The field of genetics has entered a period of rapid advancement that promises to revolutionize our society. There is much good that can follow, including more tailored and effective prevention, intervention, and treatment, and a deeper appreciation for our individuality. But there are also complex challenges that will accompany the integration of genetic information into our lives. In our review of 20 years ago, we ended by addressing ethical, legal, and social issues to be confronted once genes conferring susceptibility to disorders are identified: “How should information about the nature and meaning of susceptibility genes be conveyed to the media, the public, and the courts? How can erroneous beliefs about genetic determinism be dispelled effectively? Such issues will be even more salient once dispositional genes for normal behavioral variation are identified.” That time has come, but we’ve made little progress toward answering those questions. We’ve been so excited about advances in gene discovery that we haven’t slowed to address the complex ethical issues that will inevitably follow. My hope is that bringing more widespread attention to these issues will inspire
