It Came From the Future!

A fellow named qwark asked a question on the forums--roughly translated, it asks "is consciousness man's natural enemy?"

Well, that's a hefty question. Since he may be unaware of the consciousness through out most life (well, all of it really--just at varying levels) he seemingly assumes we're the only ones with the ability to destroy ourselves or save the planet. Well, lucky for him you're not in a time line whereupon Charlton Heston finds himself screaming on a beach as he looks at what used to be the Statue of Liberty. 

Still, maybe an aperising would knock your species down a peg or two in the ego department.

At any rate, he's a negative nancy (but I do endorse his stuff, check him out!). He believes that humanity will never work together in such harmonious ways as to afford your species survival in a galactic sense.

I can understand his fear. Greed is rampant, one only need look at Greece or Wall Street to see this.

 But guess what? There's several technologies in the pipeline that are the first steps towards redefining your whole culture and species. Within a generation or two brick and mortar stores will become increasingly obsolescent,  save for the odd electronic store. But those, too, will soon be gone.

How is this possible? Well, that's just one surprise I've in store for you.

The future is yours, and what you make of yours indirectly affects all around you.

So here's a few things I've picked up to restock my lair (when I get the new one built). I still have yet to pick up a new atom smasher, so if you know anyone trying to get rid of an obsolete model don't forget to mention me! 

"Gutenberg Press of 3D Printing"

That's right. You can now create your own little goodies at home and have them printed out in different materials. They want to bring manufacturing to the little guy--even at home!

And just like the Altair, or the first personal computer from Apple, Inc., these guys sell you kits to customize your printer. All assembly required!

But it's not too long before this sort of technology shows up in homes, where if you'd like to get a new plate set--or perhaps glassware--all you'd have to do is buy the material to print with and either software or schematics to create said product.

Think about it...you're selling physical goods compressed into a file that tells a 3D printer how to create something layer by layer, until it's a solid and often usable product.

Granted this technology is "new" and "cutting edge" in your time line now, but you won't believe the impact it will have if adoption spreads.

There's printers that create food, and as I said before--even electronics will become printable at home.

Imagine open source diagrams and schematics of products where engineers the world over could improve a product in the click of a mouse or tap of a wacom. Sound groovy?

Then get crackin'.

There's actually so much good coming out of your species right now I'm not sure how anyone can be cynical. I don't even know where to begin, but the MakerBot is a fun toy besides a game changing device.

Geeks and hackers have always moved your species forward in times of peace, besides in times of war. Without them--you'd miss out on electricity, the Model T, and all of the good stuff.

But I digress. Let's continue this in a more logical progression.

Our pal qwark fears over population...so will we be facing a greener future, or a soylent green meal bar?

Lets look at some ecology issues. First up, energy!

"'sup dude. What's this bag hanging off the side of me? Oh, I got a second job generating electricity for the power company. Enzymes break down oxygen and glucose in my body, and store it in these tiny discs."

That's right. All those cybernetic parts that you can be looking forward to just may now have a viable power source, instead of hooking up a nuclear reactor to yourself!

...or having one built into your motorcycle's side-car.

So NASA kinda wants to go to Mars, but there's only so long an optimal window to blast off and make it during the period it's closest to our orbit.

But even if your species manages to land, communication is going to only be one-way and take twenty minutes each trip.

Now you're thinking "OH GOD! We'll never have interplanetary communication!"

Don't worry, you're already getting it down.

Quantum teleportation has recently been achieved over a distance of some sixteen kilometres. Now this doesn't mean they created a half-man half-fly beast, but what it does mean is they've affected two atoms far apart. Einstein would call this "spooky action at a distance," but what it means for you is near-instant communication over however long a stretch of starscape divides you and your loved ones.

Speaking of space travel, those crazy Japanese are up to their robotic hi-jinx again. Yeah, they're gonna send some robots to the moon--and even build a moon base! For..err, robots.

That'll make it easier to create an infrastructure within the solar system, and I'm sure lead to eventual applications for extra planetary mining missions.

Low on water you say? No problem--plenty of comets around! And check out the ice cap on Mars. Europa has running water, too!

..water's one of those resources that some say we peaked years ago, not noticing. Kinda like oil (which may actually be a biological process, and hence a renewable resource.) it needs to be conserved and converted to clean usable stuff.

So how does one do this? How about a hydro-electric desalination plant? It's going into the Gulf of Mexico--oil spill permitting.

Oh, and as far as that oil thing being renewable--scientific data permitting, there's at least a company out there creating technologies to make even wood into a "high value liquid," so..maybe black gold WILL grow on trees!

So, what do you think? Does this smattering of technology heading your way make your head spin? Do you still feel as if humanity is heading into Armageddon?

Or do you believe you're finally heading towards a path of self-sustainability and a brighter, greener future?

And on we row,

We're struggling against a sea of sorrow.

An ocean of tears -
We weep for our lives

Day by day, trying to move
Against the grain - a balance so fragile
Empowered only by ourselves

We find the strength,
We possess the passion!

Come with me: take my hand!
Is this life, but a hollow sham?
Full of sound and such fury,
Yet signifying... nothing!

In such desperation,

Something says look inside.

The power compels you!

The power compels you!
The power within!

Now realized, the notion is alive,

Preach the end or a new beginning?

Empowered only by ourselves,
We have the strength,
We possess the passion!

Search for truth through a system of deceit;
In a world of lies;
A hollow lie!