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Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity Hardcover – April 23, 2019

by Jamie Metzl (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 787 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
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"A gifted and thoughtful writer, Metzl brings us to the frontiers of biology and technology, and reveals a world full of promise and peril." ― Siddhartha Mukherjee MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies and The Gene

A groundbreaking exploration of genetic engineering and its impact on the future of our species from leading geopolitical expert and technology futurist, Jamie Metzl.

At the dawn of the genetics revolution, our DNA is becoming as readable, writable, and hackable as our information technology. But as humanity starts retooling our own genetic code, the choices we make today will be the difference between realizing breathtaking advances in human well-being and descending into a dangerous and potentially deadly genetic arms race. Enter the laboratories where scientists are turning science fiction into reality.

In this captivating and thought-provoking nonfiction science book, Jamie Metzl delves into the ethical, scientific, political, and technological dimensions of genetic engineering, and shares how it will shape the course of human evolution.

  • Cutting-edge insights into the field of genetic engineering and its implications for humanity's future
  • Explores the transformative power of genetic technologies and their potential to reshape human life
  • Examines the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering and the choices we face as a species
  • Engaging narrative that delves into the scientific breakthroughs and real-world applications of genetic technologies
  • Provides a balanced perspective on the promises and risks associated with genetic engineering
  • Raises thought-provoking questions about the future of reproduction, human health, and our relationship with nature

Drawing on his extensive background in genetics, national security, and foreign policy, Metzl paints a vivid picture of a world where advancements in technology empower us to take control of our own evolution, but also cautions against the pitfalls and ethical dilemmas that could arise if not properly managed.

Hacking Darwin is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, technology, and humanity's future.

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  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Sourcebooks
  4. Publication date
    April 23, 2019
  5. ISBN-10
    149267009X
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1492670094
  7. See all details
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From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jamie Metzl’s book ― ranging through genetics, human destiny and the future -- is an incredible trove of information for scientists, futurists, technologists, entrepreneurs, and virtually every intrigued, interested reader. A gifted and thoughtful writer, Metzl brings us to the frontiers of biology and technology, and reveals a world full of promise and peril. This is a must-read book." ― Siddhartha Mukherjee MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies and The Gene: An Intimate History

"In many ways, Jamie Metzl has been preparing Hacking Darwin for the last 20 years and his diligence shines through. Jamie is a gifted writer and his explanation of genetics are crisp, accurate, and wonderfully engaging. If you can only read one book on the future of our species, this is it." ― Sanjay Gupta MD, bestseller author, neurosurgeon, and Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent (CNN)

"Whether you already run the whitewater of transhumanism or oppose changing one atom of any species, you will see we have a revolution in our midst – one of engineering genes, possibly surpassing the space, atomic, and electronic revolutions in its significance. It is a transformation we ignore at great risk. To help prepare us for what’s coming, Jamie Metzl guides us brilliantly down the twisting and ever-changing river of our genetic future in this important and thought-provoking book. Beyond the issues of efficacy and safety, he thoughtfully explores the ultimately more critical issues of diversity, equality, and respect for each other and our common humanity." ― George Church, Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and author of Regenesis

"Jamie Metzl’s Hacking Darwin is an outstanding guide to the most important conversation of our lives -- how we humans will hijack our evolutionary process and transcend the limits of our own biology." ― Ray Kurzweil, inventor and futurist, author of The Singularity is Near and How to Create a Mind

"Jamie Metzl possesses a nearly superhuman ability to take in vast amounts of research and synthesize it into disruptive, beautifully-wrought prose. To borrow a term from the book, Hacking Darwin is an intellectual masterbatortium―at once stimulating

and consummately satisfying." ― Dan Buettner, National Geographic Fellow and New York Times bestselling author of Blue Zones Solution and Blue Zones of Happiness



"Genetic technologies contain extraordinary promise ― and breathtaking challenges ― with the potential to change virtually every aspect of our lives. In the pages of Hacking Darwin, Jamie Metzl takes us on a critical journey through opportunities and obstacles on humanity's greatest expedition: the exploration and re-imagining of what it means to be human." ― Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles

"Jamie Metzl has written a personal, funny, unpretentious and ultimately deeply optimistic book about how the human race will transform itself through genomics. In his enthusiastic embrace of our technological future, Metzl gives voice to the adventure of biological discovery without losing sight of the risks. Hacking Darwin is a witty introduction to a wide variety of themes within genomics, and is at its most profound when imagining not just the science, but the social and geopolitical reactions that will accrue throughout the world. Metzl writes about real science with the flair of a science fiction writer, and in the process challenges us to begin a complex but necessary conversation about how humanity will evolve." ― Robert C. Green, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine (Genetics), Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Broad Institute and Harvard Medical School

"Jamie Metzl's Hacking Darwin should be required reading for business executive, scientists, worriers, and dreamers -- for anyone interested in the future of science and humanity. Bit by bit, with wit and grace, he shows how we are rebuilding the very notion of what it means to be human, and how we will inevitably be changed in that process." ― Debora Spar, author of The Baby Business and Baker Foundation Professor, Harvard Business School

"Humans taking control of human evolution is happening now and it could be the most significant thing we have done since we learned how to make and use fire. When history looks back on this period, it will not focus on the shiny objects that grab the attention of media today, but rather on the tech breakthroughs that Metzl explains in such clear language. Hacking Darwin is essential reading if you want to understand what will be seen as the most important thing happening in this epoch." ― Richard A. Clarke, bestselling author of Warnings and former White House National Security official

"The bio-sciences revolution is coming at us faster than we realize and what better guide to its possibilities than Jamie Metzl. Hacking Darwin is a compelling read ahead of our genetic future, breathtaking on one hand, thought provoking and challenging on the other. A must read and entertaining guide if you care to know what lies ahead and what to do about it." ― James Manyika, Chairman, McKinsey Global Institute.

"Evolution has changed since Darwin's time. We are driving unnatural selection and nonrandom mutation. This gives us the power to alter all species, including ourselves. So the key emerging debate is: Should we redesign humans? Why? How far? How fast? Metzl lays out what we can do now, what we might be able to do, in an engaging, nontechnical way. Let the debate begin." ― Juan Enriquez, co-author Evolving Ourselves: Redesigning the Future of Humanity - One Gene at a Time

"Numerous books explain the genetic revolution now in progress; this one describes where it might lead, and it's a wild ride...a thoughtful, exciting, and mostly accessible account of how genetic manipulation will vastly improve our species. Miracles will happen, if not quite yet. " ― Kirkus Reviews

"A highly readable compendium of next-gen advice for the implementation and management of next-gen science." ― Publishers Weekly

"Hacking Darwin paints a picture of our future that is both exciting and hopeful as well as dangerous and terrifying. Brilliantly written and deeply thought provoking, it is a must read ― for the entire planet. I could not put it down, reading it in a single sitting." ― Michael Morell, Former Acting and Deputy Director, CIA

"Timely, important, and thorough exploration of how inheritance will evolve from natural selection to a human-controlled generation-by-generation data hack. " ― David Sable, Forbes.com

"Hacking Darwin...paints a picture that is at once wondrous and terrifying. Metzl writes with great clarity and a sense of urgency that we should all take to heart." ― NPR Books

"Metzl has a knack both for clarifying granular scientific and moral complexities, and for seeing the big picture." ― Nature.com

"In Hacking Darwin... world-famous futurist Jamie Metzl appeals to all humans of good will to together face the ethical and social problems raised by human genetic engineering." ― Osservatore Romano (the official Vatican newspaper)

About the Author

Jamie Metzl is a leading futurist, geopolitical expert, science fiction novelist, and media commentator and a Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Council who has served in the White House, State Department, and United Nations. In February 2019, Jamie was appointed to the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on developing global standards for the governance and oversight of human genome editing. In addition to Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity, he has written a history of the Cambodian genocide, the historical novel The Depths of the Sea, the genetics sci-fi thrillers Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata. www.jamiemetzl.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks; First Edition (April 23, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 149267009X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1492670094
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.18 pounds
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 787 ratings

About the author

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Jamie Metzl

Jamie Metzl

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Jamie Metzl is the author of The Depths of the Sea, Genesis Code, and Eternal Sonata. Learn more about Jamie at www.jamiemetzl.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
787 global ratings
Live, Learn, Enjoy
5 Stars
Live, Learn, Enjoy
I really loved Jamie's take and his ability to synthesize a massive topic into a readable book. Yes it took me some time to get through as I am prepping to interview Jamie on my radio show. I wanted to highlight as much of the information as I could for my notes.All of that being said I loved this book. I read alot of 'sciencey' books (yeah made up word), I am not a scientist and so the depth of information does not have to be at the empirical PhD level for me. I want to become informed, this book does a great job of that.this is an important topic, if you don't want to read it than maybe listen to my upcoming interview. I can virtually guaranteed once we are done talking you will want to give this book a shot.peace,t
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Top reviews from the United States

