Jielin Yu’s essay draws us into an important debate that has endured over centuries: what does it mean to be human? This debate exemplifies Burke’s metaphorical parlor, bringing together as it does scholars and commentators from different eras and disciplines with different aims and audiences. Adding his voice to this conversation, Yu brings a contemporary perspective to the discussion, encouraging us to consider how emerging technologies reshape this critical debate. The authorial voice that presents itself through this essay is calm and orderly: Yu guides us through the historical context (what technology, people, and events do we need to know to understand the issue?), outlines the applications of the technology, and then presents concerns from scientific, religious, and ethical viewpoints. The essay stands out because it presents a complex range of information in an accessible manner; beyond that considerable achievement, the author indicates his own place in the scholarly debate, while acknowledging the ongoing dilemmas inherent in the conversation.