Intelligent Life in the Universe, and Humans: 2

Good ruminating. Certainly, evolution as manifested through the base value of control in order to survive will be there. Beyond that, what other values might be helpful? As discussed in Unit IV of Control, I hold out some hope for ecological and conflict resolution concepts to make positive changes: basically, having a better understanding of our environments, physical and living, and doing better at decision-making regarding inevitable conflict.

With decision-making in particular, seeking win-win rather than win-lose results (nonzero-sum vs zero-sum) would be a huge value shift for humanity, but holds much promise for survival--of all. Getting to that point? An unbelievable task, and would probably take a major change, as you suggest (catastrophe?) to motivate us "intelligent" ones to take meaningful action. I think that's what it will take, if even then.

Boy, ya got me, regarding moving into the future. How about all three: value, lifestyle, and physical trait? Let's see, all living beings change their physical traits for adaptation to the future. This, in turn, usually means a change in lifestyle--how they control food access, protection, reproduction, etc. So, we will follow what other life forms have done and will continue to do since we're part of them.

Then we come to values, which imply some level of brain function that allows thinking about ourselves and thinking about what we do. We can only suppose that some other mammals on Earth, and some beings on other planets, are capable of that to some degree. But, we do know that humans can conceive of value and think up different ones as part of our cultures. Now, what will we do with that capacity to take action based on those values for adaption into the future?

Well, that's the BIG question, isn't it? Disappointing at present but hopeful is where we are, I figure. How it all turns out will be "fun to ruminate on," as you stated, since our individual ability to effect much control over it all is quite limited--for us peons, in particular. The others in better positions of control? They seem to be struggling. Maybe it's time for the peons to give them a little more help. Revolution anyone? But then, we'd never agree on the type . . . because we'd never agree on the values. Anybody see a little circular motion in all this?

HeyLance,

Loved this entry. Again, so thoughtful and thought provoking. What will the necessary adaptation be that allows humans and/or other species and extraterrestrials as well to move forward into the future? Will it be a value or a lifestyle or a peculiar physical trait? Fun to ruminate on. Also, nice to think that others out there will be moving through their own evolutionary process in order to continue as well. As mom stressed near the end of her life, "We are not alone."

Thank you again for a delightful entry!