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For one to be another

Thomas Agrusti

Ethical well-being

Joe Oyler

April 11, 2012

For one to be another

                Personally, I shall begin this topic bluntly. I find nothing truly wrong with cloning. In and of itself, genetic engineering is no more morally wrong than surgery or medication inside the bounds of modern technology.

The primary reason why I find nothing wrong with it is due in part to the fact that I believe in a nurture based upbringing, that a person’s genetic make-up does not dictate who they truly are. This is based on how the person was raised. Ergo, every person through my knowledge of the human mind, is a relatively blank slate psychologically, with the exception of definitive genetic traits. These traits would include, but are not entirely limited to , one’s biological make up, i.e. hair color, skin tone, eyes, etc. , as well as any genetic disease or ailment. In this manner,  person can be psychologically affected if the previous parent had autism, down syndrome, or any other type of genetic mental illness, however, other psychological traits, such as ambition, fear, intelligence, creativity, and charisma are all learned.

Continuing this debate, I feel the topic only evolves into my idea that all human psychology is malleable to a certain point, this point being after an extreme amount of conditioning has already been applied, or after one reaches a stagnant age. I believe that any person, be it through the swapping of parents, or the raising of one in a lab, can be conditioning and behaviorally raised to think and act in a certain way. Through conditioning, you can craft any person to become what you want. Genetic is a small, if not insignificant player in this equation.

In all these ways, I also feel that all things are right with consent, due to the fact that I adhere to a self-driven sense of morality and growth, a person being the master of their own lifestyle and, thereby, all of their actions being raised by their own cognition. Therefore, if a person so wished to subject themselves to scientific research to any degree, I feel they should be allowed that. If a person wanted to have their body “donated to science,” they should be able to. Who are we to restrict that person’s ability to use and create from their own body? I also believe that the advancement of human control, i.e. the control over our own lives with pursuit towards immortality, is a form of human evolution, with our advancement being vastly inevitable.

Many may still believe in the immorality of cloning, and I must say, neither of the philosophers that I have read felt sympathetic to my viewpoints in anyway, as they were more passive in their arguments, as well as apprehensive. I feel that I should be nothing but active in my stance, and joyously waiting to see more of what scientific advancement and research shall bring. I feel that my principles and points of view were upheld within my contemplation of the subject, and feel that many evolutions of humanity present an amazing opportunity for our future. We are a growing species, and the more we restrict it, the slower we grow, like putting a plant in a closet. But, bring the plant into the light, and it will grow and blossom into a beautiful masterpiece, as will we. 

I am

Thomas Agrusti

Life

April 9^th, 2012

Why I can never win an argument

                I do not claim to be a hipster. I do not live so that I fall within the bounds of an existential lifestyle; I admit to not always be the perfect Christian. However, I cannot deny a few differences that I have invariably, conflictingly, presently, between me and other humans. Whether these differences be conditioned, learned, genetic, intentional, or accidental, I know not. However, I feel that, as my first reason shall go on to expand upon, realizing, acknowledging, and being self-aware, self-conscious of such factors in my life are the primary reason for exploring them. As such, I shall endeavor into my own psyche, and how my homogenous pool is disparaged from that of other humans.  

                I am self-aware. I constantly reflect, not just on my philosophical conflicts and my goals and endeavors. I reflect on my posture, my breathing, my energy level, my health, and my well-being. I pursue ultimate self-awareness, for by knowing every variable, factor, and problem they create, you can ultimately solve all of these problems, and rise to become the alpha human. Mind you, this alpha human is not the ultimate human, but the ultimate self. I personally would not be the best athlete in the world, nor would I be the most skilled painter, violinist, architect, chemist, teacher, or grandfather. I would aim, strive, and slave to be the greatest self I could attain within my own power. I am my own obstacle, and overcoming myself, to be better than myself is the best I can be and the best I would want.

                I am unsympathetic. This may be a child of the former philosophy, which as inspiring as it may be, and as agreeing with the world as it is written, it results in an introverted human. How can I be worried about you when I’m so worried about myself? Your life is your own to live, thusly, your problems are your own to overcome, to grow upon, and to leap off of to reach the next goal and, thereby, the next problem. Thusly, I should live life parallel to yours, unless exponential, if not significant gain, can be made from the intersecting of life.  I understand that the heterogeneous nature of the natural human is a marvel and, in turn, creates an altogether greater human being. However, through unlimited, or at least unknowledgeable dependency, a perception where you don’t know how far you would go an why, is ultimately a weakness.

                I have a will. I feel that it is important to take ultimate control of my life. It is my goal to make myself better out of myself, a plant growing from external resources for internal development. I do not feel it is necessary, nor is it an obligation, to act upon the premonitions and the expectations of others. However, I do believe that acting for an ultimate purpose is beneficial, both for the individual and the world as a whole.

                I am my own, Cogito Ergo Sum, I think, therefore, I am, and I become, and I create. I am myself to evolve and decide. I have the ultimate choice and, therefore, there ultimate challenge to become the ultimate self. I am myself, which makes me different from anything else, and thereby, anyone else. I am my own. I think, therefore, I am, therefore, I live.

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