Would you have one of your fingers removed surgically if it somehow guaranteed you immunity from all major diseases?

Okay… assuming “surgically” removed means under anesthesia and I’ll feel nothing as opposed to having a loan shark’s leg breaker slice off my finger with one of those things that cuts off the ends of cigars, sure. Especially if I get to choose which finger I lose.

I think I’d go with one of the pinky fingers. I find those to be the least useful of my fingers.

It would be different if I relied on all of my fingers for a living. Like if I were a world-class concert pianist. Though, I’m sure there are ways to get around still playing the piano if you only have a total of nine digits. I suppose it would make typing difficult for a while. That’s probably where my pinkies get the most use. But, again, it would likely be worth it to know I’ll never get sick.

But what about you? Would you be willing to lose a finger if it meant immunity from disease? Let me know what you think down in the comments!

*The Question of the Week can be found in The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, Ph.D.