From Gregory Stock’s The Book of Questions: If you would not get rid of any species, do you think scientists should stop trying to wipe out the malaria parasite, which kills 3,000 people a day, and the tsetse fly, which spreads sleeping sickness to nearly as many?

Now, before you start worrying about the well-being of these tiny terrors, let me assure you that this is purely a thought experiment. No parasites or flies will be harmed in the making of this blog post. So, let’s put on our philosopher hats and dive right in!

On one hand, the preservation of all species is a noble cause. Each creature, no matter how minuscule or menacing, plays a role in the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Who are we to decide which species deserve to live or die? Plus, let’s be honest, wiping out an entire species feels a bit like playing God, and we all know how well that usually turns out in the movies.

But on the other hand, we have the staggering human toll caused by these deadly organisms. The malaria parasite alone is responsible for a mind-boggling 3,000 deaths per day, while the tsetse fly’s body count is not far behind. Imagine the countless lives that could be saved, the families spared from grief, and the communities that could thrive if these threats were eliminated.

So, what’s the verdict? As much as it pains me to say it, I believe that in this case, the greater good of human life should take precedence. While the loss of any species is regrettable, the sheer scale of human suffering caused by these organisms is simply too great to ignore. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but sometimes, tough choices must be made for the benefit of humanity as a whole.

But hey, that’s just my two cents! I want to hear from you, my dear readers. What do you think about this moral conundrum? Would you prioritize the preservation of all species, or would you make an exception for these deadly culprits? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s get a lively debate going! Just remember, no matter which side you’re on, we can all agree that this is one heck of a head-scratcher.