C. They help scientists synthesize massive amounts of genomic data to identify patterns and understand complex traits involving multiple genes.
  • D. They are the primary reason the cost of genome sequencing dropped from $100 million to $700.
Question 3 of 8
What major shift in human behavior does the author predict will occur by around the year 2045?
  • A. Traditional sex will be entirely outlawed by international regulatory bodies.
  • B. In vitro fertilization (IVF) will surpass sex as humanity's primary method of reproduction.
  • C. All human reproduction will take place in synthetic wombs to prevent maternal mortality.
  • D. Gene-editing will allow natural reproduction to automatically filter out all hereditary diseases.
Question 4 of 8
What is the primary difference between embryo selection (using PGT) and advanced technologies like CRISPR?
  • A. Embryo selection allows parents to choose from existing genetic combinations, while CRISPR allows direct editing and manipulation of the genetic code.
  • B. Embryo selection is used only for complex traits like IQ, while CRISPR is used exclusively to determine gender.
  • C. Embryo selection is highly regulated globally, while CRISPR technology is currently completely unregulated.
  • D. Embryo selection requires artificial intelligence, whereas CRISPR is a completely manual biological process.
Question 5 of 8
How does the book illustrate the potential for deep ideological division regarding genetic engineering?
  • A. By showing that scientists universally support it while politicians universally oppose it.
  • B. By explaining that only wealthy nations will have access to the technology, leaving developing nations entirely opposed to it.
  • C. By contrasting the Orthodox Jewish community's embrace of genetic screening to eliminate Tay-Sachs with the Catholic Church's denunciation of embryo-selecting.
  • D. By pointing out that younger generations support gene editing while older generations only support embryo selection.
Question 6 of 8
According to the text, what is a primary driver that will likely force even reluctant nations to adopt genetic engineering?
  • A. A mandate from the United Nations requiring all countries to eliminate hereditary diseases.
  • B. The threat of an international genetic arms race and the fear of falling behind other nations in power, intelligence, and resilience.
  • C. The sudden emergence of a global pandemic that can only be cured through synthetic biology.
  • D. The complete eradication of traditional agricultural crops, requiring genetically modified humans to digest new synthetic foods.
Question 7 of 8
Why is the potential for a genetically engineered 'homogenous monoculture' considered a major existential threat to humanity?
  • A. It would make genome sequencing too expensive for the average person to afford.
  • B. It would cause a biological rejection of CRISPR technologies in future generations.
  • C. It would lead to the immediate extinction of natural plants and animals due to cross-contamination.
  • D. Interfering with evolutionary processes and eliminating diversity could accidentally kill off our species if future environmental demands change.
Question 8 of 8
What approach does the author recommend for handling the dangers of the genetic revolution, such as bioterrorism or ecosystem destruction?
  • A. Establishing national and international regulatory institutions, bioethics commissions, and robust public education programs.
  • B. A total global ban on all gene-editing research until the year 2050.
  • C. Relying solely on the free market, employers, and insurance companies to self-regulate genetic technologies.
  • D. Keeping all genetic research classified and restricted only to top-tier military scientists.

Hacking Darwin — Full Chapter Overview

Hacking Darwin Summary & Overview

Hacking Darwin (2019) argues that humanity is on the cusp of a future beyond natural selection with the help of assisted reproductive technologies that will enable us to hack our genetic makeup. By mapping the history of genetics, technology and the implications of genetic engineering, it advocates for an informed adoption of the genetic revolution and suggests how to approach its political and ethical challenges.

Who Should Listen to Hacking Darwin?

  • Prospective parents interested in advanced reproductive technologies
  • Futurists, technocrats and sci-fi enthusiasts
  • Students of ethics and biology

About the Author: Jamie Metzl

Jamie Metzl is a leading futurist, geopolitics expert, sci-fi novelist, entrepreneur and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. Appointed to the World Health Organization expert advisory committee in 2019, he develops global standards for the governance and oversight of human genome editing. Metzl has also served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department and Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He is also the author of the genetics sci-fi thrillers Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata.

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