Recognition, Cleavage, and Repair
Are we headed for a genetic arms race chasing mutant alleles? Or will we finally recognize in time that we need each other more than ever before
“The single greatest threat to the future of the species: the failure to recognize that we are all in this together.” Bill McKibben
After several dinners in Cambridge to discuss Singing Bridge and explore what resources may be available to invest in a caring community development project, it became clear investing in our neighbors is not in vogue, but one-upping each other is still considered cool. What is dominating conversations and clearly more exciting to investors is Chat-GBT and that genome engineered humans are no longer science fiction. Recognizing, cleaving, and repairing mutant alleles is deemed more valuable in our current society then investing in early childhood education (ECE) and training humans to care about their neighbors. CRISPR based in Cambridge is a revolutionary gene-editing tool that has the potential to cure genetic diseases and change the course of human evolution. The development of a gene-editing technique known as CRISPR has made it possible, even easy and inexpensive, for humans to create new life with made-to-order characteristics, from hair color to height to intelligence.
The Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children (MAAEYC) is also located in Cambridge, but rarely gets the kind of attention from the press to move hearts and minds. The basic premise of MAAEYC and their affiliates is that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to reach their full potential. Along with Headstart and others working tirelessly in the trenches these programs provide the foundation of a child's future, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
Studies have shown that early childhood education has numerous benefits, not just for the individual child, but for society as a whole. Children who receive high-quality early childhood education are more likely to graduate from high school, have better health outcomes and are less likely to be involved in criminal activity.
Investing in early childhood education also has economic benefits. Research has shown that every dollar invested in early childhood education results in a return on investment of seven dollars. That's because early childhood education not only sets children up for success, but it also contributes to a more productive and prosperous society.
In addition to the economic and societal benefits, early childhood education also has a positive impact on public health. Children who receive high-quality early childhood education are less likely to experience chronic health problems and are more likely to lead healthy lifestyles.
Now, I know what you're thinking, CRISPR has the potential to change the world and cure diseases, so why wouldn't we invest in it? But, let me ask you this, what good is CRISPR if we don't have a healthy, educated and thriving society to use it in? That's where early childhood education comes in. So I challenge us to think about matching every dollar we spend on genomics to invest in ECE — think of the societal breakthroughs we would gain if we focused some of our money on rebuilding our foundational blocks. Remember at the end of the day, human beings are a cozy snuggling species. We are social animals, and one of the things that makes us happiest and healthiest is when we connect with others. Older adults who volunteer to help children read and write are statistically less prone to suffer memory loss. Or, as McKibben puts it, “the great personal terror for most of us, losing our sense of self, becomes less likely if we engage with others.”
So, before we go nuts making designer kids and messing around with alleles we need to start with the basics ABCs. CRISPR is a valuable tool, but investing in early childhood education will not only set children up for success, but it will also create a healthy, educated and thriving society for us all. Early childhood education is a critical investment that has far-reaching benefits for both individuals and society as a whole. So, let's invest in our future by investing in early childhood education, because it's not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do.
Questions: Are we on the verge of creating a society in which the inequities of wealth are magnified by the capabilities of science? Will a child born in 2030 be at a serious competitive disadvantage to the newer models produced in 2035++? When did we lose our courage to care? Why is it so unsexy to serve others, share toys and take care of each other?
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