Where I Disagree with Prof. Hawking
“It is important for the human race to spread out into space for the survival of the species,” Hawking said. “Life on Earth is at the ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster, such as sudden global warming, nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus or other dangers we have not yet thought of.”
The latest from Professor Stephen Hawking.
I find it strange that he doesn’t seem to make the connection between the things that he listed as possible civilization-ending events and the “accomplishments” of humankind. Rather, we’ve destroyed this planet, let’s move on to the next?
Global Warming? Hawking admits human involvement. (CNN interview)
Nuclear war? Human scientists invented weapons to help bring about the end of the world.
Genetic engineering? Manipulation of the genes of living organisms, by humans, for humans!
Dangers we have not yet thought of? Does he mean, not yet thought up? Or have not considered or have not invented?
This position of certain scientists, that we have done so much damage to the planet we are already on that we somehow need (or deserve) another planet, is unbearable to me. Without mentioning the need to correct and repair our mistakes, we “must” go to another place. Without mentioning the elitism and arrogance of the whole idea. Do the scientists think that everyone on Earth, regardless of wealth would be allowed to go to the new, clean planet? Surely, wouldn’t some of the less-desirable elements in society be left behind on the Earth we made? And what happens after that “next” planet is destoyed? Do we just keep moving around, draining the planet’s resources and then leaving?
What does this say about our civilization?
I agree with you, this mentality is disgusting and infuriating. Yeah, the planet and the universe is just one giant piece of toilet paper.
Humans have always been a colonizer by nature. The history is full of events of nations conquering other ‘less-civilized’ nations.
I agree that its extremely arrogant of them (scientists) to think that we are worthy to colonize some other planet, which of course we will eventually destroy, the way we are killing this one right now.
without necessarily agreeing with him (and without really knowing the rest of his thoughts and theories), i think the key words in this are ‘human race’ and ’survival of the species’. as in, ‘i don’t think the human race will survive unless some of us move to a new planet (or the moon or whatever).’ he’s not claiming it’s what he wants, he’s not claiming it’s the ethical thing to do, he’s not claiming everyone would get to come… he’s not even saying we shouldnt try to fix what we messed up in the first place (!). he’s just saying he doesnt think we’ll be able to, and while we’re not, in order to make sure the species survives, we need to send part of it to space where it’d be safe.
that’s how i see he sees it :b
Saara: I can see how his words might be abstract, i.e. he doesn’t really care either way, but he was just saying. I did carefully re-read his words and it still seems like a plan or exhortation. Words like “important” and “should” seem like advice. That he believes that humans are worthy of survival. (Maybe he doesn’t, that’s why I started my tirade with “some scientists”)
If he is simply saying that humans will not survive on the planet much longer, I agree with him about that. But our difference of opinion is what humans “should” do next. He thinks colonizing another planet is the solution, I think humans should either change their ways or die.
I think Hawkings suggestion is that colonization should be ONE of things that we should be doing. The existence of human race on multiplw world would reduce the likelihood of extinction.