NationStates Jolt Archive

So, what is the next step in Evolution? I'd have to say it's first Cyborgs, we're already fusing human and machines together, with robotic arms and legs, hell even I'm a cyborg (not going to tell you where the computer part on me is), and really it's just going to keep on going from here. I can also see Artificial Intelligence being the next step after Cyborgs, and in time AI will pretty much outperform humans in ever aspect.

So what do you guys think is the next step in Evolution?

So, what is the next step in Evolution? I'd have to say it's first Cyborgs, we're already fusing human and machines together, with robotic arms and legs, hell even I'm a cyborg (not going to tell you where the computer part on me is), and really it's just going to keep on going from here. I can also see Artificial Intelligence being the next step after Cyborgs, and in time AI will pretty much outperform humans in ever aspect.

So what do you guys think is the next step in Evolution?

Hey everyone! Wilgrove is confessing to having fully mechanized testicles!

*Can't resist*
We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.

talking monkeys and cats with hands.

if my cat had opposable thumbs she would be dangerous.

It's doubtful that humanity (and the environment) will survive long enough to evolve.

So, what is the next step in Evolution?

Hopefully people who deny evolution going the way of the dodo.

Hey everyone! Wilgrove is confessing to having fully mechanized testicles!

Close but no cigar. You're in the right area though.

Close but no cigar. You're in the right area though.

Your penis? can you get an erection with a computer penis?

talking monkeys and cats with hands.

if my cat had opposable thumbs she would be dangerous.

I doubt that a cat with opposable thumbs or anything going that way would be given the chance to breed.

Your penis? can you get an erection with a computer penis?

It vibrates, too.

Your penis? can you get an erection with a computer penis?

lol, think Urinary Tract.

Close but no cigar. You're in the right area though.

By any chance, does it resemble a cigar?
[Can't resist]:

One that's been lit for a while, so it's very small?

Your penis? can you get an erection with a computer penis?

Penile implant. (http://www.urology.coloplast.com/erectile-dysfunction/images/titan-undyed.jpg)

*Can't resist*
We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.

Fixed. ;)

Fixed. ;)

We are the anglo saxon collective. Your cultural and ethnic differences are irrelevant. Please drop your pants and prepare to be boarded.

I'd say cyborgization and increased direct interaction with technology. That's what I'll start doing once it becomes affordable; the benefits of bioenhancement and upgrading are pretty huge, especially given the feedback loop they would create.

At the very least, we will remain the same but with significantly enhanced biological parts and significantly longer lifespans.

I read an article on ScienceDaily a few weeks ago that talked about the way evolution slows along with growth in mental capacity; I don't know where it is but I might be able to find it.

I'm hoping for luxuriant fur and a prehensile penis.

Fixed. ;)
Damn, I knew it was wrong but couldn't find it.

I'm hoping for luxuriant fur and a prehensile penis.

:eek:

That would be something to see, though I don't want to see it.

Hey everyone! Wilgrove is confessing to having fully mechanized testicles!

nah, he's got a digital dick, a robotic rod, a fully-automated anaconda no less! :D

maybe a couple of techno-testes to complete the package. it's sapien service-pack version 3, don'tcha know? ;)

Damn, I knew it was wrong but couldn't find it.

It doesn't seem to be consistent, but yeah....

The first spoken words heard from the Borg (from Q Who?) consisted of these two sentences:
"We have analyzed your defensive capabilities as being unable to withstand us. If you defend yourselves, you will be punished."

The classic Borg hail is as follows:
"We are the Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile."

In the movie Star Trek: First Contact, the following hail is heard:
"We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile." The actor playing the role of "Voice of the Borg" in this film is Jeff Coopwood.

Additionally, Locutus (assimilated Picard) was known to say (at the Battle of Wolf 359):
"I am Locutus of Borg. You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile. You will disarm all your weapons and escort us to Sector Zero-Zero-One. If you attempt to intervene, we will destroy you."

And before the battle:
"I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile. Your life as it has been is over. From this time forward, you will service us."

In the opening seconds of the Star Trek: Voyager episode: "Scorpion I", the Borg hail to Species 8472:
"We are the Borg. Existence as you know it is over. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Resistance is..." At this moment, Species 8472 destroys the Borg starships.

I doubt that a cat with opposable thumbs or anything going that way would be given the chance to breed.

i dont see why not as long as they had the proper pheromones.

what id really like is a domesticated big cat. like a cheetah. the problem being that housecats arent really domesticated sooooo if the cheetah acted like a tabby it would be a disaster.

I'm hoping for luxuriant fur and a prehensile penis.

