In this blog post, we’ll explore what the advancement of gene-editing technology means for individuals’ lives and free will, and examine the issues surrounding “natural humans” and “designer humans” through the lens of the films ‘Gattaca’ and ‘The Truman Show’.
Advances in Genetic Engineering and the Questions Raised by “Gattaca”
Genetic engineering and human cloning were once common themes in 1990s science fiction films. But even today, can we still dismiss these topics as mere science fiction? “Fantasy” refers to imagining things that lack realism or have a slim chance of becoming reality; however, since the beginning of the 21st century, gene editing and human genome research have advanced rapidly, reaching a stage where they can no longer be viewed as mere abstract imagination.
The “Human Genome Project,” a representative achievement of modern life sciences, began in 1990 and was completed in 2003, ahead of the original schedule. Since then, genomic analysis technology has advanced even further, and with the development of next-generation sequencing and gene-editing technologies, it has become possible to analyze the human genome with even greater precision. In particular, with the emergence of CRISPR gene-editing technology, research into modifying specific genes is actively underway. While this has marked a significant turning point in the fields of genetic disease research and treatment, it has also served as a catalyst for more intense ethical debates regarding the gene editing of human embryos and the creation of “designer humans.”
This reality naturally brings to mind the film ‘Gattaca’ (1997). The film depicts an era in which parents select only the genes they desire to create their children. Even before birth, genetic analysis alone can reveal most information—including intelligence, physical abilities, life expectancy, and personality traits—and this genetic information functions much like a social status. Set against this backdrop, the central narrative of ‘Gattaca’ follows Vincent Freeman, a “natural human” conceived through natural conception, as he lives a life impersonating Jerome Morrow, a “designer human” with superior genes. To dismiss this film as mere entertainment would be to overlook the profound questions it raises. Although it was produced before the completion of the Human Genome Project, given today’s advances in biotechnology, it has become difficult to dismiss the vision portrayed in the film as entirely unrealistic.
Are “designer humans” truly happier?
It is difficult to deny the benefits that genetic engineering brings to humanity and the contributions of biotechnology. The fact that it can reduce the risk of genetic diseases, expand the possibilities for treating illnesses, and improve quality of life is a clear advantage. However, this discussion may be an idealistic outlook that fails to sufficiently consider the various ethical and philosophical issues that could arise in a society where “designer humans” have become commonplace. I would like to focus on the very essence of being human and explore, from the perspective of the individual’s life, whether “custom-made humans” can truly be accepted as beings of equal value to “natural humans.”
If one simply asks whether “custom-made humans” or “natural humans” are better, the answers may vary from person to person. However, if the question is rephrased as, “Whose choices should shape your life?” the answer becomes much clearer.
No one in the world wants their life to be designed and determined by others. Humans aspire to be autonomous and active agents in their own lives, and this fundamental desire deserves respect. Of course, some people agree with the opinion expressed by singer and producer Park Jin-young on a TV show: “Humans cannot be the masters of their own lives, nor can they be the masters of their own bodies. Just look back for a moment. Has anything ever gone according to your plan?” In fact, as we go through life, our choices are not always made solely by our own will.
However, just because not every choice in life is made entirely by one’s own will does not mean that one is not the subject of one’s own life. Since humans do not live in isolation but rather form relationships with others within society, they inevitably are influenced by others and their environment. What’s important, however, is the fact that one’s own will always lies at the center of every choice, with the influences of the environment and others building upon it.
Now, let’s return to the topic of the “custom-made human.” Some people say, “There’s no child who wouldn’t want to be born into favorable circumstances.” At first glance, it might be easy to agree, but if you think about it a little more deeply, it’s by no means a simple issue.
The starting point for “custom-made humans” is genetic manipulation. Genes that could have a massive impact on one’s entire life are selected independently of one’s own will. To what extent is my own will—as the person directly involved—reflected in the process of selecting genes that could determine the course of my life? In reality, it is not reflected at all. Genes selected based on expert recommendations and parental judgment become the starting point of my life. Of course, genes do not determine every aspect of a person’s life. However, it is also difficult to deny that their influence is immense. It remains questionable whether a life determined by others’ choices from the very beginning can truly be called one’s own.
In response to this argument, some people counter, “Just because my parents don’t choose doesn’t mean I can choose my own genes, does it?” This is a valid point. None of us were born having directly chosen our own genes. So, if we cannot choose them ourselves anyway, can we say it’s acceptable for our parents to choose on our behalf? I don’t think so. While it’s true that I cannot choose just because my parents didn’t, my parents’ choice can limit the very range of choices I will be able to make as I go through life.
