Author Topic: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...  (Read 8042 times)

Hope

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Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« on: January 19, 2016, 12:58:47 PM »
 ...   or so suggests Professor Stephen Hawking.

Three of the examples of potential danger he refers to are nuclear war, global warming and genetically-engineered viruses.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-35344664

I have sometimes wondered whether the popularity of trying to keep people alive longer and longer may also be a potential threat to our society.

Are your, or your friends'/relatives', garages, lofts or sheds full of unused DIY gear, sewing/knitting machines or fabric and haberdashery stuff?

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Shaker

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #1 on: January 19, 2016, 01:04:17 PM »
Can't be doing with the man, myself.

He might be a genius and what have you, but I think he sets a terrible example to his kids, sitting in front of a computer all day.

Seriously, I think the danger of a nuclear war is lower now than it has been since nuclear weapons were invented seventy years ago. Genetically-engineered viruses also seem a remote possibility (though he's bound to know more about the subject than I do). Of the three, overpopulation and climate change are what will royally screw us, because nobody has the minerals to do what needs to be done.
« Last Edit: January 19, 2016, 01:07:39 PM by Shaker »
Pain, or damage, don't end the world. Or despair, or fucking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back. - Al Swearengen, Deadwood.

Owlswing

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2016, 01:15:05 PM »
Can't be doing with the man, myself.

He might be a genius and what have you, but I think he sets a terrible example to his kids, sitting in front of a computer all day.

Seriously, I think the danger of a nuclear war is lower now than it has been since nuclear weapons were invented seventy years ago. Genetically-engineered viruses also seem a remote possibility (though he's bound to know more about the subject than I do). Of the three, overpopulation and climate change are what will royally screw us, because nobody has the minerals to do what needs to be done.

Agreed.

It is the mindless destruction and use of the planet's resources without any real attempts to find alternatives that will, in all probability, seal humanity's death warrant.

On the matter of nuclear war, there are, as at today's date, two potential flash points that might ignite a nuclear war and they are both the result of hatred directed against America - North Korea and the Middle East. The main problem here is that in attempting to wipe out America it is quite possible that all life, including the instigators of the conflict, are likely to be wiped out, especially in view of America's most probable response.

Attitudes like those of Donald Trump are doing nothing to lessen the possibility of that conflict. Only my opinion of course!

Note to self - Do NOT post while tired or pissed or both - it causes unnecessary typo's!
« Last Edit: January 19, 2016, 02:45:27 PM by Owlswing »
The Holy Bible, probably the most diabolical work of fiction ever to be visited upon mankind.

An it harm none, do what you will; an it harm some, do what you must!

Shaker

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2016, 01:40:16 PM »
On the matter of nuclear war there are, as at today's date two potential flash points that might ignite a nuclear war and they are both the result of hatred dierected against America - North Korea and the Midle East. The main proble here is that in attempting to wipe out America it is quite possible that all life, including the instigators of the conflict, are likely to be wiped out, especially in view of America's most probable response.

The greater danger of the two, I would suggest, is North Korea - but even then, is the regime really insane enough to instigate a course of action which will rain down radioactive death and destruction on a country so many times smaller than the US? I find it hard to believe.
Pain, or damage, don't end the world. Or despair, or fucking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back. - Al Swearengen, Deadwood.

Leonard James

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2016, 01:42:43 PM »
The greater danger of the two, I would suggest, is North Korea - but even then, is the regime really insane enough to instigate a course of action which will rain down radioactive death and destruction on a country so many times smaller than the US? I find it hard to believe.

It only needs one nut to press the button.  >:(

Shaker

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2016, 01:44:51 PM »
It only needs one nut to press the button.  >:(
Actually no - because even in the land of pudgy little dictators with bad haircuts, there are protocols to follow to initiate the deployment of nuclear weapons. These things aren't left in the hands of just one individual, just as we don't let my dad have the remote control for the telly.
Pain, or damage, don't end the world. Or despair, or fucking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back. - Al Swearengen, Deadwood.

