The Future Shape Of Us
Even
though this is a music site please allow me to digress…
What do you think will the future shape of humans be 500 years from now?
Considering gene technology and gene therapy will likely be commercially available
as part of our mainstream lifestyle, how will that reflect in our physical
form? I would assume that the ageing gene would be the most commercially exploited.
Initially cloaked in the respectable dress of health care, this aspect really
caters to human vanity. Ageing and its inevitable consequence is one of our
greatest fears, and has been the one thing that was always beyond our control.
With new gene technology, will an average lifespan of 200 years be possible?
Life expectancy has steadily increased over time, but with recent advances
in biotechnology, it is not inconceivable that this dramatic extension of
human life will be within our grasp.
If this technology is introduced into our world, will we eventually separate
into two distinct races? Those who choose to use gene therapy and those who
don’t, most likely because they can’t afford it? Will the affluent
look incredibly beautiful, strong, young, intelligent and virtually free of
disease due to their improved gene pool and will the poor become genetic underdogs?
Will there be accidents and anomalies along the way before the technology
is perfected? When will it be considered truly “safe”, and by
who’s definition?
If you have any thoughts about these questions, feel free to send me an email.
I want to include them on the album sleeve. If you have any theories about
the future shape of other things, please divulge.