Why Do Humans Fight Natural Selection When It’s Proven So Successful?

The idea of natural selection has long been a cornerstone of evolutionary biology, explaining the survival and propagation of species over countless generations. Despite its success, humans often resist this process, especially when it comes to their own kind. This resistance raises the question: why do we fight something that has been shown to be so successful?

Understanding Natural Selection

When we talk about natural selection, the key points often discussed are its scope and impact. From a broader ecological standpoint, natural selection has been incredibly successful. It has ensured the survival of our planet's ecosystems, promoting adaptation and diversity in all living organisms. This process has played a significant role in the evolution of various species, leading to a rich tapestry of life on Earth.

From a biological perspective, natural selection is successful as long as life exists on Earth. Every evolutionary success story is also a story of change, leading to the extinction of other species. Nature, in its essence, favors unicellular organisms that reproduce through mitosis. This means that even though natural selection has been successful in the long-term, it does not guarantee the survival of specific species or traits.

The Battle of Species

Imagine nature as a battlefield. If we consider the entire biosphere as a metaphorical 'Russian army' in the Battle of Stalingrad, natural selection ensures that eventually, one form of life will 'win.' However, countless individual units (such as organisms) will die in the process. From this perspective, human life is just one form of DNA expression among many. Nature has shown no favoritism, and in the process, it often favors simpler and less complex life forms.

The Human Quest for Control

Humanity, on the other hand, has evolved to a point where we recognize the limitations of natural selection. We now possess self-awareness and a drive for individual survival, comfort, and self-actualization. We have a Maslowian bucket list we desire to fulfill. However, natural selection remains indifferent to these desires. Nature simply states, 'You wish... wish away... but you take a grab-bag like everyone else.'

To overcome this, humans have developed a method known as artificial selection. This process introduces 'intentional design' to the evolutionary game, marking a significant first in biological evolution. By using our knowledge of genetics and inheritance, we can now guide the traits and qualities that our offspring possess. For example, through advancements in genetic engineering, we are now approaching the ability to alter the genetics of human embryos, ensuring that our children have the traits and characteristics we desire.

Shaping Our Own Future

With artificial selection and other technological advancements, humanity is on the cusp of a new era where we can take more control over our evolutionary path. This is a thrilling prospect as it allows us to dream and, increasingly, to bring those dreams to reality. This not only amplifies the potential success of our species but also ensures that our individual children have the best chance of thriving.

Even in the absence of sentient divinities, humanity has made remarkable progress in becoming our own 'gods,' taking responsibility for our success. We find ourselves in a new stage of evolution, resembling a 'young adulthood' as depicted in Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke. We are in a position where we can make choices about our future, and the question becomes, will we have the will to shape it?

A Path of Progress

Ultimately, the journey towards controlling our own evolution is an ongoing one. It requires careful consideration, ethical reasoning, and a willingness to embrace responsibility. The human spirit, characterized by our drive for progress and self-improvement, will likely lead us towards a future where we can truly define our own destinies. Whether we shall turn out to be the hero of our own lives remains to be seen, but with the means at our disposal, we have the potential to create a future that is both prosperous and fulfilling.