Will Bio-technology Make Us Gods, or Just the Elite?

Ultimately our DNA is a code. A dog has pretty much the same DNA as a monkey, pig or human, just as a VW Bug is not that much different than a pick-up or sports car. A small change in design of course makes all the difference. So will the earth be like when we can design new humans just as we design new cars? What about creating human hybrids? Wrong? And what will the elite do to either regulate this technology, or apply it to their ends? Will we all be given the opportunity to have life extension, or the magnification of our cognitive abilities? And if they did, what would they expect in return, sterilization? Oaths of loyalty (taking on a mark, so to speak?)?

a reply to: edward777

Well, the first problem would be all of the parents at both extremes. Imagine this interview.

Doctor: Now, what would you like your next baby to be like.

Mum: Blue eyes!
Dad: Green eyes!
Both: One of each

Mum: Girl and 7' 6" she is going to be a star at basketball.
Dad: 44 DDD.

Mum: Red hair.
Dad: Blond hair
Both: Half and half!

And they high five each other!

Just consider the next generation of children.

Our genetic code give us diversity in each of the species. This sort of thing will ruin it overnight.

And then, enter the Big Pharmaceuticals. What a field day they can have. Secret switches to make people sick deliberately.

Then consider what the Military Industrial Complex would do. The mind boggles at the thought.

Please! Not that. We are not grown up enough!

P

a reply to: edward777

Humans will probably make living organic sentient technology and machines.

And just like in an old Tony Curtis gladiator movie, someone will free the slaves who will turn on their former masters.

How it turns out will depend on how much kindness humanity shows to its creations.

OP: Will Bio-technology Make Us Gods, or Just the Elite?

Initially - yes, quite probably. Why? Who else will be able to afford the huge costs of such technology when it first becomes available? The rich. But that in't unusual. And often those who go to great lengths to produce such new techniques and technologies spend millions if not billions on r&d.

Like all things in this world, it costs money. And it needs to be paid for. Then, over time, the costs fall.

Is it right? Sure, why not? We don't have the technology to address everyone's immediate concerns for free: food, shelter and medical health. Until we can provide that for free without undue stress on society, money will always be the main mover.

Given the choice, I would go for making us the elite. Not sure immortality is as cool as it's cracked up to be.

Within one generation of having the ability to advance biotechnology to enhance both longevity and intelligence I am sure that a revolution between the classes would occur - and the winners would not be the lower classes. Maybe what could happen is the elite would give some of the technology to the masses but set things up to eliminate the masses.

Since this is a conspiracy site, I believe they already can move consciousness from one body to another, or upload it digitally to be used later. I seriously doubt it will ever be made available to the public.