Leonard James

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2016, 01:46:40 PM »
Actually no - because even in the land of pudgy little dictators with bad haircuts, there are protocols to follow to initiate the deployment of nuclear weapons. These things aren't left in the hands of just one individual, just as we don't let my dad have the remote control for the telly.

I hope you are right!  :)

Hope

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2016, 01:47:47 PM »
Seriously, I think the danger of a nuclear war is lower now than it has been since nuclear weapons were invented seventy years ago. Genetically-engineered viruses also seem a remote possibility (though he's bound to know more about the subject than I do). Of the three, overpopulation and climate change are what will royally screw us, because nobody has the minerals to do what needs to be done.
I suppose it depends on what one defines as a 'genetically-engineered virus'.  Is it simply one that is developed in a laboratory, or is it one that results from the overuse/abuse of medications?  As for overpopulation, I think the real issue is the lack of access to water in many pats of the globe - regardless of whether or not it is clean.
Are your, or your friends'/relatives', garages, lofts or sheds full of unused DIY gear, sewing/knitting machines or fabric and haberdashery stuff?

Lists of what is needed and a search engine to find your nearest collector (scroll to bottom for latter) are here:  http://www.twam.uk/donate-tools

Leonard James

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2016, 01:49:49 PM »
I suppose it depends on what one defines as a 'genetically-engineered virus'.  Is it simply one that is developed in a laboratory, or is it one that results from the overuse/abuse of medications?  As for overpopulation, I think the real issue is the lack of access to water in many pats of the globe - regardless of whether or not it is clean.

It stands to reason that unless population control is achieved in one way or another, our future is bleak.

Shaker

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2016, 01:51:12 PM »
I hope you are right!  :)

The number of near-misses, almosts and very-nearlies with regard to nuclear weapons during the Cold War is absolutely staggering - don't read up on this if you want to sleep soundly at night ever again (although it's absolutely fascinating - to me, anyway). At least two Russian military men are known to have averted a nuclear exchange between the USA and the USSR (as it was), at least one of them by deliberately disobeying training and orders:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasili_Arkhipov

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislav_Petrov

Pain, or damage, don't end the world. Or despair, or fucking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back. - Al Swearengen, Deadwood.

Rhiannon

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2016, 01:57:42 PM »
The number of near-misses, almosts and very-nearlies with regard to nuclear weapons during the Cold War is absolutely staggering - don't read up on this if you want to sleep soundly at night ever again (although it's absolutely fascinating - to me, anyway). At least two Russian military men are known to have averted a nuclear exchange between the USA and the USSR (as it was), at least one of them by deliberately disobeying training and orders:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasili_Arkhipov

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislav_Petrov


Yes, I'd read this too. It is incredible, but doesn't keep me awake at night. Something my brain has the ability to park I guess.

Leonard James

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2016, 01:58:24 PM »
The number of near-misses, almosts and very-nearlies with regard to nuclear weapons during the Cold War is absolutely staggering - don't read up on this if you want to sleep soundly at night ever again (although it's absolutely fascinating - to me, anyway). At least two Russian military men are known to have averted a nuclear exchange between the USA and the USSR (as it was), at least one of them by deliberately disobeying training and orders:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasili_Arkhipov

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislav_Petrov

Oh gawd ... I want my mum!  :'(

Shaker

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Pain, or damage, don't end the world. Or despair, or fucking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back. - Al Swearengen, Deadwood.

Hope

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #13 on: January 19, 2016, 02:08:19 PM »
It stands to reason that unless population control is achieved in one way or another, our future is bleak.
I wondering wheth these drug-resistant organisms will act as population control.   ;)
Are your, or your friends'/relatives', garages, lofts or sheds full of unused DIY gear, sewing/knitting machines or fabric and haberdashery stuff?

Lists of what is needed and a search engine to find your nearest collector (scroll to bottom for latter) are here:  http://www.twam.uk/donate-tools

Leonard James

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #14 on: January 19, 2016, 02:09:53 PM »
I wondering wheth these drug-resistant organisms will act as population control.   ;)

We have to become extinct sooner or later!  :)

jakswan

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #15 on: January 19, 2016, 02:12:24 PM »
I have sometimes wondered whether the popularity of trying to keep people alive longer and longer may also be a potential threat to our society.

