The uniqueness of man: a philosophical interpretation of cloning

As human beings, we are completely different from each other. We differ in appearance, we are characterized by different personalities and temperaments, we are “built” of different experiences, governed by dissimilar mentalities, principles and ideals. Sometimes, in the context of an existential pursuit, we may happen to wonder what it would be like if a person exactly like us existed, another Self, a “clone”.

Cloning, as a groundbreaking scientific method, has acquired special meaning in the field of Biology recently, with the most impressive example being the cloning of multicellular organisms, such as ‘Dolly’ the sheep, which lived among us for approximately 7 years. The cloning process aims either to produce cell lines to cure serious and- perhaps- seemingly unheard-of diseases (therapeutic cloning) or to create genetic copies (reproductive cloning). In any case, cloning is currently haunted by serious weaknesses and shortages, mainly associated with the vulnerability and viability of clones, thus the basis of such a discussion is purely theoretical/ philosophical and not as realistic.

On the one hand, the existence of a person mirroring us would undoubtedly contribute to the identification of our character and behavior’s flaws and vulnerabilities and behavior and it would raise unpreceded concerns, through the paradoxical reflection of ourselves in another individual. Questions like “am I really doing this?” and “is this actually my reaction?” might have led to a soothing deliberation, with the ultimate goal of self-improvement. By observing objectively what we do not like in us, we are automatically held accountable for our actions and we aim at establishing an ego that is more sympathetic to our surroundings and, above all, more likeable to ourselves.

At the same time, the existence of a person fully able to understand us, to understand our thoughts in depth and to agree with us on issues of higher or lower importance forces us to approve of this utopian scenario. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a constant supporter, with whom we always agree, share the same moments and to whom we never have to explain any of our choices? Obviously, at this point there is talk of a resemblance more meaningful than the external one, which in the end, is also shared by homozygous twins with identical DNA, who you are desperately trying to distinguish by some face mark. Twins, however, due to their upbringing in a common family environment usually adopt related views and principles, while they also share some common experiences, as it generally happens with siblings. Nevertheless, this concerns two completely different personalities with distinct interests, desires and needs. On the contrary, the clone is merely a universal copy paste of our external and internal structure.

But do we actually want this? The magic of human sociability, friendship, love, life itself is that all of us are uniquely different, mismatched entities that become so harmoniously matched. What’s the point in searching for an imitation of yourself that inherently and undoubtedly agrees with you, while you can find an entirely distinct being that will disagree with you? Carried away by the dizzying speed of scientific developments and charmed by fantastic prospects, we forget the priceless value of conversation, of combining different experiences, of exchange of views, of confrontation. Our essential contact with others and the bond which emanates from it are a desirable gift, much more special than the “confinement” to the unique, but limited universe that each one of us constitutes (not that exploration and love towards our personal universe are not fundamental, but this is a different conversation.). After all, everyone values more what they have acquired laboriously. Self-improvement comes when we truly desire to see (and not simply to look at) our reflection in others.

Thus, dreadful are the methods and fantasies opposed to the uniqueness of human existence. Dreadful, because they would make the world less colorful, less human, after all!

Photography by Simeon Maniatis (@simos_maniatis)

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