May 28 2012: Are our emotions or the ability to communicate and interact with other humans tied to genetics? Free will and self-awareness? We dont grasp the whole picture between those dependencies and even if we have this knowledge... knowledge is not equal wisdom. Big difference.
The worst case scenario: Humanity will still have the astonishing lack of wisdom like today. If we could remove jealousy via genetic engineering... ah, very tempting. Crime? Society is better without criminals, right? Some fools will decide to get rid of certain emotions and bad behaviour for sure.
But the ability to break rules and ignore social norms is important (french revolution, Galileo Galilei for example) and jealousy, passion, hate, love, anger, hope... think about all the great art, books, screenplays and culture without it.
May 25 2012: If I could speak to myself at the age of 18 and give an advise: Dont be afraid to make mistakes, express yourself and give some of your crazy thoughts a try.
The part with "express yourself / be yourself" is usually the hardest one. Group norms and group conformity are a harsh master, short: Discover yourself, discover what you like and know your limits. Experiment with lifestyles, travel a lot and if you love Rythmic Gymnastic Dance - just do it, even if you are working in a lumberjack camp with too much testosterone around.
I would really recommend to learn foreign languages by the way.
May 24 2012: We are on the brink of extraordinary times for sure. The question is: What can change the nature of a human being? I dont think that humanity made leaps with the way they interact socially... especially with homosexuality: We had already cultures with an accepted "same-sex-love-culture" (Japan or China for example). I dont think that technology is able to change humans - instinct tells the bees, which flower to pollinate and humans how to behave badly :)
My grandma was born 1900 and grown up with horses on the street. 70 years later she sat in front of a TV and watching men flying to the moon. From horses to spaceships in a lifetime, thats quite a jump. Did all the technology development influence her nature? No, still the same grumpy woman all her life. We are using cellphones and computers to communicate today, but we gossip about our neighbours like the ancient greeks 3000 years ago. And it wont change in 1000 years for sure, except: Genetic engineering... that is an unknow force, which can change and shape humanity forever. I have a bad feeling about this.
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A reply on Conversation: What do you think the world will be like in the year 3012?
The worst case scenario: Humanity will still have the astonishing lack of wisdom like today. If we could remove jealousy via genetic engineering... ah, very tempting. Crime? Society is better without criminals, right? Some fools will decide to get rid of certain emotions and bad behaviour for sure.
But the ability to break rules and ignore social norms is important (french revolution, Galileo Galilei for example) and jealousy, passion, hate, love, anger, hope... think about all the great art, books, screenplays and culture without it.
A comment on Conversation: What should I really do with my youth? I'm 18, and I want to really learn. Advice from any adults out there?
The part with "express yourself / be yourself" is usually the hardest one. Group norms and group conformity are a harsh master, short: Discover yourself, discover what you like and know your limits. Experiment with lifestyles, travel a lot and if you love Rythmic Gymnastic Dance - just do it, even if you are working in a lumberjack camp with too much testosterone around.
I would really recommend to learn foreign languages by the way.
A comment on Conversation: What do you think the world will be like in the year 3012?
My grandma was born 1900 and grown up with horses on the street. 70 years later she sat in front of a TV and watching men flying to the moon. From horses to spaceships in a lifetime, thats quite a jump. Did all the technology development influence her nature? No, still the same grumpy woman all her life. We are using cellphones and computers to communicate today, but we gossip about our neighbours like the ancient greeks 3000 years ago. And it wont change in 1000 years for sure, except: Genetic engineering... that is an unknow force, which can change and shape humanity forever. I have a bad feeling about this.