The human mind itself exists, marking that we have crossed the animal kingdom and become a higher species. This reflection provokes philosophical deep reflections that include a troubling question: Is it possible for humanity to become extinct? The discussion of this question began with the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who first proposed the concept of thinking about human extinction, opening a new window in ancient philosophy.
Aristotle's reflections were widely discussed at the time, and people began to think abstractly about what a world without human existence would look like. These ancient philosophers speculated that the world without humans might be more harmonious, that the natural world might be restored to balance, and that the planet's biodiversity might be preserved.
However, over time, humanity itself has become one of the main threats to civilization. Nuclear war and technological risks have raised concerns about the fate of humanity. Scientists believe that the sixth mass extinction event since the dawn of humanity has begun, and this time the main reason is the activities of humanity itself. Challenges include climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and ecosystem collapse. These questions force us to think seriously about the future destiny of humankind.
Professor Frank Fenner, a highly respected ecologist and environmental activist, predicts that humanity risks extinction within the next 100 years if we don't take positive action. He worries that overpopulation, resource scarcity and environmental problems will lead to irreversible ecological collapse. Professor Fenner's predictions have attracted a lot of attention and prompted people to think more seriously about the challenges of humanity's future.
However, once humanity becomes extinct, the structure of cities and civilizations will gradually disappear and the natural world will gradually recover. Buildings will be weathered, roads will be covered with vegetation, and the hustle and bustle of the city will be completely quelled. Human existence will become only a moment in the history of the planet, but the traces left by this moment will be preserved on geological time scales.
On long time scales, fossils may be the only evidence of our existence. Fossils are a testament to the evolution of life on Earth, and they can survive for millions of years or more. When humans become extinct, fossils could become a key source of information for studying our civilization, providing valuable clues for future biologists and archaeologists.
In addition to fossils, there is also a mysterious substance, xenon-124 atoms, which is believed to be preserved for extremely long periods of time. The decay rate of the xenon-124 atom is extremely slow, so it can hold information on geological time scales. Scientists study how xenon-124 atoms can be used to preserve human knowledge and culture in order to convey our story to future extraterrestrial civilizations.
After contemplating the possible extinction of humanity, we need to think not only about our end, but also about the legacy we leave behind. This includes fossils, technological derivatives, and possibly cosmic probes. These legacies will become traces of our civilization, conveying our stories and culture to extraterrestrial civilizations.
Overall, thinking about human existence and possible extinction is an important philosophical exercise. This will not only help us understand ourselves better, but also help us cope with the uncertain challenges of the future. Our existence is short-lived, but our influence can leave a deep mark on the planet. Therefore, we should cherish this moment and leave a better legacy for our future.