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Ideas about humanity’s fate are evolving
Koowan P. Stark, San Mateo, Calif.:
I think humans will all evolve a special waffle-baking appendage. We will squeeze genetically modified squirrels like oranges in order to produce enough syrup.
Ken Hart, Arvada, Colo.:
I for one vote for the human race evolving into a race of eyeless mole-men and doing the bidding of an evil rat overlord and his minions. I suppose it would be farfetched to assume that they would offer a good dental plan. I plan to help this genetic mutation along by offering seminars on how to burrow blindfolded.
Dave J., Phoenixville, Pa.:
As interfaces between computers and humans become more sophisticated and efficient, and simulations become more effective, I think it likely society will move towards a voluntary "Matrix"-like environment. Why bother with additional biology or bionics when you can fool your senses into believing you've done it already, and you have the advantage of being able to try out a new scenario on yourself every week? With a global neural-simulation network, we could have every one of the possibilities you list above (including the Second Coming, for those who subscribe to GodNet), and an infinite number of others, simultaneously. In fact, assuming that the individual has near-complete control of the environment (at least in their own private worlds), I suspect it would meet most people's definitions of paradise/heaven.
Lester Rose, Wichita, Kans.:
I have been a high-school science teacher for many years. Observing social stratification in high schools and the "reverse bell curve" evident in grades, it would appear humans are selectively breeding offspring who are either motivated and highly intelligent or lethargic and much lower in mental abilities. This tendency to marry individuals much like ourselves would, in the long range, head the human species toward the existence of two subspecies which are separated not by physical barriers, but by self-established social barriers.
Chris R.:
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Cyborg: Hardware enhances humans. Eventually the devices look more elegant. |
Jerry Ricks, Seattle:
Actually there was a study done in which mice were genetically engineered to have an extra gene for the NMDA receptor. These mice, dubbed "Doogie" mice, after the TV series' precocious child doctor, were smarter than normal mice, had better problem-solving skills and memories. How long will it be before some millionaire tries it on his own children produced by in-vitro fertilization?
Larry Griggers, Locust Grove, Ga.:
I submit for consideration that we may be looking in the wrong direction to determine how we originated as a species. Instead of looking backward and studying fossils, we should look forward with computer models and see how long it would take for our science to evolve sufficiently for us to "write a DNA" of our own. DNA is, after all, just a miniature computer program using four-bit words. Consider how our programming and miniaturization skills have evolved in the last 30 years. Now project that rate of discovery ahead another 30 years ... 100 years ... 1 million years! Is it inconceivable that we will know how to write self-sustaining programs like DNA? Now how much of a leap is it to say that we were programmed or created in just this manner?
Evolution is just too slow a process to explain today's diversity of life forms. How many accidental evolutions does it take to create rods and cones in an eye? But what if we suppose an alien species evolved over trillions of years into a higher life form, sat down and created DNA as a homework assignment and then sent the resultant DNA floating through the universe waiting for it to find a supportive environment?
Wonder if the teacher gave them an "A" on the project?
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