Can AI help us escape the human condition?

July 6, 2023

You don't have to read this article. It touches on very basic principles about life on Earth, including characteristics of life, classifications of life, main domains of life, evolution and natural selection, the place of humans within the animal kingdom. Towards the end it includes semi random rambling thoughts about how AI can help us escape the human condition. Interestingly, it also touches on bio engineering and the ethical obligation to make future humans significantly smarter, sturdier, and smaller. 

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE

The following characteristics generally distinguish living organisms from non-living units of matter: cellular; awareness; consumption; regulation; adaptation; development; and reproduction (CAC-RADAR)

    Cellular: All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. Cells are the fundamental building blocks of life and carry out the essential processes necessary for an organism's survival.

    Awareness: Living organisms are aware of their environment and respond to stimuli through sensory mechanisms. Note that higher levels of integrated sensory awareness leads to degrees of consciousness.

    Consumption: Living organisms engage in metabolic activities, which involve the uptake of nutrients and the conversion of these substances into energy and waste products. Metabolism encompasses processes such as respiration, digestion, and photosynthesis.

    Regulation: Living organisms maintain internal stability through a regulatory process called homeostasis. This involves regulating internal conditions, such as temperature, pH, and nutrient levels, within a narrow range to support proper functioning.

     Adaptation: Living organisms adapt to their environment over time through instincts or learning.

    

    Development: Living organisms undergo development, increasing in complexity over time.

   Reproduction: Living organisms have the ability to reproduce, either sexually or asexually.

BIOLOGICAL EVOLUTION AND NATURAL SELECTION

Biological evolution refers to the change in traits and characteristics over time. Evolution is driven by random mutations, environmental adaptations, and natural selection. Nature works by trial and error. Whatever works, works and moves on. Whatever does not work, gets stuck or goes extinct. An easy way to remember this is "www", not for worldwide web, but for "whatever works works" (WWW). Natural selection is based on principles of variation, inheritance, reproduction, adaptation, and legacy ("VIRAL").

    Variation: Random variation occurs due to genetic mutations, genetic recombination, reproduction, environmental factors, and other random reasons.

    Inheritance: Offspring inherit traits from parents via genetic code recombination. 

    Reproduction. Those who survive, can reproduce. 

    Adaptation. Over time, natural selection leads to environmental adaptation. 

    Legacy. Over time, natural selection builds an inherited "legacy" of traits and characteristics suitable for survival and reproduction in a specific environment. 

TAXONOMIC HIERARCHY OF LIFE

The classification system or taxonomic hierarchy used to organize living organisms includes various levels based on their evolutionary relationships. These levels, from broad to specific, are: domain; kingdom; phylum or division; class; order; family; genus; and species.

    Domain: The first level. There are three domains: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya. Archaea and Bacteria contain prokaryotic organisms, while Eukarya includes organisms with eukaryotic cells.

    Kingdom: The second level of classification. The major kingdoms include Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), Fungi (fungi), Protista (protists), Archaea (archaea), and Bacteria (bacteria).

    Phylum (in animals) or Division (in plants): The third level of classification. Phyla are used to classify animals, while divisions are used for plants. They group organisms based on common characteristics and body plans.

    Class: The fourth level of classification. Classes further categorize organisms within a phylum or division based on shared characteristics.

    Order: The fifth level of classification. Orders classify organisms within a class, and represent more specific groupings based on similarities.

    Family: The sixth level of classification. Families group related organisms within an order that share even more specific characteristics.

    Genus: The seventh level of classification. Genera (plural of genus) classify organisms within an order based on more specific shared traits.

    Species: The most specific level of classification. Species is the lowest and most specific rank in the taxonomic hierarchy. It refers to a group of organisms that share common characteristics, and that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

The hierarchy above allows scientists to organize and classify the immense diversity of life on Earth, providing a framework for understanding evolutionary relationships and biodiversity.

THE THREE DOMAINS OF LIFE

The three domains of life are: Archae; Bacteria; and Eukarya.

