How Gregory Stock Represents The Effects of Technology on Human Beings in The Future

In the words of Gregory Stock, “… we are going to alter ourselves every bit as much as we have changed the world around us, and it’s going to happen a lot sooner than people imagine.” In his 2003 Ted Talk titled, “To Upgrade Is Human”, Stock discussed the various ways that biotechnology would likely affect mankind in the near future. Throughout his presentation, Stock made numerous prophetic statements about bioengineering that stand true today. Stock claimed that humans would, in a sense, control our own evolution with techniques such as gene therapy, genetic engineering and genetic modification.

According to Stock, attention would be focused on preventative medication for existing illnesses, reversing aging, modifying our emotions, and choosing our children’s genes. At the time of his speech, embryo screening (a process to prevent birth of genetically ill children) was already rampant. Stock theorized that embryo screening would move from disease screening to choosing temperaments and personalities. Stock also believed that we would likely end up adding extra chromosomes in order to engineer humanity.

Due to the amount of interest, the size of science organizations behind these ideas and lack of policing, Stock stated that it was only a matter of time until we started these biotech modifications. “The lines are going to blur… and they already are,” Stock discussed the difference between needs and wants when it comes to genetic modification. With the new style of life, Stock knew that people would be resistant. At the same time, he was confident that these technologies would have numerous supporters as well. Though he was aware of the risks around these advances, Stock said it was clear that the reworking of our biology would play a dominant role in our future. All in all, Stock felt that it was an incredible privilege to be alive during the exciting and inevitable changes.

I found this presentation incredibly captivating. I have a great interest in biotechnology and “biohacking” of the human body, so hearing Stock’s input was especially valuable to me. Though this video is from 2003, it is amazing how many things Stock was able to accurately predict. For example, Stock speaks of embryo screening. Since the time of this Ted Talk, embryo screening has become much more efficient and cost effective (Wallace). Stock also believed that heavy emphasis would be put on reversing or slowing the process of aging. Recently, a new class of drug called, “senolytic”, has been used in mice to target the effects of aging (Howard).I think Stock’s speech, and the idea of biotechnology overall, present a riveting conundrum; at what point are we no longer, “human”? When I think of modifying our biology, the Ship of Theseus comes to mind. In this philosophy, one is asked to imagine a ship that is slowly being replaced by various pieces until nothing is left of the old vessel. During this process, when does the ship cease to be what it once was? This thought process carries over into biohacking.

If we continually alter our chemical make-up, or even implant foreign biotech objects into our body, when do we become a new vessel? In other words, what makes us human? I believe that this question will become more and more prevalent as we learn to reconstruct our biology.Stock makes note of those who are likely to fight back and oppose biotechnology. I can safely say that I am not one of those individuals. For years I have been excited about genetic modification, cloning, transgenics and more. One thing that is not mentioned by Stock is the underground biohacking community that has arisen from this science. There are numerous amateur scientists around the world who refer to themselves as “biohackers” or “grinders”. In these circles, the members work together to try to amplify or improve the human body. One of my favorite practices from “grinding” is the implantation of magnets under the skin. According to those who have had it done, this causes the recipient to have a “6th sense”; an ability to feel invisible vibrations and magnetic fields from the Earth and electronics (Isaacson).Another topic discussed by Stock is cloning. Though I understand the full spectrum of ethical dilemmas surrounding human cloning, I could not be more in favor of this action.

I like how Stock refers to a clone as, “a delayed identical twin”. Creating a human clone is something that is only present in science fiction, but I strongly believe that this will be perfected and implemented within the next couple of decades. Imagine the benefits of being able to completely replicate a human being… easy access to stem cells, the ability to avoid genetic diseases, creation of transplantable organs, curing spine related paralysis and more. Cloning could also, in a sense, be the solution to aging. We could teach and raise smaller versions of ourselves that would cause our personhood to live on long after we are gone.Admittedly, not everyone is as zealous about biotechnology as I am. While I understand their concerns, I do not see the risks of these advancements outweighing the benefits. Our species has made it this far through constantly learning and growing, so why stop now? Stock puts it eloquently when he states that people in the future, “…are going to think about it as this glorious instant when we laid down the very foundations of their lives, of their society, of their future.”