[Namsan Ddalggakbari] Is the Future of Humanity Really That Bleak?

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Is the "technology of evolution" unique to humanity? Observing the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), one might think that the life form with the most advanced evolutionary technology is bacteria. Do bacteria possess superior evolutionary technology compared to humans? And is the future of humanity as bleak as most people expect?

Luke O'Neill, author of Humanology, points out that while humanity is pessimistic about the present and worried about the future, this is a misdiagnosis. Humanity is currently enjoying prosperity like never before, and he asserts that the negative perception of the future is "baseless."

In particular, regarding the struggle to overcome COVID-19, he warns that humans might actually lose to bacteria. "Let us hope we can use our creativity to outpace bacteria. If not, bacteria will take our lives. Can you hear it? Right now, bacteria are laughing at us," he cautioned.

◆ "If I had learned science like this, I might have become a great scientist..."

The author is a world-renowned immunologist and professor of biochemistry and immunology at University College Dublin, Ireland. It almost seems as if he anticipated the world falling into fear due to COVID-19 when he wrote the book. Although the sentences warning against antibiotic overuse were written with that intent, the phrase "bacteria are laughing at us" is a warning that should never be taken lightly.

The evaluation of Humanology is best represented by an Amazon reader review stating, "This is a truly delightful, fun, and intuitive book. If I had learned science like this, I might have become a great scientist by now." It seems there could be no better review than this.

As the Amazon reader's review suggests, Humanology is cheerful, entertaining, and intuitive. Contrary to its stiff title and cold cover, as you turn the pages, you quickly get absorbed in its soft and witty storytelling. The generous photos and illustrations, combined with the enjoyable intellectual play between the author and readers, are the only aspects not reflected in the title and cover, which is the sole shortcoming of this book.

Humanology deeply explores the birth and evolution of humanity, blending history, current affairs, literature, and art into science. Through numerous scientific discoveries, knowledge, and historical insights, humanity now understands the meaning of human existence and life more deeply and broadly than in previous eras.

◆ 'Cognitive dissonance' that leads to pessimism despite unprecedented prosperity

As a result, looking at Homo sapiens as a whole, humanity is enjoying more prosperity than ever before. People live longer and healthier lives, more people receive higher education, and humanity is not swept up in pointless wars whose purposes are unknown. Yet, the majority of humanity believes the situation is worsening and will continue to do so.

Recent studies show that only 10% of Swedes believe the situation will improve in the future. In the U.S., it was 6%, and in Germany, only 4%. Why is that?

The author diagnoses this phenomenon as "cognitive dissonance." It occurs when what we perceive differs from the data. According to the author, this is a psychological defense mechanism where the mind is drawn to a more pessimistic attitude to protect itself.

◆ Survival gear sales rise every time North Korea makes statements... Is Kim Jong-un a major shareholder?

Is humanity's future really only getting worse? Various scenarios are mentioned, such as artificial intelligence taking over the Earth and driving out humanity, proton collision experiments at near-light speed creating black holes that swallow the Earth whole, or humanity going extinct due to climate change-induced extreme weather or earthquakes.

Because of these fears, businesses selling freeze-dried food, gas masks, and chemical-biological protective suits are thriving in the U.S. The author claims that every time North Korea's Kim Jong-un hints at launching nuclear weapons, sales of survival gear increase, jokingly suggesting that Kim Jong-un might even own stocks in these equipment companies.

He then sharply criticizes, saying, "I wonder if those buying survival gear have ever thought about what kind of world will come after a major catastrophe," adding, "In my opinion, such a world would never be a good place to live." This implies that if such a world arrives, even survival gear would be useless.

◆ "Humans know how to control. If we stop environmental destruction, humanity will be safe"

So, is humanity's future really only bleak? The condition the author presents for a not-so-bad future is surprisingly simple. Humans began as insignificant beings in the vast universe by chance, but the history of life, evolution, and science that humans have built is great. To carry this greatness into the future, the necessary condition is "stopping."

"Unlike any other species, we know how to control the environment. So if we stop making the environment a mess by threatening water or the food chain, if we stop destroying the environment, we will be safe."

The author emphasizes, "Everyone on Earth has the right to continue enjoying the benefits of science achieved for us and future generations." You and I have the right to enjoy the benefits of science. But let us not forget the fact that we must stop at the right time.

Humanology, Luke O'Neill, translated by Kim Jeong-ah, Pause, 19,000 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.