Boredom or Apathy?

So about a month ago Craig Venter brought to life the world’s first synthetic cells. He described the cells as “The first self-replicating species we’ve had on the planet whose parent is a computer.” I know some of mankind is looking at the possibilities in front of us to improve the world and perhaps repair some of the damage that has been inflicted upon the planet in the name of capitalism. Being a jaded realist, I know at the same time there is a whole other group that is wringing their hands with glee as they imagine the money that can be made exploiting this science.

Boredom is a state from which a person can be roused but apathy implies a fundamental lack of basic humanity. Let’s hope our current state of affairs is a result of widespread boredom because with the ability to design and create life comes colossal responsibility. I pray we’re up for it.

“It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.” - Josiah Charles Stamp (1880 - 1941)