A foray into the poetry of transhumanism

Now for something completely different – at least for BioEdge: bioethics-inspired poetry. Johann Roduit sent us some thoughts in verse about “enhancement, transhumanism, immortality … “ Dr Roduit is Managing Director  of the Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, at the University of Zurich, in Switzerland.

Responses? Comments?

Digital dust

A creature of clay. I am 
Shattered so easily.  
Delicate dust, 
Facing Pompeii's destiny.

A man of steel. I desire 
An artificial heart.
Simulated soul,
Chasing the philosopher’s stone.

A ghost in a shell. I become
Deprived of my flesh.
Digital dust,
Dissolving under Icarus’ sun.

A creature of steel. I remain
Fragile undoubtedly.
Digital death,
Hoping for the Potter’s breath.

“Digital Dust” was first published in the journal Medical Humanities. 

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immortality
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Michael Cook

Michael Cook edits BioEdge, a bioethics newsletter, and MercatorNet, an on-line magazine whose focus is human dignity. He writes from Sydney, Australia.

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