From Patricia Shannon
Henry Greely seems to imply that the prospect of ending human suffering through biological enhancement is unlikely to be a bad thing (5 August, p 19). I observe that people are usually unable to empathise with problems they have not themselves experienced. People who have not suffered would likely be even less inhibited about inflicting suffering on other creatures, human or otherwise. Of course, for some, too much suffering deadens empathy and causes them to delight in tormenting others. As usual, a balance is needed.
Atlanta, Georgia, US