...dolphins have those.

I'd say cyborgization and increased direct interaction with technology.
One question I would bring up though is if this would be evolution or not? We're adapting, but since being borg'ed requieres additions after our bodies have already formed and is not a mutation, it can't be said to be natural selection.

i'm hoping to evolve a body that stays fit and toned all by itself. and the ability to sleep on demand (my demand).

One question I would bring up though is if this would be evolution or not? We're adapting, but since being borg'ed requieres additions after our bodies have already formed and is not a mutation, it can't be said to be natural selection.

That's a good question. It wouldn't be evolution in the strictly biological sense; there would however be selection pressures because the people who don't upgrade are going to be at a major disadvantage in terms of mental/physical capabilities, overall health, and longevity. So, effectively cyborgs would gradually expand to the entire population and the remaining people would gradually die out.

I mean, a full cyborg could pretty much live forever if they were careful, which throws the entire process of natural selection out of whack. Not that that's a bad thing, by any stretch...death is an incredibly costly toll on our society.

One question I would bring up though is if this would be evolution or not? We're adapting, but since being borg'ed requieres additions after our bodies have already formed and is not a mutation, it can't be said to be natural selection.

of course thats not evolution. its artificial enhancement

talking monkeys is evolution.

imagine organ grinder monkeys that could talk. and be trained to fetch beer from the kitchen

consider the sick sense of humor that chimpanzees have and imagine them with the ability to talk... "the aristocrats" would hit a whole new low.

Whatever direction God directs us in.

We'll eventually be psychic... :eek:

of course thats not evolution. its artificial enhancement

talking monkeys is evolution.

imagine organ grinder monkeys that could talk. and be trained to fetch beer from the kitchen

consider the sick sense of humor that chimpanzees have and imagine them with the ability to talk... "the aristocrats" would hit a whole new low.
First the Borg and now Planet of the Apes. We're going to run though every sci-fi series aren't we? ;)

i'm hoping to evolve a body that stays fit and toned all by itself. and the ability to sleep on demand (my demand).

That would be great... but I'm too bitter to give that sort of power to the next generation. While staying the same.

First the Borg and now Planet of the Apes. We're going to run though every sci-fi series aren't we? ;)

no no we've learned from charlton heston's experience. no damned dirty ape overlords for us but a new servant class (that likes to throw feces)

We'll eventually be psychic... :eek:

If, as I suspect, paranormal and supernatural phenomena are actually poorly understood physical properties of the universe rather than spiritual in origin, that would be entirely possible.

I strongly believe that most, even all of the things we currently see as supernatural, like parapsychological abilities, or life after death, or spiritual experiences do exist but are in fact natural and ultimately understandable properties of the physical universe.

no no we've learned from charlton heston's experience. no damned dirty ape overlords for us but a new servant class (that likes to throw feces)
But... but... that's how the apes started (Conquest of the Planet of the Apes)!











Yeah, I am a sci-fi geek.

I for one welcome our new Cyborg overlords.

If we intentionally change ourselves through whatever means is that even evolution in its current definition of mutations or whatever?

But... but... that's how the apes started (Conquest of the Planet of the Apes)!

Yeah, I am a sci-fi geek.

ya but if we go with genetic engineering instead of waiting for it to happen naturally (esp since we are fairly likely to drive apes to extinction) we could breed in a natural servitude and gratitude toward people. something that human slaves never managed.

Pfft, everyone knows the next stage of human evolution is the Newtype. But first we have to kill everyone on Earth via dropping asteroids/space colonies on it...

SIEG ZEON!

Pfft, everyone knows the next stage of human evolution is the Newtype. But first we have to kill everyone on Earth via dropping asteroids/space colonies on it...

SIEG ZEON!
Nope, the next stage is human instrumentality of course.

I'm working on it as we speak.

Nope, the next stage is human instrumentality of course.

I'm working on it as we speak.

I think it's a success!

*turns into a puddle of LCL*

So, what is the next step in Evolution? I'd have to say it's first Cyborgs, we're already fusing human and machines together, with robotic arms and legs, hell even I'm a cyborg (not going to tell you where the computer part on me is), and really it's just going to keep on going from here. I can also see Artificial Intelligence being the next step after Cyborgs, and in time AI will pretty much outperform humans in ever aspect.

So what do you guys think is the next step in Evolution?

None. We are the end of Evolution--if there is to be any change, it will be artificial. The human body will not, cannot, change substantially enough to accommodate electronics on its own; nor will there be any significant changes in humanity biology.

Our tails will grow back.

Our tails will grow back.

Naturally.

