Stephen Hawking has a question for you

[Dexter Sinister]

Re: RE: Stephen Hawking has a question for you

The only way to survive is to understand our structural role in the universe.

What the Hell does that mean? We have a structural role in the universe? According to everything I think I understand, the universe is supremely indifferent to our existence in it and we have no real influence on it at all.

 

[s_lone]

Well...

You could say the universe is supremely indifferent to the worms crawling around in our earth. But these worms play a pretty important part in the Earth's ecosystem. They are part of a larger structure. I believe humans are part of a larger structure that is way beyond our individual egos. Connecting to this structure is, in my opinion, the key to our survival.

 

[#juan]

Saying, " it doesn't matter" is sort of saying we've failed and that our eminent demise is going to happen regardless. There is a good chance it will, but I would like us to fight to survive, kicking and biting all the way. There are a lot of things wrong with the human race, but there is a lot of good as well. I think we, as the apparent dominant species on this planet, have to turn to science, and away from big business and especially big oil. We have to be responsible for every aspect of our lives that affects other species. As someone said, there is a connectivity between all species and every extinction brings us closer to our own. I don't think it is too late but we had better change our collective way of thinking before it is too late.

I also think we need a responsible world government. That statement will bring on a lot of gnashing of teeth but it will have to happen.

 

[wallyj]

Someone has to take control in a world government.Right now the U.S.dollar is the international currency.English is the international language. When people flee opressive gov'ts they go to the States.I think that America has to lead by example and show the people in the messed up regions that democracy works. The main problem that will bring destuction of the planet is the nutcases in the Middle east who are looking to the past for salvation instead of the future.The people there must one by one speak out against thier ingrained beliefs of God.Allah etc. and realize that they are responsible for themselves.Technology will either save or destroy the planet.right now it seems we are on the eve of destuction.Apologies to Mr. Maguire.

 

[#juan]

A world government means a world government, not a U.S. dictatorship. The U.S. is one of the major things wrong with the world and I suspect, one of the biggest roadblocks to world peace and world government. In a world government that might have a chance to work, every country must have a voice, either by their own representative or a regional representative. In the world I envision, there would only be one military, made up of people from all over the world, to keep order. I probably won't see this in my lifetime but I hope my children do.

 

[wallyj]

I would take my chances with the U.S. over anything the UN could possibly cobble together.It would be great if the ME would get on board,but they are too busy killing each other and threatening the rest of society.Perhaps the NATO nations would be the best option.It has to start with democratic nations.

 

[humanbeing]

RE: Stephen Hawking has a

Screw exploring new stars or learning how to build space stations... though we will undoubtedly do this in the future for the sake of something to do, for learning, for fun, etc...

Humans will alter and adapt themselves in the future whether the environment says we have to or not. This is more likely than us adapting the environment to suit our needs. We are too weak and susceptible to death and host to a myriad of other problems (or what some folks might potentially call problems). While we might look at such a change with disgust, people are bound to do it, and it will change everything when it happens...

Anyways, I dig s_lones ideas. "Connecting ourselves to the ecosystem" and love offer *possible* solutions. I can only hope... But more likely, we will just alter ourselves with technology, or adapt with technology. Best case would see both possibilities arise.

I guess it is all a matter of how we choose to go extinct...

Degradation of our natural systems is happening right now... we are causing the sixth mass extinction at this very time, as Dexter sinister says. This might very well lead to our extinction...

...or we might go extinct as humans by throwing ourselves away. Changing ourselves.

*edit* damn those emoticons. it should say D I S G U S T were you see the little blue face.

 

[jimmoyer]

So here's my answer to Stephen Hawking:

Our ultimate fate is extinction anyway. We can hasten our own demise or prolong our natural span artificially,
------------------Dexter Sinister-------------------------------

As usual, a thoughtful post.

As Dexter Sinister indicates, all things die.

Planets and Suns die.

However, man might be the creator of its own next
new evolution as it tinkers with DNA available from the
thorough DNA mapping projects going on.

Splicing in nanotech and electronic design with
biological advances, we may create a hybrid that
will dimly remember who we were, as most Gods are
dimly remembered or understood by its children.

 

[Gilgamesh]

Dear Dr. Hawking,

We's all gonna die!!