Hacking Darwin, Jamie Metzl
Hacking Darwin, Jamie Metzl
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Hacking Darwin
Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity

Author: Jamie Metzl

Narrator: Eric Jason Martin

Unabridged: 11 hr 27 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Published: 05/05/2026


Synopsis

"A gifted and thoughtful writer, Metzl brings us to the frontiers of biology and technology, and reveals a world full of promise and peril." —Siddhartha Mukherjee MD, New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies and The Gene

A groundbreaking exploration of genetic engineering and its impact on the future of our species from leading geopolitical expert and technology futurist, Jamie Metzl.

At the dawn of the genetics revolution, our DNA is becoming as readable, writable, and hackable as our information technology. But as humanity starts retooling our own genetic code, the choices we make today will be the difference between realizing breathtaking advances in human well-being and descending into a dangerous and potentially deadly genetic arms race. Enter the laboratories where scientists are turning science fiction into reality.

In this captivating and thought-provoking nonfiction science book, Jamie Metzl delves into the ethical, scientific, political, and technological dimensions of genetic engineering, and shares how it will shape the course of human evolution.Cutting-edge insights into the field of genetic engineering and its implications for humanity's futureExplores the transformative power of genetic technologies and their potential to reshape human lifeExamines the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering and the choices we face as a speciesEngaging narrative that delves into the scientific breakthroughs and real-world applications of genetic technologiesProvides a balanced perspective on the promises and risks associated with genetic engineeringRaises thought-provoking questions about the future of reproduction, human health, and our relationship with natureDrawing on his extensive background in genetics, national security, and foreign policy, Metzl paints a vivid picture of a world where advancements in technology empower us to take control of our own evolution, but also cautions against the pitfalls and ethical dilemmas that could arise if not properly managed.

Hacking Darwin is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, technology, and humanity's future.

About The Author

Jamie Metzl is a leading futurist, geopolitical expert, science fiction novelist, and media commentator and a Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Council who has served in the White House, State Department, and United Nations. In February 2019, Jamie was appointed to the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on developing global standards for the governance and oversight of human genome editing. In addition to Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity, he has written a history of the Cambodian genocide, the historical novel The Depths of the Sea, the genetics sci-fi thrillers Genesis Code and Eternal Sonata. www.jamiemetzl.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Brahm on May 12, 2019

Another book rec plucked from Bill Gates' reading list. Pros: There are a handful of interesting, thoughtful ideas about the near- and far-future consequences of genetic engineering, and the associated societal issues. It is a very good introduction to the state of genetic engineering (in animals, pl......more

Goodreads review by Kevin on July 21, 2023

Hacking Darwin is less about the methods of genetic modification than it is about the possibilities and philosophical quandaries of the thing. As a futurist, Jamie Metzl poses some perplexing ethical questions that will need to be addressed as we come to terms with what lies ahead. BENEFITS vs RISKS W......more

Goodreads review by Ahmed on June 16, 2020

The book is a good way to introduce yourself to the many aspects of genetic manipulation in humans. The author is occasionally able to strike a good joke to break the science, but it's a science book, so don't be too optimistic. My problems with the title is that in some chapters it felt a little ch......more

Goodreads review by Jim on September 17, 2021

A very good primer that covers genetically engineering ourselves & the issues that raises. I really liked the way the author framed some of the questions through stories. That really made the issues understandable, even personal. For instance, a woman in an IVF clinic choosing which embryo to bring......more

Goodreads review by Yzabel on April 14, 2019

[I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.] This book is not heavy on the actual science details—if you’re looking for those, you’ll be better to get another book, but if you don’t know that much about genetics, then there won’t be anything in there impossibl......more