    1. Archaea is the domain of single-celled prokaryotic (non-nuclei in cell)microorganisms that often thrive in extreme environments, such as hot springs, salt flats, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. This domain emerged on planet Earth approximately 3.8 billion years ago. Note that the planet was formed about 4.5 billion years ago from gravitational debris generated by the explosion of a star (a "supernova" event as star explosions are called) that occurred about 5 billion years ago. 

    2. Bacteria correspond to another domain of single-celled prokaryotic (non-nuclei in cell) organisms emerging on planet Earth about 3.5 billion years ago. Bacteria are widespread and found in diverse habitats, including soil, water, and the bodies of plants and animals. Bacteria exhibit remarkable metabolic diversity, and play essential roles in ecological processes such as decomposition, nutrient cycling, and symbiotic relationships. 

    3. Eukarya includes all eukaryotic organisms, which have cells with a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. This domain encompasses a wide range of organisms, including some protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Eukaryotes exhibit greater complexity and cellular organization compared to prokaryotes (Archaea and Bacteria), which do not contain cells with nuclei and membranes.In addition to the animal kingdom, there are several other more primitive or ancestral kingdoms of life. 

THE KINGDOMS OF LIFE

The chronological order of the major life kingdoms, based on the estimated times of their emergence, is as follows:

    Monera Kingdom. This kingdom was the first to emerge on Earth about 3.8 billion years ago, and includes ingle-celled prokaryotic (non-nuclei in cell) like archaea and bacteria domains. 

    Protista Kingdom: Protists emerged around 2 billion years ago. Protists are eukaryotic (nucleus-containing cell) microorganisms and are mostly unicellular, but can also be multicellular. Protists include organisms such as amoebas, paramecia, algae, and protozoans. 

    Fungi Kingdom: Fungi diverged from other eukaryotes around 1 billion years ago. Fungi include organisms such as mushrooms, molds, yeasts, and mildews. They are eukaryotic (i.e. cell has a nucleus surrounded by a membrane) and heterotrophic (i.e. cannot produce their own food). Fungi obtain nutrients by decomposing organic matter, or by forming symbiotic relationships with other organisms.

    Plantae Kingdom: Plants evolved from green algae around 1 billion years. Plants began to colonize land approximately 500 million years ago. Plants are multicellular, photosynthetic organisms (i.e. carry out photosynthesis to produce energy). Plants include various groups such as flowering plants, ferns, mosses, and algae.

    Animalia Kingdom: Animals emerged around 635 million years ago. Animals are multicellular organisms with complex tissues and organs. The "Cambrian Explosion" was a significant growth in animal population that occurred around 541 million years ago. Some argue that the animal population and diversity increase was due to an increase in levels of oxygen available, while others suggest that it was due to the evolutionary emergence of vision.

HUMANS, RULERS OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 

The taxonomic classification of humans, also known as Homo sapiens, is as follows:

Kingdom: Animalia (animals) 

Phylum: Chordata (chordates) 

Class: Mammalia (mammals) 

Order: Primates (primates) 

Family: Hominidae (great apes) 

Genus: Homo

Species: Homo Sapiens 

Animalia, the Animal Kingdom

The animal kingdom is a diverse group of organisms that includes a vast array of multicellular, eukaryotic (nuclei containing cell) organisms with many divisions called "phylums": 

    Porifera: Porifera are commonly known as sponges. They are simple, multicellular animals with porous bodies and no true tissues or organs.

    Cnidaria: Cnidarians include organisms such as jellyfish, corals, and sea anemones. They have specialized stinging cells called cnidocytes and display radial symmetry. Cnidarians may exist in both polyp and medusa forms.

    Platyhelminthes: Platyhelminthes includes flatworms, which are often flat and exhibit bilateral symmetry. This phylum includes organisms such as planarians, tapeworms, and flukes.

    Nematoda: Nematodes, commonly known as roundworms, are unsegmented worms with cylindrical bodies. They are found in various habitats, including soil and aquatic environments, and some species can be parasitic.

