The third reason is that humanity simply has to know. Enriquez quotes Claire Fraser as follows: "In the next ten years we will see some of the most extraordinary discoveries in the history of science. We can give evolution a shove in the right direction or in the wrong direction depending on whether we know what we are doing. . . . We will bring good things to life." No one turns away from an opportunity as big and as important as that. Because it is human nature to want to know, the genomics-knowledge revolution will remain utterly unstoppable.
Which brings us back to an earlier point. Virtually no one knows anything about genomics. It isn't being discussed in politics. It isn't being addressed by the major religions. But it is the most important economic, political, and ethical issue facing mankind today. The absence of a broad-based discussion about genomics and what it means for the future is almost eerie. Eventually, it will become a huge social issue -- either because an incident occurs that frightens the general population or because a breakthrough captures public attention. In the meantime, the revolution gathers momentum.
Get your hands on a copy of Enriquez's case study. Read it. Then start a conversation about what it means.
John Ellis (jellis@fastcompany.com) is a writer and consultant based in New York City.
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