Is humanity’s Genetic Code changing?

Recently, science achieved a major breakthrough in the study of genes by completing the map of the human genetic code.  This breakthrough may have taken place just in the nick of time.  It is now being contemplated that humanity may already have begun the evolutionary transition to the next species beyond homo-sapien.  Across the world there are fewer and fewer babies born every year with tails.  At the same time, greater numbers of children are being born missing the smallest toes on their feet.  These two obvious changes, and others that may not be as easy to detect, can be signs that humanity as we know it may be on the verge of meeting its successor.  There are many scientific studies yet to be done to confirm or deny that such a transformation is taking place, but if it is currently taking place how will homo-sapien man respond to this new species?

My argument is that the response will be very similar to how Neanderthal man encountered the introduction of Homo-Sapiens into their world.  This process took place in four stages.  First, there was no perception of a new species.  Second, there was uneasiness and conflict over resources.  Third, Homo-Sapien man prevailed against the Neanderthal.  Finally, Neanderthal man disappeared from the face of the earth.  I believe that this same course of action will take place, with a few variables thrown in to make things even more interesting this time around.  Some of these variables are the mental and physical capabilities of this species, the role robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and other scientific improvements have on both species, and the speed at which this new species develops.

First, it is my belief that homo-sapien man will not take lightly to the news that a new species is coming into being.  There will be groups that want to destroy the new species wherever it can be found.  These people will be supported by some governments of the world due to fear and a desire by some politicians who can use such an issue to inspire support for their unquenchable thirst for power.  The majority of homo-sapien man will greet the introduction of this new species with hatred, ridicule, massacre, and greed.  Luckily for the new species, there will be many homo-sapiens who do not participate in the pogroms and hide as well as protect the new species.  This will allow the new species to grow in number quietly for a long time.

Eventually, a critical mass of the new species will have developed to become a formidable enemy if attacked by homo-sapien man.  The new species will see man both as a threat and a partner since some men helped while others hurt them. 

Is America ready to move beyond the gatherer mentality?

As a nation we have done pretty well for ourselves.  We are the richest country in the world.  The power of our military is unchallenged globally.  Our cultural influences span the earth to introduce others to our value system and the products that commercialize our lives.  Through fits and starts our democracy grows and strengthens over time.  Yet, with all of these blessings we seem always strive for more.  Is this drive for extra necessary?

Driving through America’s suburbs one is most often welcomed by ever increasing sizes of homes as the newly affluent purchase square footage to demonstrate that they can live in a large house too.  Our food purchasing patterns are well reflected in the super-size mentality of food chains where individual serving sizes are more than enough to feed four people in most other countries of the world.  Our cars are big, our houses are large shells on small plots, and our diabetes rates are growing with the size of our servings.  Will we come to the point where we can realize that size does not matter as much as substance? 

The old arguments of wealth redistribution are as stale as the two day left-overs of our jumbo serving sizes we could not finish.  This paper is not meant to advocate a redistribution of wealth, or even greater foreign aid, but rather a personal recognition on the part of individuals that maybe after a personally satisfying level of wealth accumulation it may be worth moving beyond the gathering mode and into the offering mentality.  This philosophy relies upon individual choice and continues to reward hard work.  What it also rewards, in a non-monetary way, is the idea that there is more to life than just the size of our wallets, houses, cars and meals.  It rewards the willingness to offer the unused portion of our wealth to those who may not be as blessed as we have been in our lives.

Some will argue that all I am advocating is philanthropy, which already exists.  To a degree their argument would be correct, but yet it would not capture the true point of my advocacy.  I am saying that for each of us there is a certain point after which we just do not need more.  For some this point will be higher than others.  No one can tell me where this point is for myself and I have no right to tell someone else where it is for them.  Yet, when each of us, in our own time, reaches this point, what is left no longer serves a purpose in our lives.  Every new dollar after a certain amount is just not needed for ourselves or our children.  Every extra square foot on our homes is merely just more space to have to clean and pay for.  Why not just stop at a certain point and say, for the rest of my career I will now work for others.  I may not even have to work as hard as I did to earn enough for myself, but now that I have gathered that amount, whatever more work I do will be for the benefit of humanity.  It is a personal choice and a powerful message, isn’t it? 

There are people out there who already follow this philosophy.  There are others who never will.  I merely advocate that each of us look into ourselves and our needs in life.  We then use a few personal financial calculators to measure how to meet those needs.  Once we know what we will need, throw in a little extra for the unforeseen, and start stocking that away, we can begin to put a portion of our lives toward the common good.  This can be done in whatever way we personally see fit, whether it be through donations to non-governmental organizations, religious institutions, or even through voluntary work on causes in which we believe.  However we can help, in whatever quantity we can, will be appreciated by the recipients of this effort on their behalf. 

Our wealth and what we do with it is a personal choice.  I am advocating that we all, individually, or with friends and family, sit down to make that choice.  When we run the numbers and realize at what level we will be more than set for life, we will be released from much of the stress of always earning more and striving for bigger and better than what we need.  The remainder of our efforts from that point can be put toward improvement in our lives and the lives of those in all of our communities.  I ask you to run the numbers and decide what amount of wealth you will need in life.  From there I ask you to eat what you need and ask the restaurants where you dine to cut the serving sizes you leave on the plate.  I also ask you to look at the size of your home to measure the space you use and the space that feels empty to you.  If there is excess in your life then do with it what you will.  I imagine we can all find this excess.  Let us put it to good use.