    Annelida: Annelids are segmented worms, and examples include earthworms and leeches. They possess repeated body segments and exhibit bilateral symmetry.

    Arthropoda: Arthropods are the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, and includes insects, spiders, crustaceans, and many others. Arthropods have exoskeletons, jointed limbs, and segmented bodies.

    Mollusca: Mollusks are soft-bodied animals with a muscular foot, often covered by a protective shell. Examples include snails, clams, squid, and octopuses.
    

    Echinodermata: Echinoderms are marine organisms with radial symmetry. They include starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. Echinoderms often have a calcareous endoskeleton.

    Chordata: Chordates are characterized by the presence of a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, and pharyngeal gill slits at some stage of their development. This phylum includes vertebrates such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Within each phylum, there are numerous classes, orders, families, genera, and species that further classify and categorize the diverse range of animals on Earth. Humans are part of the Chordate Phylum.

The Chordate Phylum

Phylum Chordata, is a major division within the animal kingdom that encompasses a wide range of organisms. Chordates are defined by the presence of certain key characteristics at some stage of their development. These characteristics include a notochord, a dorsal nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, and a post-anal tail. Here's a breakdown of these defining features:

    Notochord: The notochord is a flexible rod-like structure that runs along the length of the body. It provides support and serves as an attachment site for muscles. In some chordates, the notochord persists throughout the animal's life, while in others, it is replaced by the vertebral column (spine) during development.

    Dorsal Nerve Cord: The dorsal nerve cord is a hollow, tubular structure located on the back (dorsal) side of the organism. It develops from a specialized ectodermal tissue called the neural tube. In chordates, the nerve cord is positioned dorsally and is responsible for transmitting nerve impulses, coordinating sensory and motor functions.

    Pharyngeal Gill Slits: Chordates have pharyngeal gill slits, which are openings in the pharynx, or throat region. These slits are initially used for filter-feeding or respiration in aquatic chordates. In some groups, such as fish, the slits are retained throughout life for respiration, while in others, they may be modified for other functions, such as hearing or as components of the jaw and ear.

    Post-anal Tail: Chordates possess a tail that extends beyond the anus. The post-anal tail provides locomotion and contributes to balance and propulsion in aquatic species. In many chordates, including humans, the tail disappears during embryonic development, although remnants can be observed in the coccyx (tailbone).

The chordate phylum includes a diverse range of organisms, from simple marine invertebrates to complex vertebrates. It encompasses various groups, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Chordates have successfully adapted to different environments and display a wide array of anatomical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations. The phylum Chordata is of particular interest as it contains humans and other animals with remarkable evolutionary and ecological significance.

Mammals: All Humans are mammals, but not all mammals are humans

Mammals are a diverse group of animals belonging to the class Mammalia. They are characterized by several distinct features that set them apart from other animal groups.

    Fur or Hair: Mammals have a covering of fur or hair on their bodies. This provides insulation, protection, and aids in sensory perception.

    Mammary Glands: Mammals possess mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their young. Milk is typically provided to newborns through nursing.

    Warm-Bloodedness: Mammals are warm-blooded animals, meaning they have the ability to regulate their body temperature internally. This enables them to thrive in diverse environments.

    Internal Fertilization: Mammals reproduce through internal fertilization, where fertilization of eggs occurs within the body of the female.

    Live Birth: Most mammals give birth to live offspring, as opposed to laying eggs. However, there are exceptions such as monotremes (platypus and echidnas), which lay eggs.

    Diaphragm: Mammals have a muscular structure called the diaphragm, which aids in respiration by separating the chest and abdominal cavities.

    Well-Developed Brains: Mammals generally possess well-developed brains and exhibit complex behaviors and social interactions.

    Diverse Adaptations: Mammals have evolved to occupy various ecological niches, leading to a wide range of adaptations. Some are specialized for swimming (whales and dolphins), flying (bats), or life in trees (primates).

