Hello everyone! This month we will be reading The Body Politic: The Battle Over Science in America by Jonathan D. Moreno. This book felt especially meaningful at a time when I am thinking seriously about purpose, direction, and the kind of work I want to do in the world. Moreno’s exploration of the political and ethical struggles surrounding modern science, from biotechnology and genetics to neuroscience and synthetic biology, reaches far beyond laboratory walls. He reminds us that science is not just about data or discovery; it is about power, trust, and the public values that determine how knowledge is used. In that sense, the book became more than an analysis of “biopolitics”, rather, it became a mirror for how I think about building a career that is both intellectually honest and socially responsible.
Moreno traces how, throughout American history, scientific progress has existed in constant tension with political and moral debate. From controversies over eugenics and cloning to arguments about stem cell research and genetic enhancement, each new breakthrough challenges society to reconsider its ethical boundaries. What struck me most was how these debates are never only about technology; they are about the kind of society we wish to become. Moreno’s argument that we are living through a “biological century” underscores that our choices in science and policy today will shape not just future innovations, but future identities. As someone exploring potential pathways in public health, policy, or research, I found this both exciting and sobering, a reminder that every professional decision exists within a larger moral landscape.
The book also emphasizes that the health of democracy is tied to the health of science. Moreno warns that when political ideologies distort scientific evidence, or when scientists fail to communicate transparently, trust erodes on both sides. That insight resonates deeply in an era of misinformation and polarization. For those of us at the beginning of our professional journeys, this creates a challenge: how can we engage with science, or any field of expertise, in a way that builds trust instead of widening divides? Moreno’s answer is to cultivate what he calls a “progressive politics of science,” one grounded in openness, empathy, and the courage to defend facts even when doing so is unpopular.
Personally, reading The Body Politic inspired me to think about career exploration as something more than finding stability or success, but rather as a process of discovering how to align personal values with public responsibility. Whether I end up working directly in science or alongside it, Moreno’s reflections remind me that integrity, curiosity, and communication are just as essential as technical skill. The question is not only what work I will do, but why it matters and who it ultimately serves.
Moreno’s writing left me with a profound sense of both caution and hope. He acknowledges that the politics of science can be messy, divisive, and slow to progress, but he also believes in the enduring capacity of democracy to self-correct when citizens engage with knowledge in good faith. As I look toward my own future, this vision feels like both an ethical compass and an invitation, to approach my career not as a closed path, but as an ongoing experiment in learning, questioning, and serving the public good. If you want to discuss this book, or have any questions about finding a career that speaks to you as an individual, please visit the Human Ecology Career Exploration Center located in MVR room 1203!
