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December 2001 Mastering Our Destiny by Christopher Scott

Ready or not, we humans are on the verge of arriving at the greatest moment in our entire evolution. We stand at the brink of achieving physical immortality—the eternal fountain of youth. This may well mean we are on the road to becoming the masters of our own destiny.

Technologically, we have truly ARRIVED at the threshold of just such a feat. But what does that mean? It means that, amongst our emerging SUPER TECHNOLOGIES, TWO have already merged into ONE remarkable endeavor of the human spirit—namely, Digital Computer Technology and Biotechnology.

Since the 1950s our ability to transform raw data into experimentally valid information, has increased by a factor of approximately Ten Billion.

Also, in the 1950s the Nobel Prize winning duo of James Watson and Francis Crick brought forth the discovery of the DNA Molecule. As a result, the field of Biotechnology was born. But Genetics and Biotechnology are meaningless without substantial data. Thus, an essential marriage of Biotechnology and Computer Technology became imperative.

To make sense of it all, mere human fumbling would easily require centuries of tinkering. Computer technology, however, provided an instant answer to the problem. Calculations, which would normally take centuries to accomplish, could now be translated into a matter of months—thus, the "marriage" escalated to astronomical proportions.

In 1995, the United States Government, along with the governments of other countries, initiated "The Human Genome Project"—designed to map-out the complex sequencing of the proteinaceous compounds comprising the human "Genetic Code."

The Human Genome Project was completed in 2000—five years ahead of schedule. For a start, this means we are on the cusp of understanding how most polygenic diseases can kill us—and, how they can be eradicated.

Imagine, being able to identify lethal genes in your genetic code, and being able to eliminate them forever. We’re not far off the mark.

As of now, through the use of specific enzymes, we can remove undesired genes from our genetic code at will—a feat that left to natural evolution, would require millions, perhaps billions of years to occur.

We already know the most potent of all cancer causing genes is the p-53 gene. The vast majority of cancers are caused by this highly complex, mutant aberration to our DNA structure. Needless to say, research is presently under way to eradicate the p-53 gene from our genetic code.

Doing away with life threatening diseases is a major step on the road to attaining our ultimate destiny. But there are other steps we must take. Our true destiny is intertwined with our ability to manifest the so-called "Fountain of Youth." Naturally, this brings us back to genetics.

All genes are ultimately designed to kill us in accordance with a particular kind of aging clock. In the science of genetics, this is referred to as "programmed death." One of the most salient examples of this is the way Salmon die immediately after they spawn. For some inexplicable reason, certain genes within their code are programmed to "switch on"—thus activating a kind of "death hormone" which brings about their instant demise. Undeniably, this is the genetic blueprint for "aging" in one of its more extreme forms.

Humans possess similar but more complex qualities. Dr. Michael West of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, has identified certain "Mortality Genes" which act as on/off switches which control the aging process in our cells. Dr. West has conclusively demonstrated the ability to chemically switch off such genes, thus causing the cells in various organs to divide indefinitely, resulting in the cessation and reversal of their aging process. At the rate biotechnology is moving, the genetic mechanisms that cause aging may soon be rendered obsolete.
Another exciting innovation in our quest for life-extension is Stem Cell Technology. Stem cells are generalized cells that are abundantly available in our bone marrow and fatty tissues. They function like tiny magnets, seeking out dead or damaged cells throughout our bodies, and replacing them with young, healthy cells.

By 2030, through the combined use of Stem Cell Technology and Genetic Engineering, the human race will be well on the road to achieving physical immortality. The idea of 200 year old people being just as youthful as they were at age 25 is not far from becoming science fact. With that in mind, we must contemplate the impact immortality will have on us as a specie and as new arrivals in the vast Cosmic Community.

In a universe such as ours, which by its design compels the emergence of intelligent, organic life forms, we humans would be wise to presume that we are not the only intelligent form of life, nor are we the most advanced.

We are at best the new kids on the block. If we wish to become players in the Cosmic Community, we had better enter with a profound sense of awe and humility—because achieving physical immortality completely redefines WHO and WHAT we are.

Undeniably, we have the ability to become the masters of our destiny. We know anything is possible. But the greater question arises… are we truly MATURE enough to go there?

CHRISTOPHER SCOTT is a lecturer and author of Beyond Death: Confronting the Ultimate Mystery $16.95+ Shipping. For an autographed copy contact him at: (909) 585-4385