Yes much safer in the old days when killing people was in fashion.
Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd.
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Hope

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #16 on: January 19, 2016, 02:16:37 PM »
Yes much safer in the old days when killing people was in fashion.
Hadn't thought of that system, jaks - was actually thinking of people being allowed to die naturally rather than encouraged (perhaps even forced, in some cases) to live beyond their natural span - ie those who opt not to be resucitated - yet are; or who are loaded up with so many drugs to keep them alive as to make them little more than mobile pill-boxes!!
Are your, or your friends'/relatives', garages, lofts or sheds full of unused DIY gear, sewing/knitting machines or fabric and haberdashery stuff?

Lists of what is needed and a search engine to find your nearest collector (scroll to bottom for latter) are here:  http://www.twam.uk/donate-tools

Hope

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #17 on: January 19, 2016, 02:17:30 PM »
We have to become extinct sooner or later!  :)
We as individuals or as a species?  Is there an evolutionary imperative for the latter?
Are your, or your friends'/relatives', garages, lofts or sheds full of unused DIY gear, sewing/knitting machines or fabric and haberdashery stuff?

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Shaker

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #18 on: January 19, 2016, 02:18:03 PM »
Yes much safer in the old days when killing people was in fashion.
That's something that's never out of fashion.
Pain, or damage, don't end the world. Or despair, or fucking beatings. The world ends when you're dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man, and give some back. - Al Swearengen, Deadwood.

Nearly Sane

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #19 on: January 19, 2016, 02:26:16 PM »
Hadn't thought of that system, jaks - was actually thinking of people being allowed to die naturally rather than encouraged (perhaps even forced, in some cases) to live beyond their natural span - ie those who opt not to be resucitated - yet are; or who are loaded up with so many drugs to keep them alive as to make them little more than mobile pill-boxes!!

What colour is the sky in your world? (a) everyone dies naturally, (b) there hasn't been a time when we didn't try to save people, we just got good at it, (c) if you go down to the ironymonger's shop I've got them to put aside some for you to help you read posts.
« Last Edit: January 19, 2016, 02:33:08 PM by Nearly Sane »

Nearly Sane

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #20 on: January 19, 2016, 02:31:06 PM »
We as individuals or as a species?  Is there an evolutionary imperative for the latter?


You've heard the words 'evolutionary imperative' and just decided to bung them in a sentence to make it all spiffy, haven't you? If it's not that, I'm struggling to begin to make sense of your post.

Owlswing

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #21 on: January 19, 2016, 02:48:15 PM »
Actually no - because even in the land of pudgy little dictators with bad haircuts, there are protocols to follow to initiate the deployment of nuclear weapons. These things aren't left in the hands of just one individual, just as we don't let my dad have the remote control for the telly.

Are you really sure about that?

In North Korea do you really think, even knowing the little we do know of the internal workings of the country, that Kim would allow anyone but homself to make the final decision "to launch or not to launch"?
The Holy Bible, probably the most diabolical work of fiction ever to be visited upon mankind.

An it harm none, do what you will; an it harm some, do what you must!

Nearly Sane

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #22 on: January 19, 2016, 03:16:29 PM »
Are you really sure about that?

In North Korea do you really think, even knowing the little we do know of the internal workings of the country, that Kim would allow anyone but homself to make the final decision "to launch or not to launch"?


Somebody mention North Korea


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEaKX9YYHiQ

« Last Edit: April 29, 2019, 03:39:35 PM by Nearly Sane »

Leonard James

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #23 on: January 19, 2016, 07:18:35 PM »
We as individuals or as a species?  Is there an evolutionary imperative for the latter?

As a species. Most species either evolve into something else or become extinct.

Enki

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Re: Humans at risk of lethal 'own goal' ...
« Reply #24 on: January 19, 2016, 09:09:33 PM »
It only needs one nut to press the button.  >:(

Thank goodness Brazil doesn't have nuclear weapons then. ;)
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