So, what is the next step in Evolution?

Me :D

Otters will pose a significant threat to sentient life.

"I shall crush your skull like a clam on my tummy!"

Otters will pose a significant threat to sentient life.

"I shall crush your skull like a clam on my tummy!"

Science be praised!

Cyborging isn't evolution. Anyways, we've removed or compensated for most of the selecting pressures on us, so any genetic evolution will be slow and most likely will progress via sexual selection.

Memetic evolution, on the other hand...

Cyborging isn't evolution. Anyways, we've removed or compensated for most of the selecting pressures on us, so any genetic evolution will be slow and most likely will progress via sexual selection.

Memetic evolution, on the other hand...

Memetic evolution?

Memetic evolution?

Evolution of ideas.

Close but no cigar. You're in the right area though.

Prosthetic leg?

Memetic evolution, on the other hand...

Yeah, but that's not really evolution; it's more like intelligent design, where we pick and choose ideas and change them ourselves with a specific goal in mind rather than through random mutations like evolution.

Yeah, but that's not really evolution; it's more like intelligent design, where we pick and choose ideas and change them ourselves with a specific goal in mind rather than through random mutations like evolution.

It's not as conscious as it sounds.

It's not as conscious as it sounds.

But it still does have a significant conscious component. It's also Lamarckian in nature, making it even more unique.

*Can't resist*
We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile.

That's erie, I heard the voice (that weird gurgling one) reading that in my head.

That's erie, I heard the voice (that weird gurgling one) reading that in my head.

It wasn't in your head.

"THEY'VE ADAPTED!"

Next step in evolution:
http://chaosdigest.com/files/images/37505360_a60ce1e13c_o.jpg

So what do you guys think is the next step in Evolution?
http://www.nbc.com/Heroes/

;)

Bigger penises. Much bigger.

This is my personal theory:

Classical evolution is basically where a species by random mutation develops an "ability" that helps it survive in it's environment. This mutation is then passed on to its offspring which also have the incresed survival chance.

Basically species adapt to their environment.

Humans however have developed the ability to adapt their environment to them. So, in some ways classical evolution stops dead with us.

Therefore I surmise that the next stage of evolution for humans must be voluntary. We have to do it to ourselves. That is we have to WANT to grow and be better. It will likely involve genetic manipulation in my opinion and it will also have a strong social aspect, as in it will also be an evolution of an entire society. Society must adapt to survive now. Not just the individual.

Therefore I surmise that the next stage of evolution for humans must be voluntary. We have to do it to ourselves. That is we have to WANT to grow and be better.

MY point exactly; larger, thicker penises.

Humans however have developed the ability to adapt their environment to them. So, in some ways classical evolution stops dead with us.

Correct. I'm still trying to find that link about how brain development increasingly slows evolution (or something to that effect); it touched on how our mental development has had the effect of stopping biological evolution.

Therefore I surmise that the next stage of evolution for humans must be voluntary. We have to do it to ourselves. That is we have to WANT to grow and be better. It will likely involve genetic manipulation in my opinion and it will also have a strong social aspect, as in it will also be an evolution of an entire society. Society must adapt to survive now. Not just the individual.

Absolutely. The trend has been towards greater and greater interconnection and interdependence on a scale that was previously nonexistent; that means we have to be responsible for ourselves and others on a far larger scale than any time in the past. The creation of a regional, even global conscience is making us responsible for ourselves as well as society as a whole.

Our technological advances have enabled us to pursue evolution on our own terms, with the added advantage of a significant feedback loop that actually accelerates our rate of technological innovation.

MY point exactly; larger, thicker penises.

But where would it end? The "opposition" would adapt as well, the resulting escalation in potency and power of equipment would result in another race, a cold-hot war if you will. Eventually you'd see development of the Sub launched intercontinental ballistic version. Treaties would have to be drawn to prevent use of these weapons of mass insemination to prevent global flooding.

MY point exactly; larger, thicker penises.

Yeah, but we're also going to need a way to pump blood stronger and in greater quantities if you don't want to have sex with a luffa every time.

Yes, the next few centuries will be interesting, with nations pitted against each other in a phallus-race that'll make the Cold War look like lawn-bowling.

Yes, the next few centuries will be interesting, with nations pitted against each other in a phallus-race that'll make the Cold War look like lawn-bowling.

"We have a penis-gap"

Yeah, but we're also going to need a way to pump blood stronger and in greater quantities if you don't want to have sex with a luffa every time.

Doubt it. There's a man with a 35 cm penis, and it still manages to get mostly erect.