From the moment we are born, we do not know what we want to do or what aptitudes we possess. However, as we grow up, we gain diverse experiences and find our own path through trial and error. In a sense, a human being at the moment of birth has countless possibilities and choices open to them to carve out their own life. On the other hand, consider the case of someone born with genes chosen by their parents. Parents’ choices are imbued with their own values and expectations. As an extreme example, let’s think of the six-fingered pianist in the movie. From the moment of birth, he may have been confined to a very limited set of possibilities. Without even a chance to ponder why he was born with only six fingers, he likely grew up to become a world-class pianist, thanks to physical conditions favorable for a pianist and the educational environment his parents provided. However, a child is not meant to fulfill the dreams their parents failed to achieve or to live out their parents’ unfulfilled lives on their behalf.
If you think the pianist’s example is too extreme, let’s consider a more common scenario. People generally find interest and discover their aptitudes in the areas where they excel. But what if, through genetic engineering, parents could to some extent determine these “areas of excellence” themselves? For example, a child genetically edited to possess exceptional physical abilities would likely take a greater interest in sports—where they excel—than in other fields, and would ultimately be more likely to choose that field as a career. Had they been born as “natural humans,” they might have discovered aptitudes and interests in entirely different fields. On the surface, “custom-made humans” may also appear to be choosing their lives of their own free will. However, from a broader perspective, their choices are merely the result of repeated selections made within the range of possibilities predetermined by their parents. It is similar to a fish in a fishbowl living its life believing that the fishbowl is the entirety of the world. For this reason, it is difficult to readily agree with the argument that parents’ genetic choices provide their children with more career opportunities.
The meaning of effort and life satisfaction can differ
Let’s step away from the issue of choice for a moment and consider it from a different perspective. In the movie, Vincent was born a “natural human,” yet he is recognized at Gattaca—the top aerospace company—for his outstanding work performance, which surpasses that of other “designed humans.” Everyone naturally assumes Vincent is a “designed human.” But what if his colleagues were to discover that he is actually a “natural human”? Would Vincent and his colleagues truly feel the same level of satisfaction with their lives? In reality, there is certainly a possibility that a “natural human” with abilities similar to those of a “designed human” could be born—it’s just that the probability is low. Even if they achieve the same results on the surface, the life satisfaction felt by “natural humans” and “custom-made humans” can differ greatly.
I actually think that “custom-made humans” might have a lower level of life satisfaction. To understand this, let’s try the following thought experiment.
“I am Vincent’s colleague at Gattaca. I am a ‘custom-made human’ born from a selection of only the best genes. Vincent, on the other hand, is a ‘natural human’ born through natural conception. Our work performance is similar. So, can I truly be evaluated as equally outstanding as Vincent? Could I have achieved the same level of success even if I hadn’t undergone gene editing?”
Imagine yourself pondering these questions. Can we be certain that our value is equal to Vincent’s, and that we would have become just as outstanding as we are now even without gene editing? While it’s hard for anyone to say for certain, we would likely find ourselves doubting this at least once. Such doubts can lead us to underestimate our own efforts and achievements; furthermore, they might make us believe that all our success is due to genetic editing rather than our own abilities. No matter how outstanding our achievements may be, there could always be a “natural human” capable of matching that level of performance. Therefore, even if they appear successful on the surface and earn social respect, “custom-made humans” may find it difficult to fully claim their achievements as their own, and their life satisfaction may also be lower than that of “natural humans.”
The Value of Free Will as Depicted in ‘The Truman Show’
Although the movie ‘The Truman Show’ does not deal with genetic engineering, it conveys an important message that ties into the theme of this article. A television network produces a program called “The Truman Show” and broadcasts the life of the protagonist, Truman, live 24 hours a day. Truman lives for 30 years unaware that the world he inhabits is a massive film set and that his entire life has been staged. Eventually, realizing he has been living a false life, he risks everything to escape the set.
Although the film does not directly address genetic engineering, there is a clear parallel between “designer humans”—whose vital life choices are determined by others even before they are born—and Truman, who has lived his entire life in a massive cage watched by viewers around the world.
Christoph, the producer in the film, says, “Seahaven, where Truman lives, is paradise.” However, Truman lives a life where even what he does, what he eats, and whom he loves are determined by the intentions of others. Can a life with almost no room for free will truly be called happy? Of course, Truman believed his life was happy until he learned the truth. But the moment he realized that everything was a lie, he decided to leave the world behind, abandoning everything he had enjoyed up to that point. When he realized that the happiness he had enjoyed his entire life was not of his own making, he could no longer perceive it as happiness. Similarly, “custom-made humans” may also find it difficult to derive true satisfaction from the achievements and happiness they experience. Perhaps, like Truman, who decided to escape his cage, “custom-made humans” might come to wish they could return to a time before genetic editing took place, if possible.