Rebecca Bond
5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating book we should all be reading and discussing
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2019
Verified Purchase
While I pay casual attention to news stories about genetic technology, I had never put it all together to see that this is an inflection point for the whole human race. In Hacking Darwin, Jamie Metzl distills the science down so we can understand it and then highlights the questions we ought to asking ourselves. It is fascinating to see, for the first time, the whole different approach to reproduction and genetic selection that is likely going to be my own children's reality, or at the very least, my grandchildren's experience. I highly recommend this funny, insightful and important book!
16 people found this helpful
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Kathleen Coenen
5.0 out of 5 stars Is parenthood going to get even more complicated?
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a terrific book. By the time I got to Chapter 3, I was ready to have a dinner party with all of my grown children and to read this chapter to them. I can almost imagine them weighing in on how they would go about making these genetic decisions and what their criteria would be. There is a mythical father-to-be in the book who weighs each of his decisions against his own value system, the mores of his parent's generation and those of his future offspring. It provides a great opportunity for self reflection in a new time. it is filled with all the evolving scientific information that is or will soon be needed to make those decisions.
24 people found this helpful
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A Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Gene-editing will change our children/grandchildren’s future
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a well-written and accessible but somewhat unnerving book for those open to considering human genetic-engineering. The biotech described makes possible less expensive genetic testing, easier gene-editing, disease mitigation, and selective reproduction choices. Scientists and technicians can now change our DNA, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology makes gene-editing easier and faster; more efficient and cheaper; and more accurate than “older” gene-editing tech.

As the author says: This “genetic revolution will transform the way we make babies and ultimately the nature of the babies we make.” Not to mention hijacking evolution. As always, some will embrace these technologies. Others will resist—possibly to the detriment of their children and/or grandchildren. I recommend viewing “Gattaca,” a cult favorite.

My concern is whether politicians of the Republic of Gilead-stripe will attempt to ban or limit access to this technology which can control reproductive choices. Plus, because medical tests and procedures are involved—reproductive health care, maternal/prenatal care, IVF plus the various PGTs*—the lack of affordable healthcare may limit access. If you live in a country with free or minimal-cost healthcare, you’re home free.

*Preimplantation Genetic Testing
2 people found this helpful
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Allan M. Striker
5.0 out of 5 stars The future is a double edged sword
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2020
Verified Purchase
Like it or not, the world is changing rapidly. Jamie Metzl is an accomplished writer, a geopolitical analyst and speaker and an original thinker. His book, Hacking Darwin, might just be a road map to the future of genetic engineering and is a must read for anyone interested in the possibility of creating a species of humans engineered to preplanned specifications. This new and quickly emerging technology can be used to improve our world, lengthen our lives, eliminate disease and generally improve the lives of our species in the future. It could also be used to create a super species that may, one day, try to control the world. Hacking Darwin is filled with easy to understand advances that gives the reader the basic groundwork to understand and, hopefully, contribute to the discussions and decisions that will be made as we learn to use this technology in our scientific planning of tomorrow.
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Albert A. Hernandez
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most amazing books I have ever encountered
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2020
Verified Purchase
Immensely riveting. This book provides a look into the future based on the advancement in genetic engineering. It is packed with insight and background that allows the reader/listener to understand the complex concepts and techniques of genetic engineering. The author skillfully presents these advancements in a manner that is thought provoking, personal and even occasionally frightening.
I got the Audio Book. The narration by Eric Jason Martin is absolutely superb! Highly Highly Recommend if you have interest in genetics and the human species.
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Tommy
5.0 out of 5 stars Live, Learn, Enjoy
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2019
Verified Purchase
I really loved Jamie's take and his ability to synthesize a massive topic into a readable book. Yes it took me some time to get through as I am prepping to interview Jamie on my radio show. I wanted to highlight as much of the information as I could for my notes.

