Science has made tremendous progress in the past century alone. Yet, the age-old conflict remains - "the struggle between science and ethics, the tension between what can be and what should be, the battle between what is possible and what is right." Caught in the midst of the flurry of arguments, we have to make a clear distinction between the black, the white and the grey. Like President Bill Clinton of the United States of America states, "Any discovery that touches upon human creation is not simply a matter of scientific inquiry. It is a matter of morality and spirituality as well."

Being mere humans, we encounter slippery ground all too often. Thus, there is an urgent need for us to tread cautiously. We have to carefully sort through the jumble of right and wrong, of good and evil; we have to search for what our values are, and where our ethics stem from. Only then can we be sure of our convictions and our stan

To date, many discoveries in genetic engineering has paved the way for the time when we can possible eliminate the obstacles deterring our species from living an improved life. In genetic engineering, we glimpse a whole new world of possibilities. Its door beckons welcomingly, inviting us to step forward. Yet, we need to understand where to draw the line, where to place the boundaries. It is not only for a certain group to decide, but together, as humanity, shall we see this thing through.

I do not deny that the potential for the ruination of the human race exists. As with every other scientific breakthrough, genetic engineering could very well set the stage for another weapon of mass destruction to be created, this time in the aspect of biowarfare. It is not uncommon for people to be convinced that "it is very likely that in attempting to 'perfect' the human species, we will succeed in engineering our own destruction." It is immensely conceivable that in the wrong hands, this seriously powerful tool can become a deadly and lethal weapon, annihilating not only the bad, but also the good, perhaps eliminating the diversity of life itself.

While I realize that genetic engineering could pose a very real threat to humanity if abused, I do not feel as if we are "sowing the seeds of our destruction." Then again, the creators of nuclear power and bombs probably had no such reservations either.

Despite this substantial threat, only great risks reap great rewards. "People are eager for the benefit

Some common words found in the essay are:
United America, , genetic engineering, science ethics,
Approximate Word count = 1026
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)