In to the abyss we ascend, a scary future

Would you listen to A Crack in Creation again? Why?

Probably not

Who was your favorite character and why?

n/a

What about Erin Bennett’s performance did you like?

Good

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole idea shook me not just moved me

Any additional comments?

This book is a must read for everyone. Humanity is on the cusp of changing itself forever and most don't even know it.

I will ignore the mistakes and unintended consequences of the fascinating CRISPR technology, which are scarier and more prevalent than any technology humans have ever created, and let's pretend everything goes as planned, a highly unlikely scenario.

CRISPR technology is basically the editing of genes with what appears to be the at most accuracy, and it is easier and cheaper than pretty much any other important technology man has recently created.

Creating a mouse that glows in the dark, a pig that is the size of a pet dog, a fish which grows legs are things that have already been achieved. Eliminating heritable disease will be next without a doubt, and what after that? Forget a pretty blue eyed child, or a tall muscular athlete, which I'm sure is coming to a theatre next to you soon.

Let's use our imagination, a larger brain, more memory, more stamina, less sleep, high IQ, a human that has gills and can breath underwater and go down the near endless list of living DNA and pick your choice.

At first glance I think, let this not happen, STOP it right now, then I realise the cat is out of the bag, Pandora's box has been opened. It is the ultimate weapon for domination that has all the hallmarks of Eugenics on steroids.

To quote Steven Pinker let's hope "the better nature of our angels" evolves quickly enough to create future humans with compassion and tolerance. The author, probably a great scientist, is an optimist. I truly hope she's right, otherwise this could be a good explanation to Fermi's Paradox. This could potentially be the last mistake humankind makes. Since the next one if we are lucky will be made by an edited human animal that will need a new name.

Fascinating, incredible and scary science, and not necessarily in this order. Highly recommended for those who want to be spooked.

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39 people found this helpful

If you can get past the dripping ego...

Okay. So the author is brilliant. That is not in question. However, prepare yourself to hear how "amazing" and "brilliant" nearly everyone is that she has come in contact. The story gets quite preachy at parts and has moments of borderline condescension. If you can put this aside, the science is interesting.

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26 people found this helpful

An easily digestible intro to the future...

Maybe it was driven by my personal curiosity but I found this to be an excellent intro to a topic that I've only encountered in exaggerated news clips or poorly written internet blog ramblings.

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20 people found this helpful

Should be Required Reading

The is the best book on the subject of CRISPR technology I’ve come across so far. It chronicles a pivotal moment in one of the greatest revolutions in the history of life on earth. We all need to be informed about this. Concerns about whether the author is smug or self-serving, as some the reviewers here seem to be obsessing about, pale into insignificance when compared to to importance of this subject to all of us. Read or listen to this book!

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14 people found this helpful

Compelling and eye opening!

I listened to a podcast on Crispr/Cas9 a few years ago. I wanted to build a greater understand if the technology. It's well written & designed for the non-scientist although I was grateful I paid attention in high school biology.

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10 people found this helpful

Timely thoughts on gene engineering and bioethics

This well-written account gives a first-hand account the thrill of serendipitous scientific discovery as well as the shock of realizing one has let a genie out of the bottle. There is no turning back now that CRISPR in it's many forms exists and is relatively cheap. This book also provides the basic details and perspectives of an important bioethics conversation our global societies must have.

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9 people found this helpful

Must Read!

for someone in the medical field with huge curiosity for tech and its impact in the future (and present) of our world, a crack in creation has fulfilled my expectations and sparked a big interest in the field of gene editing.

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8 people found this helpful

Balanced, insightful, pressing

Prof Doudna's insightful account of this rapidly developing capability -- along with its inherent impact on mankind -- is both balanced and pressing. Recommended and accessible to people of all walks of life. I was unaware of how far genetic engineering has advanced -- stunning, concerning, and inspirational -- all at the same time. IT'S A GREAT BOOK!

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8 people found this helpful

Bland but interesting subject

It is both an important and interesting subject that we all need to be educated about. But the book seems like a bit too much about the writer. I can't keep from thinking that a lot of what is depicted as thoughts and dilemmas that seem serious were dramatized or boosted for the sake of having a good story - but thats probably me, not being able to trust the good in people. It just seems fake. And i'm not that better educated after listening to the book, Maybe a second listen will make me understand more.

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7 people found this helpful

Interesting subject matter but not much meat.

The subject is fascinating and the behind the scenes look at the developments leading up to Crispr were very interesting. Most of the book reads like a Nobel application, carefully acknowledging the contributions of others while preserving the authors preeminent role.

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7 people found this helpful