I know this question has been asked before, but I want some fresh answers. I was wondering if any of you view humans as viruses to Earth and ultimately the Universe. For example, we are considering building permanent settlements on Mars and the Moon. This got me thinking, if we do this, are we not acting a lot like viruses which we despise so much? Now that our planet is slowly running out of resources we are going to another to quite possibly suck it dry also! It sounds just like viruses going from cell to cell with no other goal other than to reproduce!
Now don't take this the wrong way, I respect humanity, and I want to become a pilot later which will further dwindle the Earth's petroleum supply. This is meant to be taken as an interesting alebit unoriginal thought, what do you think?
2007-05-27 14:13:38 · 11 answers · asked by Aviation or Bust 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Good point Emilou, parasite is a better choice of wording. And with all due respect, if we were to stop thinking we wouldn't be truly human.
2007-05-27 14:26:14 · update #1
I know this is not productive, but it is interesting to me. I love thinking of these things, such as "if there was another civilization that made us seem like man is to a bug, is it then moral to slaughter them the same way?" Yeah, I know, gruesome thought, sorry about that. Anyways, I just like making up scenarios for honestly no reason. It does not get in the way of the rest of my life, it will not do anything when I get a job, and it entertains me. So I say why not. Sorry if I bothered some people.
2007-05-27 14:53:48 · update #2
In the first place, I don't despise viruses anymore than I despise books, or computer programs. Viruses are only self-executable bio-code. That means that they follow a set of instructions, WHATEVER THEY MAY BE (regardless of whether it benefits or harms humans/other life), without thought, reason, learning, or self-awareness. Those who do not question authority may be a lot like viruses, but anyone who gets angry or disagrees with others (most of us) has nothing even symbolically in common with those small bio-programs.
My answer is, in general, we are NOT at all like viruses. Of course, we do have room for improvement regarding ecological responsibility, but remember that every used resource may always be recycled; nothing is "sucked dry" as you put it, we just don't always clean-up our "messes" after we are done "playing." The entire world is coming around as the problems to our own lives from this kind of behavior become increasingly apparent.
2007-05-27 15:00:23 · answer #1 · answered by Andy 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If we are the virus that spreads and contaminates the rest of the Universe: then what are the cells, microbes and parasites that inhabit us (atoms at a molecular scale?) Is it not a common theory that earth's single cell life might have come from a meteor or comet? Why couldn't a species such as ourselves have traveled to earth and started the chain of events that evolved to humans going into space and colonizing other planets?
2007-05-27 14:52:57 · answer #2 · answered by RomeoMike 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Since I am a human, I naturally wouldn't consider my species (or any other species I find useful) as viruses.
Very often perception of value or lack thereof is a matter of personal preference or timing. What we value now as roses were at one time considered noxious weeds to be eradicated. What we consider weeds like dandelions were at one time valued for their medicinal properties.
We are a species driven to survive, so in a very theoretical and objective way we may have the some similar traits as viruses.
But whatever humans do they will consider valuable (look at the pollution we create that we know is dangerous to us and other life, but we still continue).
2007-05-27 14:22:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Anything that replicates/reproduces itself could be considered a virus. Arguably, this includes computers themselves.
It's my opinion this is a stupid question, and like a rock calling another rock a lowlife because he likes hanging out in the water.
2015-01-07 06:06:14 · answer #4 · answered by Q The First Timelord 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe you want to use the term "Parasites" - an organism that destroys its host. That would fit much of the human popoulation better than virus.
But there is a mall percentage that are trying to find solutions forthe other 99%.. Its just hard to pick who are the 1% and who are the 99%....
2007-05-27 14:21:50 · answer #5 · answered by Emilou 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No,
I don't think that "Virus" is the right term. I see what you mean, but have some problems with the context in which you pose the question. I was thinking of "Leech" but that is not the right idea either.
Thinking...Yeah that is cool. However, I offer you the idea that productive thinking is the way to go if you desire to spend your time in a beneficial manner. This line of thinking does not, in my mind, appear to be productive in any fashion.
2007-05-27 14:39:17 · answer #6 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In some ways I suppose we are. At the moment, we are (as you said) sucking up the world's petroleum supply. Yet, we are also working to fight pollution and preserve certain species of animals.
2007-05-27 15:03:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Never fear.
The weeds will win.
Nature bats last.
2007-05-27 17:15:19 · answer #8 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Humans are symbiotic with the earth -- we need each other.
2007-05-27 14:22:00 · answer #9 · answered by B 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Not at all. You need to stop thinking, turn off the PC and enjoy the weather outside.
2007-05-27 14:17:25 · answer #10 · answered by Gene 7 · 1⤊ 5⤋