Our Life’s Performance – A Genetic Review

The results are in. Our individual genetic assessment comes back to us. It doesn’t make for the best of reading.

In fact, it’s rather like reliving those school reports we received as children – could do better; if he applied himself more; too easily distracted.

It seems our Genetic Priorities have not received the attention they deserve. We have, according to the report, lived a rather wayward life, indulging too much in personal pleasure, society’s distractions, and meaningless activity.

It leads us to some moments of introspection.

We thought we were doing the right thing. It seemed to be the best thing to do. We didn’t really have any choice. What could we have done differently?

Our genetic futures – both individually and as a species – are determined by our actions. That’s both how our unique blend of individual genes evolves and how that affects the development of humanity.

We live for our genes. Their survival is the basis for our own existence. Without them, we are lost. That’s why, as evidenced throughout Nature, nothing should ever displace the pursuit of our Genetic Priority – doing what is in the best interests of our genes.

So, when the genetic assessment comes back, as it does with such a damning report, it makes us think about the life we have led.

Criticism can hurt; failure can disillusion.

Perhaps the real angst is to know that we could have done better. If only we had known then what we know now…..

The decisions we made, the possibilities we spurned, the chances we missed…. It could all have been very different.

But perhaps we shouldn’t be so harsh on ourselves. A genetic appraisal may make us think about the lost opportunities and what might have been, but it has to be taken in perspective. Its judgment may not be as conclusive and defining as suggested. After all,

• In assessing our genetic performance, there’s no such thing as a perfect score. Nobody gets everything right. In fact, the average individual score is likely much lower than we would expect.
• We shouldn’t worry too much about the consequences of our genetic actions. The chances are that one generational hiccup – although disappointing – won’t make any significant difference, and that the general tide for genetic enhancement will override any brief lapses.
• One of the idiosyncrasies of the genetic mating game is that whatever an individual’s reproductive decision, it can rarely be unequivocally proven to be incorrect or misguided. Whether an alternative action could have been more rewarding can only ever be conjecture. Perhaps, whatever we had done, we could have done no better. We may have actually achieved the best possible outcome.
• More fundamentally, there are so many genetic variables that the accuracy and meaning of any appraisal must be suspect. How can realistic comparisons be made? How can these matters be quantified?

What would have happened if a different partner had been chosen?

What would have happened if we’d had more offspring?

What would have happened if we’d done one thing rather than another with them?

What would have happened if this had happened rather than that?

How can anyone know these answers? How can anyone really judge us?

Ultimately, though, the issue with any individual appraisal – whatever its level of accuracy – is that it can become the final judgement on a person. It decides on the value of a life; it rules on the contribution made.

And although we would all like to think that we have made a positive difference, that our lives have been fruitful, sometimes, possibly due to no individual fault, it doesn’t always work out that way.

For this reason, using a formalised genetic appraisal may be a flawed instrument. Although it would make us more mindful of our Genetic Priority and ensure that we are more aware that the choices, decisions and actions we take will impact both our individual genetic futures and our human destiny, it could also prove to be a very negative, corrosive and divisive tool.

Given this drawback, it may be that such appraisals remain entirely personal, that individuals, when alone and perhaps feeling rather contemplative, should take a few moments to consider their lives and what they have genetically achieved.

Even if it is too late for them to do anything about it, they may gain some insight or wisdom to pass on to future generations.

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