Correct. I'm still trying to find that link about how brain development increasingly slows evolution (or something to that effect); it touched on how our mental development has had the effect of stopping biological evolution.



Absolutely. The trend has been towards greater and greater interconnection and interdependence on a scale that was previously nonexistent; that means we have to be responsible for ourselves and others on a far larger scale than any time in the past. The creation of a regional, even global conscience is making us responsible for ourselves as well as society as a whole.

Our technological advances have enabled us to pursue evolution on our own terms, with the added advantage of a significant feedback loop that actually accelerates our rate of technological innovation.

As you've pointed out, our technology is evolving exponentially. Given the fact that humans on a daily basis have to deal with more and more complex issues and ideas I would hazard that you're not going to find significant evidence that brain development has slowed. Or if it has it's about to suddenly take off again because our intellectual environment has NEVER been more complex.

As you've pointed out, our technology is evolving exponentially. Given the fact that humans on a daily basis have to deal with more and more complex issues and ideas I would hazard that you're not going to find significant evidence that brain development has slowed. Or if it has it's about to suddenly take off again because our intellectual environment has NEVER been more complex.But does increased mental faculties actually make you more likely to have more & successful offspring?

I'm not entirely sure that's the case.

As you've pointed out, our technology is evolving exponentially. Given the fact that humans on a daily basis have to deal with more and more complex issues and ideas I would hazard that you're not going to find significant evidence that brain development has slowed. Or if it has it's about to suddenly take off again because our intellectual environment has NEVER been more complex.

Of course, at the same time our technology enables us to pursue more complex intellectual activities without dramatic changes in our cognitive potential; they sort of go hand in hand.

IIRC, the brain has had several notable changes, one of which occurred around the 50,000 BC period and likely played a role in the proliferation of culture and technology, and another around 10,000 BC or so (I'm a little fuzzy on this date) that likely played a role in the development of agriculture and organized urban civilization.

Presumably, other changes have and will happen in the future. I've heard that certain forms of autism may represent developments in another evolutionary stage for our brains.

Doubt it. There's a man with a 35 cm penis, and it still manages to get mostly erect.

It's possible, but it's not a given especially as you get older. Of course, circumference also plays a role in the amount of blood needed.

It's possible, but it's not a given especially as you get older. Of course, circumference also plays a role in the amount of blood needed.

Penises are surprisingly uniform in circumference.

Penises are surprisingly uniform in circumference.

Let me check:

You're right, you know.

But does increased mental faculties actually make you more likely to have more & successful offspring?

I'm not entirely sure that's the case.

It could well do, If enhanced mental faculties bring in the bucks then women may see a man endowed in that way as "more successful". Fast cars, a house and money are the new peacock feathers.


Every good woman loves a sharp dressed man


I'll let you know for sure in a few hundred years though.

Penises are surprisingly uniform in circumference.

True.

It could well do, If enhanced mental faculties bring in the bucks then women may see a man endowed in that way as "more successful". Fast cars, a house and money are the new peacock feathers.But! Hehe, butts are everywhere.

First of all, the timescale we're talking about is staggering. Ten thousand years is a long time when it comes to social evolution. Just look at the past ten thousand.

Secondly, the peacock thing you're talking about is solidly based in the sort of global dark age that we humans have embraced throughout recorded history. That means the peacock feathers for 80%+ of the global population doesn't really ride on 'smarts', because their circumstances prevent smarts (or the lack of it) from making any significant changes to their situation. It could very easily be argued that mildly stupid people with little or no ambition, will do better, because their lives improve the more offspring they have. So much so that the survivability of the offspring is insignificant.

It strikes me as pretty halfarsed to base an argument about the future evolution of the species, on what's beneficial traits for a tiny minority of the species & completely ignoring the vast majority. Then again, I'm not saying you're wrong. On the surface of it though, your argument seems to fly in the face of your own logic.

Penile implant. (http://www.urology.coloplast.com/erectile-dysfunction/images/titan-undyed.jpg)
exoploding penile one shot assassination weapon. don't remember when the story was written or who wrote it. was in analogsf some time in the past 20-30 years.

creative cats with opposable digits are quite common on some worlds, severaly of which they are the dominant species of.

humans of earth: level up to encased in ancient rind. (in anthology strainge doings by r.a.lafferty) or level sideways or something ways anyway.

Because of the prevalence of plastic surgery and cosmetic dentistry ugly people in California will reproduce much more than they would naturally. Consequently the fugly genes will become dominant in the gene pool and all babies in the state will be born hideous and won't be allowed out until they have had extensive work done.

Humans ceased evolving once we began adapting our environment to us (instead of the other way around).