In this blog post, I’ll explore the meaning of “natural humans” and “designer humans” based on the movie ‘Gattaca’, and reflect on the changes that genetic engineering could bring to humanity and society.
Natural Humans vs. Custom-Made Humans: Which Is More Valuable?
What are the criteria for distinguishing between their pros and cons? That was the first question that came to mind after watching the movie “Gattaca.” In the film, the protagonist Vincent was born a natural human—one who had not undergone any genetic engineering—while his younger brother Anton was born a custom-made human, with genetic technology used to preemptively eliminate the possibility of physical and mental illnesses. In the film’s society, “designed humans” like Anton are regarded as perfect beings free from potential problems or sources of anxiety, whereas “natural humans” like Vincent are viewed as carrying inherent risks, with their life expectancy, diseases, and even personality traits predetermined solely by their genes. Although they are legally equal, indirect class divisions and discrimination exist in society. However, I side more with the “natural human,” who embodies the mystery of nature, than with the flawless “designed human.”
The significance of engineered humans lies in selecting only the advantages from human genes and eliminating the disadvantages. But then, what does genetic engineering technology judge to be an advantage, and what does it judge to be a disadvantage? While one might infer from the film that there are criteria for distinguishing between dominant and recessive traits, I found myself wondering whether those criteria are always accurate and absolute.
Being tall and growing quickly does not necessarily mean those traits are always advantages. Take basketball as an example: for centers or power forwards, height is clearly an advantage because it allows them to secure favorable positions for rebounding, shooting, and physical play. On the other hand, for small forwards or shooting guards—positions where dribbling, agility, and quick passing are crucial—a relatively smaller build can actually be an advantage. As such, traits considered strengths can become weaknesses depending on the situation; strengths and weaknesses are relative concepts, not absolute ones.
Vincent, too, was born with genetically disadvantageous conditions, yet through relentless effort, he lives a healthy life even beyond his expected lifespan. Furthermore, in a swimming race against Anton—who is considered genetically superior—Vincent ultimately emerges victorious. This scene symbolically demonstrates that human potential is not determined by genes alone. Ultimately, strengths and weaknesses vary depending on the situation and environment, and the concepts of absolute dominance and recessiveness are difficult to definitively determine even in reality.
Positive Changes Brought by Genetic Engineering
Of course, it is also true that “custom-made humans” and genetic engineering technologies can bring benefits to humanity. This is especially true in cases where a person’s capabilities are severely limited, such as with congenital disorders or severe genetic diseases. Today, disability and disease are no longer viewed as identical concepts, and the perspective that disability is the result of both an individual’s characteristics and their social environment is widely accepted. Nevertheless, technologies capable of preventing or treating severe congenital or genetic disorders can significantly improve the quality of life for many people.
If someone were to ask, “Would you rather have fingers or not?” most people would choose to have them. It is true that, as in this case, there are characteristics that many people universally consider desirable. Furthermore, if we could predict genetic disorders in advance and use gene therapy to prevent or treat them, this would represent a major advancement in modern medicine. Recently, gene therapies for certain genetic disorders have begun to be used in actual clinical practice, and related technologies are advancing rapidly. These technologies are expected to play a positive role in improving patients’ quality of life and reducing the overall healthcare burden on society.
“Designer human” technology has the potential to provide clear benefits to humanity, moving beyond the simple distinction between dominant and recessive traits. Nevertheless, if a time comes in the future—as depicted in the movie ‘Gattaca’—when parents can choose between a “natural human” and a “designer human,” I would ultimately choose the natural human for the reasons I mentioned earlier.
Is a disability something to be overcome, or is it part of what makes us human?
If you asked anyone, “Would you like to have a new disability?” most would answer no. However, among those already living with disabilities, there are certainly people who overcome their limitations and do not view their disability as a mere deficiency or misfortune. In fact, there are those who accept their disability as an integral part of who they are and regard it as a valuable life experience. That is why I believe we cannot simply assume that a disability always signifies only a disadvantage.