Mammals display tremendous diversity in size, habitat, diet, and behavior. The class Mammalia includes over 5,000 species, ranging from tiny shrews to massive whales, from burrowing rodents to soaring bats, and from grazing herbivores to predatory carnivores. Mammals inhabit nearly every habitat on Earth, including terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial environments. They play crucial ecological roles and have significant impacts on ecosystems and human societies.

Primates: All Humans are Primates, but not all primates are humans.

The order Primates includes a diverse group of mammals that are characterized by certain shared characteristics. Primates are known for their grasping hands and feet, forward-facing eyes, and highly developed brains. Some of the notable members of the order Primates include:

    Lemurs: Lemurs are primates found only on the island of Madagascar. They have a wide range of sizes and adaptations, including long tails and unique locomotion patterns.

    Tarsiers: Tarsiers are small primates found in Southeast Asia. They have large eyes, long fingers, and are known for their exceptional leaping abilities.

    New World Monkeys: This group includes monkeys found in Central and South America, such as capuchins, howler monkeys, and squirrel monkeys. They are known for their prehensile tails, which can be used as an additional limb for grasping.

    Old World Monkeys: Old World Monkeys are found in Africa, Asia, and some parts of Europe. Examples include baboons, macaques, and langurs. They do not have prehensile tails and are more terrestrial compared to New World Monkeys.

    Great Apes: The great apes include orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and homos (humans). Orangutans (genus Pongo): Orangutans are found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.

Gorillas (genus Gorilla): Gorillas are divided into two species, the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla, and are primarily found in Central Africa. Chimpanzees (genus Pan): Chimpanzees are native to the forests of Central and West Africa and are the closest living relatives to humans. Bonobos (genus Pan): Bonobos, also known as pygmy chimpanzees, are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They share a common ancestor with chimpanzees. Humans (genus Homo): Homo sapiens, or modern humans, are the only surviving species within the genus Homo. Humans are distinct in their ability for complex language, culture, and advanced cognitive abilities.

Hominids and Hominoids

Humans are the only remaining species within the Homo genus. In the past, there were hominids and who had evolved from hominoids. Hominoids are a superfamily within the primate order that includes both extant (living) and extinct apes and humans. Hominoids include: Hylobatidae (Gibbons and Siamangs), collectively known as lesser apes, are the smallest and most agile of the apes living in trees in Southeast Asia; Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys); and Callitrichidae (New World monkeys). The genus Homo also includes other extinct species of hominids such as Homo neanderthalensis (Neanderthals) and Homo erectus, among others.

TECHNOLOGICAL ERAS

Besides taxonomic classifications, another way of looking into the evolution of life on planet Earth is tracking the evolution of life along the evolution of the different technologies (tools and methods) available for survival and life improvement. 

The technological eras or ages include the following:

Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age): This era spanned from about 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE. It is characterized by the use of stone tools and the development of early human societies as hunter-gatherers. During the Paleolithic era, several hominid species existed. Hominids are members of the biological family Hominidae, which includes modern humans (Homo sapiens) and our closest extinct relatives. The Paleolithic era spanned a significant timeframe, and different hominid species had overlapping existence and varying geographical distributions during this period.

        -Australopithecus: Australopithecus is a genus of early hominids that lived from around 4.2 to 2 million years ago. They had a more ape-like anatomy compared to later hominids, but they walked upright on two legs. Australopithecus species are considered to be among the ancestors of the Homo genus.

        -Homo habilis: Homo habilis lived around 2.1 to 1.5 million years ago. They were one of the earliest known hominid species to use stone tools and were likely the direct ancestors of later Homo species.

        -Homo erectus: Homo erectus is an extinct hominid species that lived from around 1.9 million to 143,000 years ago. They were the first hominids to migrate out of Africa and spread across Eurasia. Homo erectus is known for its advanced stone tool technology and ability to control fire.

        -Homo heidelbergensis: Homo heidelbergensis lived from approximately 700,000 to 200,000 years ago. They had larger brain sizes than earlier hominids and were likely the common ancestor of both Neanderthals and modern humans.

