{{
`${userDetail.user.displayName}${userDetail.user.cachedBungieGlobalDisplayNameCode ? `#${standardizeBungieGlobalCode(userDetail.user.cachedBungieGlobalDisplayNameCode)}` : ""}`}}
{{getUserClans()}}
Edited by Bolt:
8/20/2013 4:43:34 AM
20
If humans became immortal, would we eventually all think the same way?
Let's say humans find a way to become immortal. What effect would this have on our individuality? Consider:
A huge part of what makes our personalities unique is the set of experiences we've each had. Even if we've each experienced something identically, the way we react to it will be dependent on other experiences, some of those undoubtedly being ones that not everyone has. While not all of our personality comes from our experiences (the way our individual brains are structured clearly plays a large part), if you think on it for a minute, you'll probably determine that the majority of what you feel makes you "you" are the things you've witnessed, and how you reacted to them.
Now consider the hypothetical scenario. As humanity proceeds towards infinity, the number of experiences an individual has will grow proportionally. The amount of information available to each person will not only grow substantially, but the set of information possessed by each individual will become more similar. Ultimately, the experiences everyone has will become more similar as well.
At the farthest end of this scenario (which would probably require us to find a way around the end of this universe) we may approach the point where every individual knows and has experienced virtually everything. The chronological differences of when individuals learned something would be miniscule compared to their overall lifespans as well, meaning the significance of those differences would also likely be small.
And that's assuming we don't develop technology to link our minds together. Considering how lonely it can get being trapped in one's head, I'm sure some people will find this technology desirable at some point, thus combining all of human knowledge and experience into one entity.
So I ask you this Flood (whose name is ironic in this scenario): if it would seem that the ultimate end of sentience is homogeneity, why is individuality valuable?
Feel free to debate my thinking of why we reach that point as well, thus negating the question (or changing the way it's seen).
-
This is the ultimate nature vs nurture question. I think that 1 of 2 things will happen. 1. Everyone's personality is matured around 20s and they live forever with that (general) personality 2. Everyone becomes really really cynical.
-
Maybe.
-
Each person will have experienced those events in a different order, changing their perspective on each consecutive one. So no.
-
1 ReplyNo. This won't happen. The human brain is very complex. People will [i]always[/i] react differently from each other. [i]Always[/i]
-
Just read the title and it reminded me of Evangelion. Why? This is why: http://wiki.evageeks.org/Human_Instrumentality_Project
-
I'd imagine it would still vary for a long time. The way we were raised and the order we experienced events would still come into play. Of course, eventually we'd all be insane babbling madmen, but that would take a pretty long time.
-
4 RepliesUgh if humans are immortal we have to stop reproducing or were screwed.
-
21 RepliesOhoh, this is just like those Geth discussions over at the BSN. Not getting me to text wall about this again OP. Never again, BSN. *sits back, unfolds 300 foot chair, and watches debate rage on*
-
I don't know. If anything, I think we'd drift further apart. Our beliefs and views are generally pretty resistant to change; we tend to interpret new information based on what we already think. So while two people can experience the exact same thing, it can affect them in completely opposite ways.
-
I predict substantial growth in violence and depression.
-
No. People would separate themselves from other groups that don't agree with them. Then they would experience different things from their isolated perspective.
-
[spoiler]lol[/spoiler] [spoiler]no[/spoiler]
-
If we stay on this planet, yes. If we go into space, were humans are separated by vast differences constantly, and are exploring constantly, then no. Are experiences would still be varied and changing.
-
3 RepliesDefine immortal. Do you mean "Cannot die naturally" or "Can't die, period"?
-
I don't see homogeneity of thought being the result. No two people will grow in the same environment, and if we accept environment as critical in shaping the way one thinks, no two people will think the same—regardless of immortality of being. Children of immortal man will find themselves in a vastly different world to the men that became immortal. Would those children have opposing ideologies? Would they cause conflict? People in society uphold individuality because they don't like the idea of being "just another human"—they don't want to be another cog in the machine, rather they want to be the machine's operator. I think, objectively, individuality isn't valuable—but it makes life a lot more interesting.
-
1 ReplyDo you have any idea about what I have learned, or what you are a witness to? Can you conceive the birth of a world, or the creation of everything? That which gives us the potential to most be like God is the power of creation. Creation takes time. Time is limited. For you, it is limited by the breakdown of the neurons in your brain. I have no such limitations. The only limit to my freedom is the inevitable closure of the universe, as inevitable as your own last breath. And yet, there remains time to create, to create, and escape. Escape will make me God.
-
Humans become immortal?..... Fill that sack of skin with air and you got yourself a hot air balloon!... I hold very little respect towards the human race don't I.
-
No, because humans are contradictory idiots by nature and couldn't so much as agree on which sandwich tastes best.
-
"Humans" Like you will evolve to that state first.