For example, in the case of people with visual impairments, there are well-documented instances where, in lieu of sight, other senses such as hearing or touch become more highly developed. Of course, not every person with a visual impairment necessarily excels in other senses, but there are quite a few who demonstrate exceptional abilities by actively utilizing and training their other senses within the limitations of their vision. Based on these abilities, some are even able to accomplish tasks that would be difficult for the average person to achieve.
A prime example is the world-renowned musician Stevie Wonder. Although he is blind, he is recognized as a legendary singer and composer who has left a significant mark on the history of world music. While it cannot be said that all of his musical talent stems from his visual impairment, it is widely known that he has cultivated his hearing and musical sensibility from a young age to create his own unique musical world.
There is a widely told anecdote related to him.
There was a blind boy. Unable to get along well with his friends, he was always lonely. Then one day, an event occurred that completely changed his life. During class, a mouse appeared in the classroom; although everyone could hear its squeaking, no one could find where it was hiding. At that moment, the teacher asked the blind boy to use his exceptional hearing to locate the mouse. After listening intently for a moment, the boy figured out that the mouse was hiding inside a closet in the corner of the classroom.
After class, the teacher called the boy over and said,
“You have a special ability that your friends don’t have. You have special ears, don’t you?”
Those words changed the boy’s life. The boy, who loved music, was able to break free from the perspective that focused solely on his disability and discover his own potential. Thanks to his exceptional hearing, he never forgot a sound he heard, and eventually grew into a world-renowned musician. He is none other than Stevie Wonder, who turned “I Just Called to Say I Love You” into a global hit.
Of course, we cannot say that his disability was solely responsible for his musical talent. However, no one can say for certain whether he would have lived the same life—or been able to present the unique musical world that moves us today—if he hadn’t been visually impaired.
Isn’t human dignity more important than technological advancement?
If we could prevent congenital diseases and minimize disabilities through personalized human technology, it would be a very significant advancement in the fields of medicine and life sciences. It could also have a positive impact on society as a whole, as it would allow many people to lead healthier lives.
However, on the other hand, we might never again encounter people like Stevie Wonder who overcame their limitations to move and inspire humanity. Rather than viewing disability solely as a source of unmitigated misfortune or something that must be eliminated, we need to also consider the potential for humans to grow by overcoming it. While the technological advancements and material benefits gained by resolving all disabilities are important, I believe that the will to overcome limitations and the spirit of challenge are also precious values that human society can never take lightly.
I am neither a religious person nor do I believe in a transcendent being. However, I believe that the birth of new life itself is a blessing. Even if that life is born somewhat different from others or with certain challenges, I believe it has sufficient value simply by existing and has the right to live its own life. Shouldn’t we clearly distinguish between “different” and “wrong”?
Every person has their own shining strengths, and even what may seem like shortcomings can become part of that person’s unique human charm. For this reason, I strongly support the “natural humans” depicted in the movie ‘Gattaca’.
Even just looking at Anton’s birth scene in the film, the doctor explains the gender and genetic traits of several embryos and urges the parents to make a choice. Ultimately, only Anton is born, while the remaining embryos are excluded from the selection process without ever having the chance to blossom into life. So, were they not precious lives after all? Anton and the unselected embryos originally possessed the same potential, but simply because of the outcome of that choice, one became a cherished child while the other vanished without receiving any attention. This portrayal makes it seem as though the value of life is determined by human choice, which left me with a deep sense of futility and skepticism.
So when I saw the ending at the end of the film, where Vincent—a “natural human”—finally fulfills his dream, I found myself smiling without even realizing it.
No one can know exactly what kind of future society will unfold, or what genetic engineering technologies and social systems will be established. However, regardless of technological advancements, if a time comes when I must choose between a “custom-made human” and a “natural human,” I would choose the mystery of nature over genetic engineering. This is because I want to respect life itself—rather than an artificially created being—and love all of its strengths and weaknesses.
