In response to Hawking's question I ask: Does it matter?

Answer 1

Does what matter? The question? The "answers"?

I think the posing of the question performed a useful service. It got people out of the rut of their everyday concerns to at least think about the question for a few minutes. It also shows what "mass" thinkers we are. The question is explored every day by many people, but only when a celebrity of sorts asks the question do ordinary people think about it.

I also think Hawkins himself may get some feedback, though I don't know if he'll listen. The man is truly admirable in the way he has continued his work and life in spite of difficulties that would have destroyed an ordinary person; I know I could never have had the guts to do what he did. So, he sets an example of what can be done under difficult circumstances. However, Hawkins is not a great thinker and his own ideas on human survivability may be revised if he encounters other ideas from his "answers."

So, both the question and the answers matter.

Answer 2

No, it does not matter. Honestly, the last people I would like to hear questions from are Stephen Hawkings, Bill Gates, George Bush, any wealthy person, politician, academic or any other celebrity toss-head who is so bored that they ask questions of zero-value such as these.

Answer 3

Actually I cant find Hawkins Question, But

I feel the World, and People as we know it always has a way of correcting itself.
Things certainly are out of control, and there is a Political, and Power struggle.
There will be a War Like no other, and the results will be Horrible, and the Deaths Massive.
Just as it has always been before.
And things will never be the same.
EVER

Answer 4

I am of the opinion that it does not -- life and, by extension, civilisation, is about the journey, not the end result. I feel no drive to reproduce, nor to have my species maintain control of the world indefinitely.

I find it unfortunate that few people share my opinions on this matter -- we are primitive enough to still be driven by the survival instinct. Many people cannot embrace the concept of their own demise. It is not barbaric in itself that we think of human life as 'precious', but that we do not think of any other lives in the same way (or scaled according to intelligence).

But, it is important to many people that they, their family and their species survives so, the answer to your question is yes.

The next question is, why is it important?

Answer 5

in response to 876's question, "why is it important?" it is important because we are humans who's basic instinct is to survive. we are merely survivors. certainly we have made life easier by creating little conveniences, but the basic point of our lives is to survive. thats why when you don't eat your body stores fat to make you live longer. when your head is being pushed under water you violently convulse and reach for air. that is why sex is pleasurable, if it werent we wouldnt do it. we weren't created to die, we were created to live. we should keep creating our technological advances to ensure that we will stand the test of time. even if our personal existence is futile, at least the human race will live on.

Answer 6

Oh dear - what can the matter be?
Maybe it's mind over matter - if I don't mind, it doesn't matter.

Answer 7

No