Kevyn Jacobs <kevyn@earthling.net>
> I would argue that the greater the diversity - both genetic
> and memetic - of a civilization that saves such babies, the
> more likely that civilization, or at least some members of it,
> will be able to adapt and survive future change.
I agree, to a LIMIT. Eventually, if a civilization erodes it's genetic
basis far enough, memetic evolution itself will collapse. (memetic
evolution presupposes an adequate substrate) My estimate of time period for
this to happen: a million years. At that point, I think that complete
extinction is the most likely result. Not something we need to worry about
*now*, but it *is* something we should be concerned about in planning the
eventual galactic domination of the Church of Virus!
Of course, I also think that any civilization worth it's salt could see the
problem coming about half a million years away, and begin to counter it.
> And as long as a big chunk of the population does not need
> glasses, the species will probably survive a change that makes
> poor eyesight a survival liability. It is only if we get to a
> point that *everybody* needs them that I will worry.
I estimate such a point occurring in less than a thousand years in our
civilization. We are *already* at the point where over half of us use
them, and approx. 10% *need* them. Just yesterday, I saw a picture of a
*two* year old boy wearing a pair. Imagine how bad his eyes must be that
the parents could realize he *needs* them, at that age!
> Or perhaps, it is part of the natural order of things that
> every civilization must eventually collapse into chaos and
> basic survival, so that the least viable parts of the gene
> pool & meme pool are eliminated, and the resulting survivors
> are stronger. Kind of like a well-earned vacation that allows
> you to rest and recuperate, before going back to work.
I think I would prefer a conscious decision to implement some kind of
selective breeding program before the collapse -- I have no desire to
repeat the dark ages, or for that matter, even the enlightenment.
You are welcome to disagree, of course. Eugenics programs have a nasty
sort of ring to them... but then, if egalitarianism is dead...
ERiC