I have this feeling a lot.
2007-06-04 12:59:56 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I very much do. I just turned 50, and I'm pretty confident that, barring an economical or biological disaster in the first world, my kids will have an indefinite lifespan thanks to medical advances, particularly in nanotechnology, that are coming in the next few decades. What I'm sweating is whether I'll make it under the wire myself, soon enough for science to repair the age-related and other damage to my mind and body.
I'm of the opinion that we won't be in this form at some point in the future. I believe in a version of the "technological pinnacle" theory, my own which says that a new form of existance becomes technically available that will make this limited and fragile one obsolete. And I believe it may come in this century, within a couple decades after real artificial intelligence becomes a reality. I think that such a possibility may have something to do with the fact that, despite the odds, we have so far failed to detect any other signs of intelligent life anywhere else in the universe. Perhaps all intelligent civilizations attain this pinnacle if they thrive long enough, and leave us behind for greener pastures.
2007-06-04 15:04:13 · answer #1 · answered by Gary H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The planet had about 60 mi^3 of petroleum originally. More than 30 mi^3 are pumped. It goes bone dry between 2040 and 2050 - no more petrochemistry as in plastics, bulk chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. That is the end of First World civilization. You need not live for another 600 years. A mere 40 years will be enough to put all the good times behind you. Row faster.
2007-06-04 20:06:40 · answer #2 · answered by Uncle Al 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If I feel hopeful about humanity, and feel like our societies are on a good path to the future.
2007-06-04 20:26:55 · answer #3 · answered by joie_du_cor 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi. I have lived through the most amazing half century in the human race. So, I already have.
2007-06-04 20:18:01 · answer #4 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes a little. But no, since I fear that the future may not be all bright and sunny.
2007-06-04 20:19:46 · answer #5 · answered by JohnnyB 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dosent everyone want to know what will happen in the future? :P
2007-06-04 20:03:26 · answer #6 · answered by Lee C 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