I see a bright future for the biotechnology industry when it

In the annals of history, the greatest transformations often arise not from grandiose, centralized endeavors, but from the humble, incremental steps taken by individuals and small collectives. Freeman Dyson’s words, “I see a bright future for the biotechnology industry when it follows the path of the computer industry, the path that von Neumann failed to foresee, becoming small and domesticated rather than big and centralized,” illuminate this profound truth. Dyson envisions a future where biotechnology, much like computing, shifts away from the heavy, centralized control of large institutions and moves toward the more accessible, decentralized approach that has fueled the rapid growth of the computer industry.

In the ancient world, wisdom often came not from the grand palaces of kings, but from the small gatherings of philosophers, artists, and thinkers. It was in the humble Agora of Athens, the heart of philosophical thought, that the foundations of Western thought were laid, not by emperors or military leaders, but by those who dared to think differently. Socrates, though not rich or powerful, shifted the course of history with his emphasis on individual inquiry, challenging the centralized authorities of his time. Dyson’s vision mirrors this ancient wisdom, suggesting that true progress in biotechnology, as in philosophy, may not arise from a handful of powerful corporations but from small-scale innovations that are accessible to the masses.

Consider the rise of the computer industry itself. When the ENIAC—the first electronic general-purpose computer—was conceived in the 1940s, it was a massive, centralized system, too powerful and costly for the individual. Yet, as time progressed, technology shrank in size, moving from mainframes to the personal computer, and eventually to smartphones that fit in our pockets. Innovation flourished as computing became democratized, available to the common person. The story of Apple, from its humble beginnings in a garage to its transformation of the world, is a modern example of how decentralization can lead to explosive creativity and transformation. Dyson’s reflection on biotechnology is a call to follow this same path of democratization, where knowledge and tools are no longer confined to the elite but are available to all, opening new realms of discovery and potential.

In the ancient teachings of the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, there is a concept known as wu wei—the art of doing without force, of allowing things to unfold naturally and organically. Lao Tzu’s wisdom suggests that true power lies not in central control, but in the natural flow of things. Dyson’s vision for biotechnology aligns with this ancient idea: small, localized, organic innovation can lead to the greatest growth. Just as a tree grows strong and resilient through its roots reaching into the earth, biotechnology’s true potential lies in its ability to be rooted in the community, with individuals contributing to the whole. It is in this collaborative, decentralized effort that the industry will find its true strength.

The great thinker Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” This was not to diminish knowledge, but to emphasize that innovation often arises from those willing to think beyond established boundaries. Dyson’s vision for biotechnology—of it becoming small and domesticated, like the computer industry—calls for a shift in mindset. Biotechnology does not need to be confined to giant labs or corporate giants. It can be harnessed in homes, in small workshops, and by entrepreneurs with bold ideas. Just as personal computing revolutionized our daily lives, so too can biotechnology transform our relationship with health, food, and the environment when it becomes accessible to the individual.

In practical terms, the lesson from Dyson’s reflection is clear: we must empower individuals and small-scale innovators to take the reins of progress. Instead of waiting for centralized systems to push biotechnology forward, we should encourage the creation of tools and knowledge that can be shared, adapted, and used by anyone. This means supporting education in biotechnology, fostering collaborative innovation, and removing the barriers that prevent individuals from exploring their own creative potential. The future of biotechnology does not belong only to the few; it belongs to everyone willing to learn, experiment, and collaborate.

Thus, the lesson for future generations is not merely about creating grandiose institutions or centralized power in the name of progress, but about fostering small-scale innovations that can have a profound impact. Biotechnology, like the computer industry before it, has the potential to transform the world. But only by making it accessible, decentralized, and rooted in the community can we unlock its true potential. The road ahead is paved not with the stones of large corporations, but with the small steps of countless individuals, working together to shape a better future.