Essay Abstract

This essay is a vision of the unwritten future, where mankind has had to adapt to the changes brought about by overpopulation and climate change. A highly sustainable, versatile, technological way of life, employing bio-mimicry has been developed, allowing a large proportion of the human race to survive despite the various challenges. Also the health and quality of life of the people has been improved through various health measures and social expectations. It takes a look at a typical day for an inhabitant of one sanctuary and looks back at the attitudes of the past and also to the future. Having achieved a truly sustainable, self sufficient, symbiotic lifestyle migration to other worlds can now be contemplated. The big issues of the exponential function, chaos in the climate and weather system, and possible outcomes are considered.

Author Bio

Long time participant on FQXi blogs and in FQXi competitions Graduate in Biological sciences. Former teacher of the Sciences and human biology. Unaffiliated inquiring mind and problem solver.

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Georgina,

Clever and imaginative scenario of future student, Grace, thoughts ruminating on life below the surface with the current wisdom taught to them and her observations of below and above, perhaps the latter based on the video lessons of class.

Capsulized pithy sayings reminds one of the wisdom of the past, Ben Franklinish. The personless Knowledge Hub is perhaps a vast improvement over the frustration of current attempts at programmed learning and communication.

A creative effort in depicting the future, based on a present that leadership is pointing toward non-viable surface life.

Good job.

Jim

    Great piece, Georgina

    Though I am more of the school that thinks consumption levels are more important than population control for a sustainable future given declining fertility rates globally, your essay offered me I picture of a future any of us would be lucky to live in. In my book this is half the battle.

    I especially liked this quote:

    "The image mankind call 'the present' has been written in the light but the material future has not been built. Now it is the mission of people like Grace, and the human species, to build a future. Success will be measured by the contentment, health, altruism, high culture, and creativity of its people. As a species, Homo sapiens sapiens are hackers of nature's solutions presented by the tree of life, that has evolved over millions of years. It could not be clearer if there was "How to survive" in big bold letters written on every surviving life form."

    Great writing-best of luck!

    Rick Searle

    Thank you to have read my essay.

    I think that the nanotechnology can be dangerous for human being if there are the elements that compose the human body, and if the molecules are polymer of natural amino acids with no self-reproduction (if there is assimilation there is biocompatibility, if there is oxidation then the human body can ricycle the products).

    I read in your essay some sensible things, and I become disoriented in the story like in the Asimov stories.

    I also thing that the stable grows in the population, and in the use of the renewable resource, is the only solution for the humanity: only a wider environment, like the discovery of America (an other planet for the humanity) can increase the possibility to use resource; I am thinking that population dynamic can give suggestion for stable states of the differential equation.

    We live in a world with slow mutation of the plants, but some experiment have happen for accelerated mutation (durum wheat, blue rose, golden rice, etc), and synthetic biology, so that between a little will no longer science fiction.

      Dear Georgina,

      I was surprised to read your very interesting essay, indeed we are both already some time participating in these contests.

      "Smooth seas do not make good sailors" is your starting point, but really when I look around I think that we are and never were in smooth seas, trouble and misery is everywhere around us....and yet we are very bad sailors, it is even told that the best poems are written by a poet that lives in the greatest misery...

      The origin is the dualistic character of our universe, love and war (sometimes the same), good and bad it all is the reason for the tension ,that is the origin of a a current giving light in the lamp.

      To influence the polarity of this life-giving origin is not at all a sinecure...

      You would have (physically speaking) try to maintain the current while diminishing the difference in polarity, so begin with finding the origin of the polarity....

      And there I come on the point that maybe you might find some time to read my essay "STEERING THE FUTURE OF CONSCIOUSNESS ? , there you can read how in my perception this polarity can be "handled" because it is you and me that are the "creators" of this through our consciousness. Maybe you can give me a rating that is in conformity with your appreciation of the ideas.

      Good luck and best regards

      Wilhelmus

        It is important to appreciate that this is not just a pretty Utopian fantasy.

        Real problems that are or may well soon affect mankind are raised and importantly solutions are given. I have not merely said this is a problem or we should do something or lets all be nice to each other ( though of course that is desirable).

        Here are some of the problems raised in the essay (not in the order they appear ), read it carefully to find the solutions.

        1.Growth of population,

        2.growth in the consumption of resources,

        3.unwanted / uncared for children,

        4.education in the future,

        5.diet,

        5.cancer,

        6.stress,

        7.antibiotic resistance,

        8.desertification,

        9.sea level rise,

        10.how to adapt to the unknown,

        11.maintaining social cohesion,

        12.mass migrations,

        13.maintaining good will, co-operation, and genetic exchange between isolated communities,

        14.potential ice age,

        15.how to feel worthwhile without children,

        16.need for sustainable measures of economic success,

        17.need for a shared goal and values for humanity,

        18.self sufficiency,

        19.security,

        20.How to create independent colonies suitable for space migration,

        21.what happens to non human life as climate change progresses?

