Marcus Clarke's letter expresses justifiable concern over genetic engineering's possible unintentional and unexpected ramifications (16 June, p 53). He is afraid that ecosystems may be shattered and wildlife destroyed because of alterations to cattle intended to expand the range of domestic herding.
Of course, he is right. Humans have eliminated countless species, from mastodons to dodos, for their own benefit, and more are added to the list every year.
But this doesn't mean there is anything unnatural or inherently cruel about the drive to make human life longer, easier, or more enjoyable. If anything, it is "natural" for us to do everything possible to improve living standards for our species. In one way or another, this inevitably threatens other living things, from lab animals to wildlife. Not doing everything possible would threaten the well-being of people. Which is the more ethical path?
Maybe ethics are irrelevent. Protagoras announced 2500 ...
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