Who’s In, and Who’s Out?
As humanity stands on the edge of profound change, we must clearly affirm where we stand on human dignity—and who we believe is worthy of it.
Each of us—myself included—draws a line somewhere: a boundary between who belongs and who doesn’t. Who’s in, and who’s out?
It’s not just a social question—it’s moral, political, and spiritual too.
To us as social animals: Who will I treat with respect—and even associate with?
To our inner souls: Who has intrinsic worth, and who doesn’t?
To the policymaker: Who gets to participate as equals in public life—and share in public goods?
To followers of Christ: Whose feet am I willing to wash?
Every version of these questions asks us to take a position—on human dignity.
And in our daily lives, we all answer them through our choices, whether intentionally or not.
Humans have grappled with these questions for generations.
But these questions are especially urgent now—because of the sweeping transformations that may reshape the human race within our lifetimes.
We need to be concrete in our values before these changes come—so we’re not tempted to rationalize our way into betraying them when the stakes are at their peak and “winners” and “losers”emerge.
We need to take a position on human dignity—before AI, AGI, and humanoid robots are advanced enough to replace human bodies and even human connection at scale.
We need to take a position on the intrinsic value of life—before therapeutics emerge that could extend human lifespans by decades, or even indefinitely.
We need to take a position on our relationship with Earth—and its natural resources—before we expand to other worlds and risk exporting a disregard for life and dignity beyond this planet.
So who’s in—and who’s out?
Our family and friends?
People who annoy us? “Weirdos”?
People who can help us get “ahead”?
Those who went to a rival school—or cheer for a rival team?
What about people with questionable integrity?
Who’s in and who’s out?
Returning citizens?
Foreign nationals?
What if they are chronically sick—or infectious?
What if they’re uneducated?
Or homeless? Or poor?
Who’s in and who’s out?
What about children—and others who can’t advocate for themselves?
What about people with “disabilities”?
What if it’s a genetic condition—versus someone who drove drunk and ended up paralyzed?
Who’s in and who’s out?
What about people who voted for “the bad guys”?
What about criminals? What if they’ve repented?
What about people who have committed heinous crimes—like massive fraud or genocide?
What about someone we could exploit—if we wanted to?
What about someone we’re afraid of—for any of a thousand rational or irrational reasons?
Who’s in and who’s out?
Even if it costs us money, is in comfortable, or requires sacrifice?
Where do we draw the line?
Who do we treat with dignity and respect?
Who’s in—and who’s out?