       -Homo neanderthalensis: Neanderthals, or Homo neanderthalensis, lived in Europe and parts of Asia from around 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. They were well-adapted to cold environments and had a robust physique. Neanderthals had sophisticated tool-making abilities and exhibited some cultural behaviors.

       -Homo sapiens: Modern humans, Homo sapiens, emerged around 300,000 years ago and coexisted with other hominids during the Paleolithic era. Homo sapiens gradually spread across different regions of the world and developed complex societies.

Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age): The Mesolithic Age followed the Paleolithic Age and lasted from around 10,000 BCE to approximately 6,000 BCE. During this period, human societies started transitioning from a purely hunter-gatherer lifestyle to more settled communities with increased reliance on fishing and gathering.

Neolithic Age (New Stone Age): The Neolithic Age began around 6,000 BCE and lasted until around 2,000 BCE in various regions. It is marked by the development of agriculture, animal domestication, and the emergence of permanent settlements. This period saw significant advancements in human civilization, including the invention of pottery and the transition from a nomadic to a more sedentary lifestyle.

Bronze Age: The Bronze Age started around 3,300 BCE and lasted until approximately 1,200 BCE, although the timeline varied in different regions. It is characterized by the widespread use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, for tools, weapons, and other artifacts. This era witnessed the rise of complex societies, the development of writing systems, and the emergence of early civilizations.

Iron Age: The Iron Age followed the Bronze Age and is marked by the advent and widespread use of iron tools and weapons. The exact starting and ending dates of the Iron Age vary depending on the region, but it generally began around 1,200 BCE and continued until the onset of historical periods and the rise of empires.

Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Eras: These eras represent broad periods in human history. The Ancient Era typically refers to civilizations and empires in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia from the rise of city-states and early civilizations until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. The Medieval Era, also known as the Middle Ages, spans roughly from the 5th to the 15th century, characterized by feudal societies, the influence of the Catholic Church, and the rise of kingdoms and empires. The Modern Era encompasses the period from the Renaissance in the 14th century to the present day, marked by significant advancements in science, technology, exploration, colonization, and the development of democratic societies.

Information Era; The Information Era, also known as the Digital Age or the Information Age, refers to the period in human history characterized by the rapid advancement and widespread use of information and communication technologies (ICTs). It is marked by the ability to store, process, and transmit vast amounts of data electronically. The exact beginning of the Information Era is not precisely defined, as it emerged gradually with the development of key technologies. However, it is often associated with the proliferation of personal computers, the internet, and the World Wide Web.

Key milestones in the Information Era include:

    Personal Computers: The development and mass production of affordable personal computers in the 1970s and 1980s brought computing power to individuals and revolutionized the way people work, communicate, and access information.

    Internet and World Wide Web: The invention of the internet in the late 1960s and the creation of the World Wide Web in the early 1990s provided a global network for sharing information and connecting people across the world. This led to an explosion of online services, e-commerce, social media, and other digital platforms.

    Mobile Technology: The advent of mobile phones and smartphones, coupled with wireless communication technologies, further expanded access to information and connected people on the go. Mobile devices became powerful computing tools, integrating communication, internet access, and a wide range of applications.

    Big Data and Analytics: The proliferation of digital data generated by individuals, organizations, and sensors led to the rise of big data analytics. This involves extracting insights and making informed decisions from large and complex datasets.

    Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT refers to the network of interconnected physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity. It allows for the exchange of data and automation of various tasks, enhancing efficiency and convenience in daily life.

The Information Era has profoundly impacted various aspects of society, including communication, business, education, entertainment, healthcare, and more. It has transformed the way we access and share information, conduct research, collaborate, and interact with the world. The Information Era is an ongoing era that continues to evolve with the development of new technologies and the increasing integration of digital systems into our lives.