        The tale progresses from a rather stark opening quote that shows the devaluation of humanity and ends on an uplifting quote that in contrast shows the unappreciated value of life, and especially the human being. It also progresses through a day from 'sunrise' to 'sunset'.Physics is woven into the tale both in the context of problems we will face and as solutions to problems. I particularly like the realization that light at night is linked to cancer and so can be prevented by a healthy sleep regime.

        The final section relates to my explanatory framework for physics in which the (material un-written )future is not fully determined so mankind has freewill to build his future. Through out the essay are many references the reference list contains a large number of hyperlinks making the access of additional information easy.

          Georgina,

          This is very good. The few statements that I might feel differently about are the kind that readers would decide for themselves. So, they aren't worth mentioning. What I thought several times while reading this twice was the difference in our styles. I write like I am laying bricks. It was a pleasure to read your creative, thoughtful, and storied essay. I enjoyed it and admit I am envious.

          James

            Glad to see you again - Georgina

            Smooth seas do not make good sailors , that would have to be: good sailors will make smooth sea

            Very insightful essay, I prefer:"And if a blade of grass is priceless,what is the value of a human being?"

            10 points is too small compared to your devotion

            Best wishes - Hải.CaoHoàng

              I like that, "Good sailors will make smooth sea". I look forward to reading an essay that inspires so much thoughtful comment. I only wish that I could read yours properly, Hai, where unfortunately too much was lost in the translation. - Mike

              James,

              thank you so much for reading my essay and for your kind and gracious words. They are very much appreciated.

              Hi Georgina,

              It hurts me to think we live in a meaningless society, and your utopia is a welcome sight for sore eyes in that regard; it has a strong sense of its own origin and purpose. But just my saying that will immediately raise images of violence in the mind of anyone who understands how power works in society. We sail rough seas indeed, and I'm afraid your ship won't be strong enough to hold together out there. It shows in the first few paragraphs, I think, where the horror of life outside the sanctuaries (for the larger population) comes pouring in between the lines, so to speak, despite the efforts of the soldiers deployed to keep it out. Please explain, why is that necessary? Why cannot all of humanity find sanctuary in the future?

              Mike

                Michael, what a great question.

                I have struggled to decide how many people the Earth can support sustainably. We were told to be optimistic and I think the figure chosen probably is. The story is set some time in the future, falling birth rates, disease, famine, and war have reduced the population to near the 5 billion housed in the sanctuaries. (It says- disease, famine, and war were left behind)

                There are still several reasons for people being outside of the sanctuaries.

                Some people thrive on challenge, pitting themselves against adversity or foes and conquering. Either conquering the environment (e.g. mountain climbing, jungle survival ) or own fears or limitations or their own personal best; winning in a contest or battle. For the joy of overcoming, the adrenalin, the endorphins, the camaraderie and celebration. That's what makes life meaningful and worthwhile for them. Being safe and having an easy life could seem suffocating and prison like. If these people are enclosed within the sanctuaries they could upset the harmony because they do not have a dedication that makes their heart race and that bonds them closely to like minded souls, and that they feel allows them to express their true warrior nature.Its better that they serve the sanctuary rather than act against it. So there is some reciprocal advantage to the arrangement. Food and water supplies, holidays in the sanctuary, respect, admiration.

                Social cohesion is very important but some may resent the social affirmations which are a kind of drip fed, daily indoctrination, or they may disagree with the imposition of compulsory sleep or with the planned parenting measures.Strong minded individuals particularly those wanting personal power may exclude themselves from the sanctuaries. Anyone can choose to leave, it isn't a prison. Some may get personal fulfillment and purpose from banding together with like minded individuals, struggling to survive and working against the sanctuaries.In the name of freedom but wanting control of the resources and to be in charge. These people were referred to as terrorists

                Another group are criminals that have incurable personality disorders.Rather than having people permanently incarcerated for the safety of the sanctuary they will be exiled. Unlike the terrorists who just want to break the system the criminals may just want to get back into the sanctuary where life is a lot nicer or to get resources as they are scarce outside.Finally there may be feral bands that are the descendants of those that did not want to enter the sanctuary because its culture conflicts with their strongly held beliefs. They hang on to that identity because it is all that they have.

                Why cannot all of humanity find sanctuary in the future? In a nutshell, certain aspects of human nature and personality. They do not want sanctuary or can not be given sanctuary for the safety of the rest.

                Georgina,

                Great essay. I find it very interesting how you discussed humanity's problems and their solutions within a story. I especially like your statement "The human species is the ultimate generalist, we learn, we adapt, we survive." I totally agree that it is important to learn from our mistakes and adapt to our changing environment.

                Best wishes,

                Mohammed

                  Hello Georgina,

                  I've quickly read your essay once, and I find it quite original and entertaining. Your style of presentation is cute.

                  At a quick glance, there are two aspects in your described potential future that do not look too attractive to me.

