Are You Ready for the Genetic Revolution? | Jamie Metzl | TEDxPaloAlto

The future arrived last year: In 2018, a Chinese scientist genetically modified twin babies to be genetically superior. In February 2019, the World Health Organization expert advisory committee, developing global standards for the governance and oversight of human genome editing, appointed Jamie Metzl, a leading technology futurist, geopolitical expert and sci-fi novelist.

Metzl has been changing the dialogue around human genome editing and using the medium of sci-fi thrillers to bring it to a wide audience. His published work includes history books examining the western response to human rights abuses during the Cambodian genocide, historical novel The Depths of the Sea, sci-fi thrillers Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata and his latest book Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity, to be released April 23, 2019.

Metzl has served in the US National Security Council, State Department, Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as Executive Vice President of the Asia Society and with the United Nations in Cambodia. He appears regularly in national and international media discussing global issues. His syndicated columns and writing on Asian affairs, genetics and virtual reality are featured regularly in publications around the world. An avid ironman triathlete, ultra-marathoner, former White House Fellow and Aspen Institute Crown Fellow, Metzl holds a Ph.D. in Asian history from Oxford, a JD from Harvard Law School, and is a Phi Beta Kappa Magna Cum Laude graduate of Brown University.

[LorettaEnigma]

The concept always starts out sounding good before it turns straight dystopian.

[curtisrefior]

Just because we CAN do something, doesn't mean we SHOULD do something.

[theelysiumtimes]

Read Metzl's book "Hacking Darwin!" I just finished it and he delves into all of these ideas in much more detail. We're living in what will be defined, as he calls it, the "Genetic Revolution." That's pretty amazing, if you think about it. It really is absurd that we're preoccupying ourselves with any other kinds of news, as he alludes to in his intro, like what celebrity is marrying who.

Indeed, Metzl, Church and Sinclair are going to be looked back on like the Newtons, Galilleos, and Voltaires of the 20th century.

I strongly encourage everyone else to watch lectures and interviews with David Sinclair and George Church. I think in a few of the panel discussions, these three compadres are all guests together, or at least two of them.

Great Talk! Thanks, TED!

[kojosmith]

Someone make an ethical argument against this without using the word god. I’m open to hearing why we shouldn’t be altering human DNA. I personally think we are ethically obligated to future generations to give them the best genetic outcome. Change my mind.

[zadovell]

"Imagine all the crazy things humans went to war over in our history.
Is this another one?
*clears throat*
I don't know."
That part gave me chills this man knows what's up.

[proctoscopefilms]

He talks about everyone having a seat at the table. What if he gets them all together and they all say no, no matter how much he tries to convince them ? Will he do what he can to stop this or will he throw his hands up and say "this is the future whether you like it or not."

Maybe I'm being too judgemental, but I see him wanting to persuade than actually listen to others concerns.

[carlosjorgerochaoliveira]

Ethical questions are fundamental. Without them we will act as gods.

[ethanrivera]

The fact that this video has less than 6k views. Makes me lose faith in humanity.

[artjohngumarao]

Cite the pros and cons of genetic engineering.
2. How important is genetic engineering when it comes to human healthcare?
3. What is a genetic revolution? Cite at least 3 evidence.
4. Explain the importance of CRISPR.

[jessicadormi]

We all know that we can get these diseases and sicknesses but we don’t change our daily habits anyways. We like being comfortable and choosing genetic traits is the perfect comfort zone. They can make us perfect but if habits are not in place at home, then we can still get obese, diabetic, etc. we end up with some of the same problems. It always comes back to lack of exercise, diet, and diligence (for intelligence). I think rich people would be more convinced because of the perfect physical appearance their babies will receive. (Rather than “health”)

[SuperTonyony]

I hope they don't genetically engineer talking cats. They're already sassy enough.

[dinomiles]

Bryan Johnson Blueprint, Ai will soon take the guess work out of it and all gurus and snake oil salesmen will soon be gone. See you in 2500. Eyes mind heart and soul wide open. NO FEAR !

[chevytothelevy]

This new tech is inevitable. The amount of disease and suffering that will be eliminated will be almost unbelievable. This should be a relatively affordable process. Maybe even something that can (and is) possible in a home lab.
The question for me is, how much will it cost? In other words, who will have access?

[debasishborthakur]

Please All the Scientists break the barrier of religion.. Do something good for the mankind.. The world is waiting for your success..

[AdreanRoberts]

This sounds great, but I don't think it will happen in our lifetime

[MaisyDaisy]

Absolutely fantastic TED Talk! Thank you so much for posting!

[analysteseses]

This was a great ted talk but I still think that we as a humans have already broken through and it is kind of hidden because of the ethicality that will eventually come against it from mostly people with beliefs. In the concept of “playing god”

[dinomiles]

Watson and Cricket ( LOL). Have been proven wrong .

[tombrinker]

I REALLY liked your lecture man!! Both practical and mind enriching! Thank you so much

[vivianoosthuizen]

Is this how we got to Covid19 and now the money making vaccines for it. Who gave you guys the right to do this work