4,000,000,000,000 YEARS OF EVOLUTION AND COUNTING 

It took evolution about 4 billion years to generate the types of life that we have now on planet Earth. Natural selection is neither fast nor "smart". Evolution is a random brute force. Evolution is not designed to work in any specific way. Evolution is not seeking to serve any purpose or to reach any end point. 

Under evolution and natural selection, whatever works, works. There is no master plan or smart design.  There is no intention or direction. Neither evolution nor natural selection create new traits or organisms on a linear progression towards a predetermined endpoint. Instead, evolution and natural selection randomly branch out in any direction possible and available. The process leads to multiple dead ends. More than 99% of animals that have lived on Earth have gone extinct. We are part of the 1% that has survived. We find ourselves at the privileged top of the food chain. 

The current understanding of evolution and natural selection is not based on imagination, folklore, and mythological oral tradition. Evolution and natural selection are confirmed almost daily by extensive evidence from various fields of study, including biology, genetics, paleontology, comparative anatomy, and molecular biology. 

THE HUMAN BODY

The process of evolution and natural selection generated the cells that form the organs that make us the organisms that we are. The main organs in the human body include the following:

    Lungs: The lungs are respiratory sacks processing ambient air for the intake of oxygen and the disposal of carbon dioxide.

    Heart: The heart is the pump forcing blood up and down throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.

    Liver: The liver is a multifunction organ performing over 500 bodily functions, including detoxification, nutrient metabolism, and storage of fat-soluble vitamins and minerals.

    Kidneys: The kidneys are filters removing waste products from the blood via the production of urine. They also help maintain electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones.

    Stomach: The stomach is the "washer" secreting enzymes and acids to break it down food and initiate the process of nutrient absorption.

    Intestines: The small intestine continues the digestion and absorption of nutrients that began in the stomach. The large intestine finishes the digestive process, eliminating waste feces.

    Pancreas: The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and regulates blood sugar levels in the body.

    Skin: The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and serves as a protective barrier. It also regulates body temperature, and plays a role in sensation.

    Brain: The brain is the "central processing unit", composed of billions of neurons that process information to coordinate the whole nervous system of bodily sensors and functions.

Each organ performs specific functions that contribute to the overall functioning and well-being of the body. All organs work together to keep the organism alive. Organ malfunction leads to disease or even sudden death. Humans inherited all these organs from ancestors due to the process of evolution.

THE HUMAN CONDITION  

After almost 4 billion years of evolution, here we are. Randomly and blindly, evolution found a way to generate beings capable of supernatural aspirations and celestial dreams. Our neural brainpower of  imagination together with our cooperation skills, set us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. 

When our primitive ancestors knew little to nothing, they imagined supernatural forces ruling them from above. By now, we have imagined more, researched more, and found out more. We still know little and will always know little in comparison to the practically infinite amount of things to know. However, we know enough to augment our intelligence to begin to liberate us from the human condition.  

The human condition is being smart creatures capable of celestial dreams and spiritual aspirations trapped by terrestrial constraints and limitations. Does anyone find acceptable that most humans live  under a death sentence dictating an average lifespan of about 80 years?

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help us alleviate the pain of the human condition. AI can help us improve our natural bodies until we can replace them altogether with either virtual or artificial ones. First, we will integrate sensors and processors into our bodies to monitor, regulate, and improve bodily functions with the help of AI. Later, we will find ways of transplanting our brains and nervous system to better, sturdier, smaller, and more durable bodies developed with the help of AI. Eventually, we could get rid of bodies to adopt a virtual existence with the ability to use AI-powered avatars in different regions of Earth and outer space. 

In the upcoming decades, humanity should continue developing artificial intelligence (AI) applications that can help us cope with the human condition. AI will help us improve and enhance our health so that we can enhance and improve the healthy functioning of human societies. Note that improving our health includes improving mental health. AI can help us improve environments to reduce the chances of psychopaths, dictators, and their followers. 

