A Truly Higher Life Form

Many of the issues confronting humanity involve threats to individual well-being. For health professionals, the challenges take many forms and are intertwined with economic, political, and other dynamics of civilization. Those committed to maximizing the physical and mental integrity of the person will thus vary in motivation. This novel envisions efforts to radically enhance, perhaps perfect, the human life experience. Commitment to this can seem idealistic, but financial motivation inevitably emerges. In the background are the investors who want a return-a big return, but also ethical questions from people who don't appreciate the scientists' concept of progress. The clients seeking youth and perfection are motivated by self-interest and can afford the expensive procedures. But there are those who question whether humanity as a whole will benefit, rather than just elite or select individuals. And even the beneficiaries must face questions about their unprecedented transformation. The alluring surface appeal must be weighed against the likely effects on one's life, and against the meaning of life in this challenging world. As events unfold, the overarching question becomes whether the world is ready, or can be made ready, for people of a far superior order.