Thoughts on the Future pt. 2 I frequently encounter thoughts from people about the future that follow a classical dystopian futuristic narrative. Although creating these narratives may serve an important function, they do not adequately explain our likely future trajectory. Throughout the 21st century, we need to start to rethink how our species evolves, and … Continue reading Thoughts on the Future pt. 2
Tag: technology
Thoughts on the Future pt. 1
Thoughts on the Future pt. 1 This is my first post in an ongoing series about the future. In this entry, I discuss a few ideas including: exponential modeling, meta-system transitions, and the likely future of our species standard of living. Full Article: Thoughts on the Future pt. 1 on The Advanced Apes
The Human Neocortex
The Human Neocortex In How To Create A Mind by Ray Kurzweil, the importance of the human neocortex is explored. What is important about the human neocortex? How did it evolve in our species? The answer to these questions can shed light on one of the most important evolutionary developments in the history of life on Earth. … Continue reading The Human Neocortex
Economic Evolution
Economic Evolution Big history can help us understand many aspects of humanity. When we analyze trends from a big historical perspective, we can better extrapolate the changes that we should expect in the future. Nowhere is this more evident than with the research of economist Robin Hanson. Hanson (1994; 1998; 2008a; 2008b) has conducted groundbreaking … Continue reading Economic Evolution
Building A Heart
At the moment I am currently organizing the top science discoveries and achievements of 2012 for my site The Advanced Apes. While researching discoveries in health and technology, I couldn't help but marvel in the advancements in stem cell application (Academic Article). While doing this research I was able to put these developments in the context … Continue reading Building A Heart
A Two-Planet Species
A Two-Planet Species Two private companies have plans to colonize Mars this century: Mars-One and SpaceX. The colonization of Mars would be an important achievement for our species, and it is a necessary next step for our long-term safety. How realistic are these company’s plans? Will both be successful? What would this accomplishment mean for … Continue reading A Two-Planet Species
Singularity Failure
Singularity Failure I recently read an article by computer scientist Vernor Vinge titled “What If the Singularity Does NOT Happen.” I have become so accustomed to thinking about our future in the context of a technological singularity that a future without one seems strange. What would it mean for our species in the long-term? Full … Continue reading Singularity Failure
Super Volcanoes
Super Volcanoes Super Volcanoes are rare events that are 1,000x more powerful than a regular volcano. They may be the most formidable natural phenomenon our species could encounter. Is one likely to go off soon? Should we prepare globally for such an event? Cadell Last and Travis Steffens discuss. Podcast: Super Volcanoes on The Advanced Apes
Thinking About “The Long Now”
Thinking About "The Long Now" Does our society have a short attention span? The Long Now Foundation thinks so, but they are trying to change it. They have plans to construct The Clock of the Long Now, a clock designed to operate on a scale of 10,000 years. The Long Now Foundation hopes that this … Continue reading Thinking About “The Long Now”
The Curiosity Announcement
The Curiosity Announcement When Dr. John Grotzinger told NPR that the Mars rover had made a discovery “for the history books” everyone overreacted, including me. Unfortunately, Curiosity did not discover microbial life, but they did discovery complex chemical compounds (e.g., carbon, chlorine). This discovery, although still disappointing for many, raises a few very interesting questions. … Continue reading The Curiosity Announcement