Futurist Stefan Engeseth offers a variety of ideas, ranging from intriguing to outlandish, for humanity’s future. Maybe, he suggests, people could begin breeding out their undesirable traits, much as early humans genetically engineered wolves into dogs. Perhaps humans could tamp down the desire to procreate and embrace child-free living, or set up a tribal lifestyle in which several adults raise one or two kids. Engeseth’s underlying theme: People are no longer evolving quickly enough to outrun such threats as war and global warming. His menu of thought-provoking suggestions could spark new concepts for a more sustainable society.
Humans do many dumb things.
People are running through the planet’s scarce resources far too quickly. While simply not thinking about Earth’s depletion is the default mode for many people, denial is no longer viable. But – as ever throughout history – humans don’t recognize their own stupidity. Many shrug off sustainability as either not possible or not worth the effort.
People should ask themselves uncomfortable questions. For example, why are humans more knowledgeable about the oceans and outer space than they are about the true frontier, the human brain? And why are people so good at war and other forms of destruction – but so unskilled at peace?
People easily dismiss themselves as inherently stupid. Intellectuals ranging from Mark Twain to physicist Michio Kaku often bash the intellect of the human race. But signs of intelligent life are evident. Consider the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which include ending poverty, addressing food insecurity, erasing gender inequality, reining in crime, fighting climate change, and protecting the Earth’s air and water. Pursuing those honorable and achievable goals could break the “Homo stupido” cycle...
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