                  The first is that there appears to be a clear separation, even more marked than now, between the good inhabitants of the sanctuaries, and the criminals, terrorists and debris (that pose a threat to the ventilation shafts and logistics portals, or threaten exchange mission among sanctuaries).

                  The second, in part related, is the overall impression that the life in the sanctuary system is based on regulations imposed from above by some authority hidden behind the scenes. Because your text is very suggestive, even visually, it may be that it has induced in my imagination some unintended resonance with some common place science fiction scenarios, as seen in some science fiction movie (does `Zardoz` ring a bell?), or read in some book.

                  Nevertheless, I wonder (i) whether you feel that any future stage of humanity will unavoidably have to cope with a percentage of bad guys, and, perhaps less naively, (ii) how you imagine the transition from our present world to the sanctuary system could take place (e.g., whether peacefully or not).

                  Tommaso

                  PS1. Humans are becoming symbiotic residents of living man made hosts. Sometimes, when queuing in my car along the highway, I feel we have already got to that point.

                  PS2. I see you have a lot of comments above, which I could not read. If you feel my points are already covered in some previous post, let me know, and I might stick in at the right place.

                    Dear Ms. Parry,

                    As is now becoming usual in these contests, your essay was another terrific read. Unlike every other essay I have read at this site so far, your main concern in writing it was to inform and involve the reader only in the process of being expertly informed.

                    With the highest of regards,

                    Joe Fisher

                      Hi Tommaso,

                      thanks for your interest and observations. In my reply to Michael Alan I have talked about some of the less Utopian aspects of the tale.

                      You are right indoctrination, shared affirmations, is used as a means of maintaining social cohesion. Common knowledge of past mistakes, necessary limits, optimism and common purpose are used. As can be seen it is part of the education system, parental guidance and public information. Whether this is good or bad is a matter of opinion. Self interest to the detriment of others, greed, and profits do not have a place, success is measured in other ways. Nor does anarchy have a place. Perhaps there can be discussion among the populous about the affirmations, choosing perhaps the shared affirmations for the next quarter, discussion of the meaning/interpretations, validity and benefits of the different affirmations. Perhaps voting to delete some from the public list or adding new ones as they seem appropriate to new circumstances. In this way the people might feel they have some democratic input into the steering of the society.

                      Re. bad guys. I think they are not all of one type. There are people who can dedicate themselves to service of the sanctuaries as external protectors and gatherers of data. Their character may make them unsuited to permanent sanctuary life as it does not sufficiently challenge their competitive drive. These are not bad guys but could become bad guys if trapped in an unsuitable environment and culture. There are those opposed to the social control of the system and want to overthrow it in favor of their own form of government or anarchy and those who are have personality disorders that can not be cured and are a danger to the other residents.Using brain scans it is now possible to observe the structural differences of such people and screen them out of the population, and exile them.It may be possible to detect them while still children and put them into a different education path that will prepare them for life outside of the sanctuary.It may be possible to think of some positive role that those fearless, ambitious, self interested people could play.

                      Re. the political system I have in mind a benign democratically elected meritocracy, rather than sinister hidden authoritarian control. Social leadership would be a dedication like any other and suitable personalities would have appropriate broad based education (e.g.sociology, psychology, history, science, leadership, prior to becoming candidates for election. I haven't gone as far as thinking about a suitable curriculum : )

                      I think that putting in the infrastructure and construction of the sanctuaries would happen with a background of unrest as the need for them would not be agreed to until the environmental conditions have made survival difficult.I imagine it would require peace keepers to prevent obstruction from those who regard them as a waste of resources that could be better spent on food production and basic necessities of life, and those that would want to take resources from the sanctuaries for their own personal survival.The only way a peaceful transition could take place is if the 'indoctrination' of the people begins before construction so that the majority are in support of the projects.

                      Thanks for helping me put some more flesh on the bare bones, Georgina

                      Georgina,

                      You are a very creative writer. Have you written books or other articles that I can access? I enjoyed your futuristic view and I hope it reflects where we are headed. I worry about our collective wisdom. Do we really have the ability to create a utopian future or do we forget how to deal with adversity when the seas become smooth? Your optimistic view is refreshing. I enjoyed the tidbits of wisdom and they are the lessons that we need to learn and act upon. Your background in biology clearly gives you a platform to help guide the future. You get my high vote.

                      Thanks for reading my essay. I appreciated your positive feedback.

                      Gene Barbee

                        Gorge (as Enid Blyton in the Famous Five books decreed your name can be)

                        You have surpassed all the essays I have read in this contest. I for one had to be reminded that I had neglected to mention overpopulation as a crucial factor in the steered-to future. Your dystopia/utopia is admirable for the possible solutions to this problem. The quotes from current research show that the Sanctuaries are no mere SciFi dream but may come to pass in some fashion.

                        Quite apart from the excellent ideas I enjoyed the narrative in which you have made your research seem already a fact of life.

                        Gawd help us all!

                        Vladimir