The results are in. Our personal genetic assessment comes back to us – to what extent have we enhanced our evolutionary well-being.

It doesn’t always make for the best of reading.

In fact, it can be rather like reliving those school reports we received as a child – could do better; if he applied himself more; too easily distracted.

It may lead to some moments of contemplation: We thought we were doing it right. It seemed to be the best thing to do. How could we have made it better? What would have happened if we had done it differently?

Or even moments of trying to blame others, of suggesting it wasn’t really our fault: Nobody showed us what to do. We didn’t have any choice. Nobody explained the importance of it to us.

Our individual behaviours will determine our genetic future, both that of our unique body package as represented by our direct descendants and, more generally, of humanity as a species.

Have we passed on our genes to the next generation? Have we chosen a genetically favourable reproductive partner? Have we contributed to some progressive development? Are subsequent generations doing better than previous ones?

This is what we are judged on.

We live for our genes. Their survival and continual well-being is the basis for our own existence. We are the vehicles for their journey. Without them, we have no drive, no direction. 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 with a damning report, it should make us think about the life we have led.

It seems that our Genetic Priorities may not have been given their due attention. According to the report, many of us have lived a rather wayward life, over-indulging in personal pleasures, society’s distractions and meaningless activities.

The report suggests that we have been genetically neglectful. Potentials have not been realised. We have not done all that we should have done; we have not done all that we could have done.

Inevitably, the criticism hurts; the missed opportunity disappoints; the sense of failure saddens.

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.

Any review of our genetic performance – or, at least, being aware that such an assessment will be taking place – would help to keep us focused and on the right track. It would give us a much clearer idea of where we are going and what we want to achieve. 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 on our individual genetic futures and on humanity’s destiny as a whole.

Yet, such considerations have to be taken in perspective. Maybe we shouldn’t be so harsh on ourselves. The report’s judgement may not always be as conclusive and defining as suggested. After all,

• In assessing our genetic performance, there’s no such thing as a perfect score. With so many elements to it, nobody gets everything right. We all make mistakes. In fact, underperformance, is probably normal. In the pursuit of genetic husbandry, it may not be all that easy to over-achieve.
• 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 to humanity’s future 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 a species’ reproductive decision, rarely can it be unequivocally proven to be incorrect or misguided. Outcomes are not always clear cut. Whether an alternative action could have been more rewarding can only ever be conjecture. Perhaps, whatever we had done, it would have been no better. We may have actually achieved the best outcome that was possible.
• More fundamentally, there are so many genetic variables that the accuracy and meaning of any appraisal has to be suspect. How can realistic comparisons be made and measured when we have to resort to hypotheticals? It’s just not possible to know what might have been if we’d chosen a different reproductive partner or what difference having extra off-spring might have made. How can anyone know these answers? How can anyone therefore really judge us?

Ultimately though, the issue with any individual appraisal – whatever its level of accuracy – is that it can, if taken at face value, 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.

It is for this reason that using a formalised genetic appraisal may be a flawed instrument. It may do more harm than good, emerging as a negative, corrosive and divisive tool.

Given this drawback, it may be best that such appraisals remain entirely personal, that individuals, when alone and feeling rather reflective, 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 that they may be able to pass on to future generations.

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