Genetic engineering Quote by Andrew M. Ryan
““I’ve always been suspicious of the assumption that great intelligence would be an unqualified benefit— that the madness that so often accompanies it can be cavalierly dismissed. So I asked the question: Suppose there were an entire subpopulation of extreme geniuses, well beyond anything that would occur naturally. What would that really look like?””
About This Quote
The quote questions the unexamined belief that extreme intelligence is wholly beneficial, highlighting potential madness and societal impact of a subpopulation of geniuses.
In simple terms: Intelligence may bring danger as well as benefit.
Key Takeaway
Question the costs of unbounded genius.
Themes
intelligence
genius
ethics
psychology
risk
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
intelligence:1
genius:1
Geniuses:1
Intelligence:1
Nihilism:0
Psychological-thriller:0
Great Intelligence:1
Extreme Geniuses:1
Geniuses Occur:0
Intelligence Unqualified:0
When to use this quote
- policy design
- education
- mental health support
- media portrayal
Key Concepts
cognitive extremes
social consequences
mental health
elitism
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards could protect society from extreme intellect?
- How might we balance brilliance with responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Such a group could exacerbate inequality and instability.
![“Dallas Willard explains: The world has succeeded in opposing intelligence to goodness. . . . And today any attempt to combine spirituality or moral purity with great intelligence causes widespread pangs of “cognitive dissonance.” [As with Jesus,] Mother Teresa . . . is thought of as . . . nice, of…” quote by Jared C. Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/55b/jared-c-wilson-16055_cognitive-dissonance_dallas-willard-explains-the-world-has-su_387854.jpg)
![“The time to talk about it [genetic engineering to improve a baby's genes] in schools and churches and magazines and debate societies is now. If you wait, five years from now the gene doctor will be hanging out the MAKE A SMARTER BABY sign down the street.” quote by Arthur Caplan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/de9/arthur-caplan-37880_baby_the-time-to-talk-about-it-genetic-engine_204728.jpg)
