1.2 Point of No Return

What does all this discussion of futures and the human virus mean? In observing our daily interactions and the historical foundations that have led mankind to our current status and position as “dominators” over the world in which we live, one fact becomes fearfully apparent; we are at a point of no return. A decision must be made. Either we as “dominators” correct the problems readily evident or face self-destruction.

Though we find movies like Terminator, I-Robot, and the Matrix entertaining there are facts that lead the human mind to dream up such fantastical tales of mechanical mayhem. There are events that lead an intelligent civilization to pivotal points and critical decisions just as these productions suggest. For a clear view of the chronological progression, an understanding of the steps is necessary. It is impossible for a civilization to reach this point without correctly completing a proceeding step. Man has been steadily motivated to better himself by the necessary desire to understand the world. We want more knowledge so we can better control the environment and ourselves. In this desire, we have made the necessary steps leading to this point.

First, comes the thought of being more than a pawn in the evolution of life. For ourselves we said “I think, therefore I am,” and ever since, have never looked back. This level of self-awareness is required for any species to be more than animalistic. It takes higher sociological skills to become an effective and knowledgeable species. Take for example the level of communication in marine life. Using simple sounds, these animals are able to complete simple task and in some cases, taught to understand human sign language and verbal speech. Even with insects we find communication, but on a sociological scale all animal species lack one vital component of communication, knowledge. Animals can communicate, but not in the level that humans as a species has been able to do. This is one of many reasons why we can no longer consider ourselves "the human animal;" the statement is a contradiction. Communicable knowledge is the first step in this direction, the direction of a species in stepping outside nature and is necessary for a species to step outside of the realm of natural control.

Once outside of natural selection and control, our development and survival depend on the second point of necessity, the scientific method of discovery. Being able to evaluate a situation or occurrence. Like cavemen gathered around a burning tree after a storm. Never before had they been able to control something so beautiful yet powerful, as the knowledge of fire. From this and other passed down observations, we can become a better understanding civilization. This foundational knowledge leading to the endeavor of science and technology. Without understanding the world we know would cease to expand, allowing us to adapt and change the environment as new factors change the aspects of the world. Without comprehending our mental prowess and intellectual ability, we humans would have found ourselves extinct like our “cousins.” By taking our understanding of the interactions between elements of life and physical properties, we bring the world under our submission.

This submission is what allows us to create farms, gardens, and nurseries. Lastly - coming before we must make the decision spoken of - is the over dependency and degradation of the environment in which we absorb the products without replacing the cycle components. Exchanging them for hazardous by-products; destroying the balance of the natural cycle of renewal necessary for the perpetual existence of life.