Naturally artificial
On the subject of selection
“It has become much harder, in the past century, to tell where the garden leaves off and pure nature begins.” — Michael Pollan, The Botany of Desire
Back in college, my friends and I would explore topics from different perspectives to see where the conversations would lead. One topic that stuck with me for years was determining the edges of what’s natural and artificial. During these discussions, I recall comparing two forms of energy — the Sun and a lightbulb — while probing the composition and function of each. Combining observation, opinion and research, we examined various spectra like these and learned a lot about the world through our limited-lens constructs.
Like many philosophical debates, this one was more about challenging assumptions and developing understanding than arriving at an answer. If there was any conclusion to be made, it would have been that all things in existence are an extension of nature. Even chemically-created entities are based off the same building blocks as everything else. The major difference in their origin is that they have been reconstituted into a unique form by design or accident rather than by environmental pressures over time. Ultimately, making any distinction between what occurs naturally or artificially boils down to the presence or absence of human intervention during the process of transformation.
‘Artificiality’ doesn’t end at our mimicry of nature’s functions and conversion of resources. Along with channeling universal principles into meso- (read: human) level tools, our domestication of plants, animals and ourselves has indelibly altered the course of evolution. By selecting a limited range of species for mass production and consumption — where did all that pink coconut water suddenly come from? — we have reduced genetic diversity in favor of systemic convenience. Even in Darwin’s time, the modern Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions were well underway, and formerly wild animals had already been our trusty companions for thousands of years.
With the advent of AI and biotech like IVF, GMOs and CRISPR, we’re moving into an era where what once seemed like science fiction is becoming a reality. It’s quite possible that these and other advancements will lead to life extension and human speciation — for both survival needs and cosmetic desires. Regardless of one’s views of these developments, there are a slew of ethical questions that should accompany the meteoric rise of rapid mutation. The earth being an interconnected whole, I can see as many positive outcomes as unfortunate, unintended consequences — calling Drs. Frankenstein and Moreau!
What’s never artificial is the open discussion of these topics among people with varying perspectives. Alongside the excitement of discovery and advancement, it’s our responsibility to each other and to the planet to discern what irreversible avenues are best for all involved.
