Author: Carl Setzer

A blogger blogging from just north of Seattle.

Some thoughts on the Long-Term Impact of Designed Babies

Carl Setzer
baby boy sitting with white inflatable balloon above

Oh, this article on Wired got me thinking: Designer Babies Are Teenagers Now—and Some of Them Need Therapy Because of It. Quick summary: the writer, Emi Nietfeld, is summarizing a discussion with a family therapist working with these teenagers.

Let’s start with, well, clearly this is an example of the Law of Unintended consequences. These technologies were supposed to make families “better”, to create the most beautiful and brilliant children. And, well, not exactly. People want to be valued as their unique selves. So, I found this line both telling, and rather messed up.

The kids feel like walking science experiments; the parents are disappointed in how their progeny turned out.

Seems like folks fell into the trap of grasping for control. If you thought the folks who hyper-structured their children’s lives so that they would become exactly who they wanted them to be were dysfunctional, imagine being able to go from math camps, piano lessons, and language immersion programs to messing with their DNA.

I kept coming across teens who were in distress about the way they had been created.

Created? That really felt weird to read. The interviewee sums up my thoughts well with this line:

People don’t always realize they are creating a human being and not a piece of furniture.

To me, this highlights the reason every major religion emphasises relinquishing control. Abandoning fear and allowing things/people to just BE is powerful.

Anyway, as the subject of this article states, “I don’t know if anyone’s making sure parents understand that they can’t test-drive a child and then return it.” People are not products! They aren’t resources to extract. They aren’t vehicles to further your ambitions. Sigh…

These tools have some powerful applications, and some of them, I expect, are life-affirming. However, they can leave a mess of multi-generational trauma. Perhaps we can’t prevent every Unintended Consequence, but, I expect, with thoughtful consideration, we could mitigate or eliminate more than we do. One can dream, I suppose.

Ways of Making Tea

Carl Setzer

I love tea, and I have a particular fondness for English (or Irish, or Welsh) breakfast teas. Once (ages ago) I was lectured by a British chap about the proper way to make tea (and how I was NOT doing so). Therefore, this xkcd was perfect.

I’ve been a fan of this comic for ages. I’m sure I shared from them before, but thought I’d highlight a few of my favorites. And, if you haven’t, encourage you to follow them.

Here are my two favorite comics (and this is a solid tie):

and this one…

So, I hope you enjoyed and consider giving them a follow.

Today’s haiku: November 14, 2024

Carl Setzer
Today’s haiku
evening rainfall 
flowing from a day of rain
into a calm night

Twas a rain filled day. Shifting between downpours, mists, and even a few moments of dryness with dark clouds

Crafted this image on Canva. I thought this font was fun. (It’s called Tan Pearl if you’re curious.)

I hope this finds you well.

A Quote For The Day

Carl Setzer
silhouette photography of group of people jumping during golden time

I came accross today’s quote at Michele Lee’s blog “My Inspired Life”.

Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”
― Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

First, I loved Tuesdays with Morrie. And I just love the vibe of this quote. It reminds me of what’s important in life, even is these troubling times.

I hope this finds you well. May you find your community, one that you may delight in devoting yourself to.