All of that being said I loved this book. I read alot of 'sciencey' books (yeah made up word), I am not a scientist and so the depth of information does not have to be at the empirical PhD level for me. I want to become informed, this book does a great job of that.

this is an important topic, if you don't want to read it than maybe listen to my upcoming interview. I can virtually guaranteed once we are done talking you will want to give this book a shot.

peace,

t
Customer image
Tommy
5.0 out of 5 stars Live, Learn, Enjoy
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2019
I really loved Jamie's take and his ability to synthesize a massive topic into a readable book. Yes it took me some time to get through as I am prepping to interview Jamie on my radio show. I wanted to highlight as much of the information as I could for my notes.

All of that being said I loved this book. I read alot of 'sciencey' books (yeah made up word), I am not a scientist and so the depth of information does not have to be at the empirical PhD level for me. I want to become informed, this book does a great job of that.

this is an important topic, if you don't want to read it than maybe listen to my upcoming interview. I can virtually guaranteed once we are done talking you will want to give this book a shot.

peace,

t
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Kevin A. Hicks
5.0 out of 5 stars What's next?
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2019
Verified Purchase
Lots of thoughtful analysis on where genetic engineering is and where it's going.

Preimplantation genetic testing
Choosing this or that embryo
There are serious questions
How far will we go?
And then there’s gene editing
Can we use the CRISPR knife
If it’s the only hope
To save a life?
Or screen out a deadly disease?
Some might argue it’s right
Messing with nature? Playing God?
And then there’s the abortion fight
Choosing an embryo that’s “best”?
If each is a human life
Are we murdering the rest?
As knowledge and abilities
Grow exponentially
The questions explode
With equal intensity
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars The book is to much doom and gloom
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
The book is to much doom and gloom on a very exciting human achievement;
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Top reviews from other countries

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Carlos courtade alvarez
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy relevante y necesario para el futuro de la humanidad
Reviewed in Mexico on October 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
La selección embrionica o espermatica y oval es la unica espernza de la humanidad
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Diego Alonso
5.0 out of 5 stars Genial e revelador
Reviewed in Brazil on September 13, 2020
Verified Purchase
O mundo da genética e a revolução que ela esta gerando, é exposta de uma forma que o título do livro não permite, se quer imaginar.
Fico impressionado com o tanto que a ciência tem evoluído, e igualmente com o tanto que falta por entender incluindo com um dos maiores desafios que enfrentamos historicamente, fazer com que q humanidade chegue a um consenso em beneficio de todos.
One person found this helpful
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Barry
5.0 out of 5 stars Panacea
Reviewed in Canada on July 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
It would be hard to put too much faith in A.I. ever knowing what the relationship between body and soul is, or even ever knowing what love is and what it isn’t because it’s the greatest mystery in the universe. Although there is a constant love that exists that allows for things to happen the way they do, knowing what the attribute to the true nature of it is would help to understand that. This love can also be seen as a holistic imprint of all of existence because it’s a part of who you are.
2 people found this helpful
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Cauvin François
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in France on August 16, 2020
Verified Purchase
A lire absolument. C'est en anglais.
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Neheda
5.0 out of 5 stars Spannend geschriebene und leicht verdauliche Einblicke in die Welt der Gentechnik
Reviewed in Germany on November 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
Hacking Darwin ist ein hervorragendes Buch für alle Leute, die sich tiefer in die Welt der Gentechnik (Genetic Engineering) einlesen wollen und einen breiten Überblick über die Möglichkeiten möchte. Das Buch ist super geschrieben, es hält einen immer bei der Stange und die Erkenntnisse und Lehren sind gut verdaulich. Man hat das Gefühl, man lernt wirklich viel Neues und Spannendes, das einem ein viel besseres Verständnis der biologischen Zusammenhänge des Genetic Engineering gibt, ohne dabei von purer Wissenschaft und dem dazugehörigen Klein-Klein überrumpelt zu werden.

Fachleute auf diesem Gebiet und Leute mit besonderer Vorliebe für wissenschaftliche Details und Methodiken werden hier nichts neues finden oder lernen, aber das ist ja auch gar nicht der Anspruch des Buches. Das Buch soll die verschiedenen Seiten und Aspekte des Genetic Engineering herausarbeiten und beleuchten, sodass diese Prinzipien der interessierten Bevölkerung gut zugänglich sind.

Das schafft das Buch vollends, ich bin daher sehr zufrieGen. (Pun intended).
3 people found this helpful
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