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In this book, I give fair attention to both parts of my new motto:
""It's all in the genes - Really?""
On the one hand, I will show the reader how powerful genes, and
their DNA, can be - for we need to acknowledge that "It's in the
genes."
On the other hand, I also explain why genes do not tell us the
entire story - for we should also recognize that "genes do not
answer all our questions." The latter part is a more philosophical
reflection on the first part. Biological facts do not make sense
without a philosophical reflection. Our genes are like a hand of
cards we are dealt, but we can play them differently.
This book is not as deterministic as other books on genetics, and
yet it gives genetics its due with up-to-date, easy-accessible
information for those interested in genomics (The science journal
"Nature" listed "Personal Genomics Goes Main-stream" as a top news
story of 2008). But it also discusses explicitly why mind issues
such as morality, rationality, free will, and religion cannot be in
the genes.
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""Where does morality come from? What about religion and
rationality? Do we really have free will? If you want answers to
these questions, you will want to read IT'S ALL IN THE GENES
REALLY? You will also learn much about genetics, genomics, DNA and
much more, all in a style that is informative, clear and
enjoyable.""
Francisco J. Ayala is University Professor and Donald Bren
Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of California,
Irvine. Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics.
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""The critical discussion by Dr. G.M. Verschuuren of selected
examples for acquired insights into the complexity of life
represents a welcome contribution to inform a wider public on
questions and at least partial answers dealt with by fundamental
and applied research in the life sciences.""
Professor Werner Arber, Nobel Laureate in Medicine 1978,
Biozentrum, Department of Microbiology, University of Basel,
Switzerland.
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""There is no such thing as a perfect genome. We always knew. But
in the era of exome and genome sequencing, we can actually see it,
right in front of our own eyes. Each one of us carries hundreds to
thousands of variants or mutations. What a humbling experience. The
consequences of most of these we don't yet understand. And then,
beyond biology, there is more. What makes us human? Where does
biology end, and where does philosophy begin? Gerard Verschuuren
presents an intelligent book, which will educate, stimulate,
provoke, and inspire.""
Christian P. Schaaf, MD, PhD, FACMG. Assistant Professor,
Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and
Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's
Hospital.
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""IT'S ALL IN THE GENES - REALLY? is a finely honed counterpoint
to the genes-as-destiny perspective that often underlies media
reports on genetics. Verschuuren argues that genes never act in
isolation, but always in concert with a person's environment, and
that there is a great deal more to human life than biology alone.
So when you hear someone say that it's all in our genes, your
immediate response should be "Really?""
Daniel Hartl, Higgins Professor of Biology, Hartle Laboratory,
Harvard University.
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