Out With The Old

The development of modern quantum physics has followed a pattern in which the general properties of a new theory are developed in classical terms and then quantized. This has proven successful and has led to the standard model of physics, but the ability to ‘quantize later’ seems to be losing its effectiveness. The reason this method has worked has been because the quantum effects being studied have been of such a scale that the classical notions of space and time apply. Despite the fact that we believe the ‘quantum’ to be fundamental, we have found it permissible to treat it as a secondary condition. However, the scales brought into question by theories of quantum gravity suggest a quantization of spacetime itself, completely invalidating the easier classical framework within which physicists prefer to begin the formulations of their theories. We now must treat the quantum as fundamentally as we attribute it to be. We can no longer begin with classical notions; they do not apply to such a realm of study. We must begin with the quantum and hold it as true throughout the development process. No one yet has a proven method by which to do this.

By downplaying the fundamental nature of quantum effects at the base level of theoretical development, we may in fact be robbing ourselves of insights which would guide our efforts. The current difficulty with the ever-popular string theory is there is a recognized need for a full departure from classical physics, but as has been the tried and true developmental method for modern theory, string theorists began with a classical framework upon which they hope to ‘tack on’ the new insights developed within the theory.

What we need is new insight and fresh perspective. New fundamental symmetries may only become apparent when considering a fundamentally quantum framework of existence. All of these considerations require that we stop treating the old framework as if it were still valid. Physicists wish to overthrow the greatest theories of the twentieth century, yet they work in a context consistent with that of Newtonian mechanics. What we need is a new, modernized framework. By using successful modern developments as our starting point, we will avoid a method of science in which we ignore the developments of the twentieth century and will perhaps finally be able to see further than we have seen in the past.

With God On Our Side

Extinction is not a problem caused by humans. It is a method by which a species succumbs to obsolescence. Extinction has been occurring ever since life began to compete against itself. Aren't we humans but one knot in the intricate web of organisms living on planet Earth? If we cause the extinction of another animal, aren't we merely one of the many harbingers of natural selection?

A successful population of animals may dominate a defined area, and within this area other less successful species may die out. This leaves, however, all other populations of the less successful species intact. If a species faces extinction, then its inability to cope has undermined it time and time again, in all regions within which it has attempted survival.

Through globalization and the exponential growth of the human presence, the many human populations and the defined areas within which they live have essentially merged. Thus the actions of the human population begin to affect all regions simultaneously, erasing the potential refuge of individual populations of species. This of course also puts us at significantly greater risk, for without isolated populations of humans, circumstances in our environment wiping out the population of humans will result in immediate extinction, just as it has with other species.

So we have made natural selection more efficient. We haven't invented anything new. Our intelligence has allowed us to take natural advantage in a way that has never occurred before. The question is whether our intelligence will allow us to see full circle and realize the dangerous game we're playing. Nature shows no compassion. She's out to breed winners, and if we begin to lead ourselves to our own demise, she'll have no trouble helping us to the door.

Let him start the revolution; it's your statue that will replace the one he knocks down.

You're unique. You know you're capable of things no one else is. And when some smug asshole walks by, capable of everything you are and more, it makes it real hard to remember: his time will soon pass; your time is coming.