What is the future of human evolution?

~~[MERIT]~~ · 09-06-2012, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoorOldPo

We will be complete energy by that stage, we won't even have physical bodies, we will be able to pass in and out of different dimensions and times, bound only by the limits of our advanced minds.

I believe this is an evolutionary future for all life forms in the universe (or their goal anyhow), hence why I refrained from throwing it in there under the umbrella of a strictly "human" evolutionary future. Once we are pure energy and consciousness, the term "human" will be long behind us. Sort of like calling an oak tree an acorn. Maybe it used to be, but now it is far more. We're on the same page though.

Freebase Dali · 09-06-2012, 01:08 PM

I don't see how any natural progression of evolution into "pure energy and consciousness" could ever happen as long as the laws of physics are still around.

~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ · 09-06-2012, 01:35 PM

I find it more likely that computing power will advance so far so as to eliminate biological bodies altogether, transfer consciousness to software, and explore space uninhibited by time. The first step will likely be, as mentioned, "biological machinery" (cyborgs, deliberate genetic mutation, artificial life extension and artificial intelligence. Given the current speed of progress, it's actually feasible to me for this kind of guided evolution to occur within 100,000 years.

Another interesting "step along the way" to this possible future is the transference of the conscious human mind to an exact software (or some combination of software and hardware) virtual replica inside a computer. Before our death, a new "us" may be copied for the future generations to interact with and learn from. Our original conscious mind will, of course, be lost -- but our computer copy carries our essence for as long as there is society to maintain the programs. Even within our lifetimes, our brain may be copied to a computer system which will allow us to, quite literally, speak with ourselves.

Guided evolution by means of technology and scientific advancement is a fascinating concept. There are, however, alternatives which could play out in the event of some kind of massive societal collapse. If human beings, for lack of a better expression, "returned" to the "natural" world, evolution by means of natural selection could once again take hold of our species. Isolated populations living in regions with increased flooding could realistically be expected to develop webbed hands and feet within 100,000 years. I suppose the problem with this is that humans are so intelligent, they tend to form into societies, tribes, groups to survive. It would take something very turbulent and drastic to change this behavior.

**Janszoon** · 09-06-2012, 01:45 PM

I think we will evolve into beings of pure rock and roll.

~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ · 09-06-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

I think we will evolve into beings of pure rock and roll.

**Janszoon** · 09-06-2012, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conan

Yes way, man. Totally.

**Goofle** · 09-06-2012, 02:04 PM

Forever my favourite B&T pic.

**Janszoon** · 09-06-2012, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

Forever my favourite B&T pic.

They melvined me.

**Goofle** · 09-06-2012, 02:14 PM

Best 4/7?

**Janszoon** · 09-06-2012, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goofle11

Best 4/7?

Station!

09-06-2012, 01:45 PM	#24 (permalink)
Janszoon Mate, Spawn & Die Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Rapping Community Posts: 24,593	I think we will evolve into beings of pure rock and roll. __________________ A Night in the Life of the Invisible Man Time & Place 25 Albums You Should Hear Before the Moon Crashes into the Earth and We All Die last.fm

09-06-2012, 01:08 PM	#22 (permalink)
Freebase Dali Partying on the inside Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 5,584	I don't see how any natural progression of evolution into "pure energy and consciousness" could ever happen as long as the laws of physics are still around.

09-06-2012, 01:35 PM	#23 (permalink)
~~someonecompletelyrandom~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4,538	I find it more likely that computing power will advance so far so as to eliminate biological bodies altogether, transfer consciousness to software, and explore space uninhibited by time. The first step will likely be, as mentioned, "biological machinery" (cyborgs, deliberate genetic mutation, artificial life extension and artificial intelligence. Given the current speed of progress, it's actually feasible to me for this kind of guided evolution to occur within 100,000 years. Another interesting "step along the way" to this possible future is the transference of the conscious human mind to an exact software (or some combination of software and hardware) virtual replica inside a computer. Before our death, a new "us" may be copied for the future generations to interact with and learn from. Our original conscious mind will, of course, be lost -- but our computer copy carries our essence for as long as there is society to maintain the programs. Even within our lifetimes, our brain may be copied to a computer system which will allow us to, quite literally, speak with ourselves. Guided evolution by means of technology and scientific advancement is a fascinating concept. There are, however, alternatives which could play out in the event of some kind of massive societal collapse. If human beings, for lack of a better expression, "returned" to the "natural" world, evolution by means of natural selection could once again take hold of our species. Isolated populations living in regions with increased flooding could realistically be expected to develop webbed hands and feet within 100,000 years. I suppose the problem with this is that humans are so intelligent, they tend to form into societies, tribes, groups to survive. It would take something very turbulent and drastic to change this behavior.