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An Essay on Epigenetics

I.B. Rad

Like epigenetic actions
which by modulating timing
and degree of gene activity
may induce markedly different phenotypes
from the same DNA,
such as worker, queen, and soldier ants,
punctuation can alter
the intent and function
of identical words and phrases.
To pick an elementary illustration,
“Christ” vs. “Christ!”
The first simply refers to the Christian deity
while the second,
without actually concerning Christianity,
may express astonishment, irritation, or both.
For another example,
“Mary kissed John.” vs. “Mary kissed John?”
The first maintains an event happened
whereas the second questions if it happened
or, at any rate, if it occurred as stated.
Likewise, culture can channel and alter
expression of our underlying humanity.
For instance, analogous to ant castes,
within our society
culture’s modulating and channeling
of proclivities like empathy, solidarity, kindness,
veracity, and acquisitiveness
produces such classes
as workers, soldiers, and plutocrats.

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