The Gods of the 21st Century

The Gene, an Intimate History

by Siddhartha Mukherjee

In Ancient Greece, the gods of Olympus were believed to determine the fate of the people. In the 21st century, the decoders of the human genome have replaced them. In Mukherjee’s account, the connections between illnesses and genetic material are explained. These connections also influence tendencies and behaviour, leaving one to wonder if there is such a thing as free will, or if it is merely an illusion. This begets the question: if you can identify the composition of DNA, can you change it?

The author examines the dilemma faced by researchers everywhere: is it acceptable to genetically modify humans? He criticizes certain scientists, who respect neither legal nor moral limits, and counters with the stories of real people who suffer greatly from illnesses that could be cured by gene therapy. Mukherjee questions the limits imposed by governments, who fear this line of study, while reminding us that the disease and the genius are sometimes intertwined, as was clearly manifested by Vincent Van Gogh. In other words, have the scientists become gods?

I confess that the lengthy discourses on biology and chemistry were difficult for me to follow. Although I did not catch every word, I did understand the main points. Mukherjee, a scientist himself, is also a philosopher. He balances the race for discovery with thoughtful consideration of the results of undisciplined, wanton experimentation. Citing grave or even mortal results in some cases, the author advocates caution. The fear is that the well-intentioned gene therapy, which is meant to cure, may open the door towards a new form of eugenics.

Intelligent and circumspect, Mukherjee guides us through this developing scientific field one explanation at a time. The decoding of the human genome affects us all, whether we know it or not, and it comforts me that there are experts who take the time to consider the consequences of their actions.

Another brilliant achievement by this author!

(see also The Emperor of all Maladies)