Genetic engineering is a result of science advancement, so I

"Genetic engineering is a result of science advancement, so I don't think that in itself is bad. If used wisely, genetics can be beneficial, but they can be abused, too." These words spoken by Hideo Kojima strike at the heart of an issue that is as ancient as human curiosity itself—the power to manipulate life. Genetic engineering, the science of altering the genetic code of organisms, is the culmination of centuries of human inquiry into the very nature of life. It is a science that holds the potential to heal, to improve, and to enhance the human experience, but it also carries with it great responsibility. Like all advancements, the power to shape life must be wielded with care, for it is a gift and a burden, and the way in which it is used will determine whether it brings about progress or destruction.

In the ancient world, the question of power and responsibility was often posed by the great thinkers and mythologists. Consider the story of Prometheus, the Titan who defied the gods to bring fire to humanity. Fire, like the knowledge that comes with genetic engineering, is a gift that can illuminate the world and warm the hearth, but it can also destroy when mishandled. Prometheus’s act of giving fire was a symbol of the divine power that human beings had the potential to harness, but it also brought with it consequences. Just as Prometheus was punished for his actions, so too must we be cautious in how we wield the power of genetics, for its potential to harm is as real as its potential to heal.

This balance between creation and destruction is evident in the stories of great scientific discoveries throughout history. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, written in the 19th century, provides a vivid tale of how unchecked ambition in the realm of science can lead to disaster. Victor Frankenstein’s attempt to create life through his scientific experiments resulted in the creation of a being that he could not control—bringing both suffering and death in its wake. Though the goal of Frankenstein’s experiments was initially noble, to overcome death and improve humanity, his inability to foresee the consequences of his actions led to tragedy. The lesson from this story is clear: science, when used without careful consideration, can lead to unintended consequences that outweigh its potential benefits.

Similarly, in the real world, the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming is an example of how a scientific advancement can be a force for great good. Penicillin, when discovered, became a life-saving medicine, curing countless lives from deadly infections and changing the course of modern medicine. Yet, over time, its misuse led to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a modern-day threat that serves as a cautionary tale of how science can be both a force for good and evil, depending on how it is wielded. Genetic engineering, like penicillin, holds the potential for both healing and harm. Its true impact will depend on how it is handled and whether its power is tempered by wisdom and foresight.

Hideo Kojima’s words also touch on the moral implications of genetic manipulation. As human beings, we have long been fascinated with the idea of control over life—from the ancient myths of gods creating and destroying life to modern genetic research that seeks to eliminate diseases and extend life. But as Kojima reminds us, the key to whether genetic engineering is beneficial or abusive lies in the wisdom with which it is applied. In the hands of those who seek to use genetics for the betterment of humanity—curing diseases, improving food security, and eliminating suffering—it can be a transformative force. But in the wrong hands, it can be used to exploit, control, and harm, just as genetic engineering can be misused to create bioweapons or to alter the human genome in dangerous ways.

The lesson that Kojima imparts is a timeless one: with great power comes great responsibility. The advancement of science, particularly in the field of genetics, opens doors to incredible possibilities for progress—to cure diseases, enhance human abilities, and create a healthier world. But it also comes with the potential for abuse, for creating inequality, or worse, for allowing science to be twisted into tools of control and destruction. Just as fire can be used to warm and nourish or to burn and destroy, so too can genetic engineering be a force for good or evil depending on the intent of those who wield it.

In our own lives, we must approach science—especially the profound advancements in genetics—with a mindfulness and respect for its power. As scientists, policymakers, or citizens, we must question how knowledge is used and what it is used for. Genetics, if used wisely, can help to build a future where disease is eradicated and human suffering alleviated. But it is up to us to ensure that this knowledge is not turned against us, that it is not used for purposes that violate our humanity. We must wield this power carefully, guided by ethics and a sense of responsibility, ensuring that our use of genetic technology brings about the benefits we seek, without bringing harm.

Let us take these lessons to heart and be mindful of how we create and manipulate the world around us. The potential for greatness lies in the choices we make today, and how we use the scientific tools at our disposal. The wisdom we must embrace is this: in every advancement, there lies the potential for both good and evil, and it is up to us to choose wisely, to ensure that our creations serve to uplift humanity and not to destroy it. Science is a tool, and its purpose should always be to enhance life, not to diminish it. Let us approach this power with humility, for in the balance of creation lies our greatest challenge.