Where are we going? Are we imploding?

[Evans, Marv]

Where are we going (in a physical sense)? We're going away. At least that's what Stephen Hawking (sp.?) tells us. Accoprding to him we need to start preparing to leave here and find other habitable worlds. I'm assuming that's because we're going to be using this one up and needing others to use up - in his opinion. We do live in interesting and unique times, but it won't last forever. I suspect when that first bunch of ships leave for other planets, it will be the privileged who will leave first leaving the less privileged and able behind.

[techweenie]

One of the central themes of "golden age science fiction" is that the smartest of society will end up making all the decisions and that leaving mistakes behind and starting fresh on a new planet will be a valid strategy.

On the other hand, in the Hitchhiker's Guide books, the spaceships with the intelligencia and the craftspeople leave, and the lawyers and salespeople are left on the third spaceship -- the one without an engine.

[Evans, Marv]

The one without the engine should also carry the politicians (no actual PARF intent).

[cockerpunk]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Very interesting and ironic comments thus far on this thread. That somehow religion and ignorance are implicitly linked, and simultaneously the downfall of society. But oh by the way, we are in a moral downward spiral. Technology is our savior, but engineers tend to be religious. And Christian religion typically puts an emphasis on traditional moral values. OH THE HUMANITY!

how exactly are we on a moral spiral? by ANY measure, we are more moral as a society then we were 20 years ago, and WAY more moral then 50 or a 100 years ago.

religion is ignorance, and engineers don't tend to be religious. in fact the trend is that scientists and engineers are some of the most non-religious in our society.

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by cockerpunk

how exactly are we on a moral spiral? by ANY measure, we are more moral as a society then we were 20 years ago, and WAY more moral then 50 or a 100 years ago.

religion is ignorance, and engineers don't tend to be religious.

We are far more moral than 200 years ago or 100 years ago. 10 years ago? Marginally better, IMO.

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by aigel

We sure are doomed with the negativity displayed in this thread so far. Who is posting? A bunch of frustrated mid aged and old farts???

IMHO we are in very exciting times, in my lifetime I expect serious progress in energy, water and automation. Automation specifically in traffic. The self driving car will come in just in time for me to take on retirement road-trips, beer in hand.

G

I agree. (And I fart, and wish I was still middle-aged...)

But I also agree with cockerpunk's post... is it getting better? or worse?

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by motion

The entire population of the world can fit into the state of Texas, with average, large city population density. The problem is not too many people... the problem is too many stupid people.

BUT the entire population of the world cannot possibly be supported on a land area of the entire US, much less Texas...

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by RWebb

BUT the entire population of the world cannot possibly be supported on a land area of the entire US, much less Texas...

Usable land.

I bet I will surprise many of you by stating that I think we are at a good place in time. To say it could be better is foolish. Of course it could be better, but people are involved.

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Usable land.

I bet I will surprise many of you by stating that I think we are at a good place in time. To say it could be better is foolish. Of course it could be better, but people are involved.

Well, I for one am gobsmacked.

I think it's foolish not to wish for/work for better.

But to echo your sentiment, Milt, I will never forget what a junior high school teacher told us: to attain utopia, you need utopians.

[DanielDudley]

While it is true that space is the final frontier, I don't think we have reached that point as sentient beings where it is all that accessible. However, disregarding space, we have pretty much managed to tame the earth, and now have dominion over it's vast resources. Remote wilderness is a thing of the past, and now world powers are playing a giant game of Risk for the spoils. I think at some point we are going to have to say we don't control the earth so much as take care of it for the next generation. Strangely, a lot of us feel that way about our cars and watches, but not so much about our planet.

Now we have reached a point with technology where today's solutions are tomorrow's problems, and this isn't even a consideration for us, because we are totally enthralled in petty world dominion squabbles. I think that there is no question that in the next thousand years we could really achieve amazing things, but we are now reaching a critical point where we must choose our destiny or lose it.


'' The future is not a straight line. It is filled with many crossroads. There must be a future that we can choose for ourselves. ''

Easy for individuals, hard for a Race.

[M.D. Holloway]

Its better than it has ever been...health, happiness, comfort, intellegence and what will help even more is the increased communication.

You can look at the world and see the bad or you can look at the world and see the good. Good is good, bad is bad.

Now go have a cup of coffee, drive your Porsche, hug your kid and make love to your sig O - not in that order

(and for God sake say something nice will ya!)

[aigel]

Originally Posted by Zeke

Usable land.

I bet I will surprise many of you by stating that I think we are at a good place in time. To say it could be better is foolish. Of course it could be better, but people are involved.

Glad you finally got your medical MJ card, Milt!

G

[Baz]

This video belongs here rather than the Music thread....it's what is good about America......

Enjoy!

[patssle]

We've undergone one of the most incredible and amazing information and technological revolutions of the history of mankind in the past 5 years and nobody cares.

The entire wealth and history of human knowledge is available in your pocket. You can find out that something happens in Uzbekistan 30 seconds after it happens while on the other side of the world.

Everything is amazing and nobody is happy.

[dan88911]

Ah...yes it's the best of times and the worst of times.
"Every day is a great day you just try and miss one."

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by dan88911

Ah...yes it's the best of times and the worst of times.
"Every day is a great day you just try and miss one."

Seen any good movies lately?

[Rick V]

We are slowly destroying the earth. We don't live along side of her and use her resources at the rate she supplies them, we take as we see fit, at a rate that we decide we need.
When was the last time we gave back to the earth?
We are the Borg, for lack of a better description.
Better off? in some ways we are better off as a species, but only at the expense of everything we live along side. We are greedy, destructive, close minded, and only focused on ourselves for today.
Yeah my outlook on things is pretty grim, but I still foolishly hold on to hope that tomorrow something will change.

[recycled sixtie]

Life is what you make it. Think of your glass as half full rather than half empty.
Tell your SO you love her. Phone yours parents and listen to them. Talk to your kids.
I remember a few years ago my mother said if you have any questions to ask me do so now as I won't be around forever. Now she is dead she is not hear to answer my questions......so get on with your life!Life is for living not *****ing and complaining.

[Rick V]

I am not *****ing and complaining just passing on my opinion. I see it as half a glass.
Trust me I take time to "stop and smell the roses"

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Rick V

I am not *****ing and complaining just passing on my opinion. I see it as half a glass.
Trust me I take time to "stop and smell the roses"

I get what you are saying Rick.

It's one thing to make the most of what you have - appreciate the blessings you have - be thankful - (as recycled is saying).

But another to acknowledge how destructive & truly ignorant mankind is and that one day they will doom civilisation.

In the meantime - we'll try not to let it ruin our day, eh?