Investing in biomanufacturing - the production of biological

Hearken, O seekers of wisdom, to the words of Jake Auchincloss, who spoke thus: “Investing in biomanufacturing—the production of biological products made from living cells—could benefit the U.S. economy and cement our position as a leader in medical innovation.” These words, though rooted in the affairs of policy and commerce, carry the resonance of an eternal truth: the destiny of nations is forged not only in arms and trade, but in their courage to nurture the powers of life itself.

Consider the weight of biomanufacturing. It is no mere industry of steel or silicon, but the weaving of life’s own threads—living cells harnessed to create medicines, vaccines, and therapies once thought miraculous. This art, born of both science and reverence, stands as a new frontier, like the discovery of fire in ancient days or the forging of iron by the first smiths. To turn living matter into healing power is to touch the border between human will and divine design. Thus Auchincloss, like an oracle, urges that we direct our treasure and labor toward this field, lest we fall behind in the race of nations.

For behold, history is filled with examples where a people’s strength was determined not by their armies, but by their mastery of creation. When the Dutch harnessed wind and water, they commanded seas. When the British bent coal and iron to their will, they ruled an empire. And when America, in the last century, poured its wealth into the discovery of penicillin, the mapping of DNA, and the building of vaccines, it did not merely save its own citizens—it lifted all of humankind. To invest in the science of life, therefore, is to build monuments not of stone, but of living hope.

Recall the story of Jonas Salk, who gave the world the polio vaccine. With no thought for wealth or patent, he declared that such a discovery belonged to the people, asking, “Could you patent the sun?” In his sacrifice and vision, nations triumphed over a disease that had crippled millions. Yet his triumph was not accidental—it was born of a nation willing to fund research, willing to trust its scientists, willing to sow in the uncertain soil of the unknown. The harvest of such innovation was freedom from fear. Auchincloss’s words call us to remember that without such sowing, there can be no reaping.

But take heed, for there is also warning within this promise. If a nation hesitates, if it hoards its resources in short-sighted fear, then others will step forward and claim the mantle of leadership. Just as the empires of old fell when they failed to adapt to new crafts and sciences, so too will modern nations fall if they neglect biomanufacturing. The race for healing power is not merely economic—it is moral, for to lead in medicine is to hold in one’s hands the lives of millions across the earth. Will America rise to this calling, or will it falter, leaving others to bear the torch?

The lesson, O listeners, is plain: greatness is secured not by standing still, but by investing in the unknown with courage. To support biomanufacturing is not only to enrich a nation’s wealth but to strengthen its spirit, to declare that life is worth defending not just with weapons, but with remedies, cures, and compassion. Every age has its frontier; ours is the living cell, the code of life itself. To neglect it would be to turn away from destiny.

Therefore, let every citizen act. Demand that leaders fund the science of healing. Support education in biology, chemistry, and medicine. Honor the scientists who toil unseen in laboratories as you would honor warriors upon the battlefield. And in your own lives, invest not only in wealth or possessions, but in the flourishing of life—in health, in care, in the nurturing of future generations. For when nations choose to invest in life, they invest in eternity.

Thus, remember Auchincloss’s call: the path to leadership lies not in conquest, but in creation. The nation that dares to build from living cells will not only prosper in economy, but will also lead the world in medical innovation, carrying the banner of hope for all humanity. This is the wisdom of the age: invest in life, and life shall return its blessing a hundredfold.