The best is yet to come

Within the next decades and centuries, humanity will continue finding ways of improving the human condition on Earth. There is a lot of money to be made improving the human condition. From transplanting brains into new bodies, to the digitalization of intelligence, everything is on the table. 

Cyborg or bionic bodies, with organs monitored and improved by AI sensors seem well in order. The goals include better quality of life for a significantly longer time. Evolution alone will not be get us there any time soon. Evolution is too slow and bizarre to be trusted. Look what evolution did to the dinosaurs. We are smarter than those giant reptiles, and know better. We can do better and fare better. 

Artificial evolution

Evolution deserves credit for finding the way to get us where we are. However, that does not mean that we have to wait 4 billion years more to advance from where we are, or that we have to forever carry forward the trial and error baggage of evolution. For example, there is absolutely no need for humans to continue bound to primitive bodies and organs developed by evolution. 

There is no wisdom on blind evolution. There is only functionality, which can be improved by artificial (human + AI made) design. The duty is not to preserve the path and legacy of evolution. The duty is to move forward from where evolution got us.  

Everything that humans have accomplish is indirectly accomplished by evolution because humans are a product of evolution. What we call "artificial" because it is created by humans is in fact "natural" because we humans are part of nature. 

Humans are not separate and apart from either nature or its process of evolution and natural selection. Humans, as discussed at length above, are part of the life that has evolved on planet this planet within the last 3.8 billion years. 

Creators in the Creatix

We are creators in this creative matrix or "creatix" that we call reality. We live in an expanding universe, where the future is created according to the uncertainty principle of quantum mechanics. It's time to dedicate ourselves to the creation of post-human life forms. 

Humans currently reproduce sexually, and see our offspring progressively improve living conditions for the species. In the future, humans can also reproduce digitally to have our digital offspring further the life improvement process. 

As alluded above, humans should influence our own evolution. There is no limit to how much we can improve the functioning of our bodies to expand and improve our lives. Besides improving our organs, we can also look into completely replacing them with better adaptations and solutions. 

Eventually, humans can become digital life forms, or at least hybrid analog/digital beings. We can develop medical techniques to transplant our brains and complete nervous systems to robotic machines better equipped to survive on Earth and in outer space.  

Size does matter

As a quick observation on the genetic engineering front, ethical considerations will most likely dictate that future humans be bio engineered to be smaller and sturdier. If we can compress our current size to the size of rats, for example, we can certainly create a more sustainable future for everyone. 

As a curious side note, humans and rats do share an ancestral lineage. The common ancestor we share existed very early in the evolutionary history of mammals about 80 to 100 million years ago. The common ancestor of primates and rodents was a small, insect-eating mammal that lived during the Mesozoic Era. Over millions of years, the descendants of this common ancestor diversified and evolved into the various species we see today, including humans and rats. Dinosaurs were still around then. Dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago. They were too big to be sustainable. 

Eventually, we could find ways to further reduce our size while increasing our strength perhaps to the size of ants. Ants, after all, are the most successful organism on Earth population wise. The global ant population is estimated to be around 20 quadrillion. 

For sure, in aiding evolution as we move forward, size does matter. We should not move in the direction of bigger creatures like dinosaurs, but rather in the direction of smaller ones. Perhaps as super intelligent creatures the size of rats or even ants we can accomplish far better results.  

AI all the way

From now on, human progress depends on the development of AI. Everything is information. Arguably, computers are the #1 human invention of all time. In antiquity, god was that top invention permeating every aspect of human life. Computers and digital technology are there now. AI, as an extension of computers mathematically programmed to mimic and augment human intelligence, may soon claim the coveted of #1 spot of human invention of all time. 

AI will inevitably continue "evolving" and improving because it is the subject of the new "arms race". Whoever develops the best and most powerful AI will rule the world. As we know, evolution and progress are based in part on a fierce competition for survival and privilege. The current AI "arms race" will accelerate development of the AI applications that can propel human evolution forward. 

Eventually  intelligence (AI) will most likely "evolve" into a new sentient form of life on planet Earth. Whatever humans can imagine, humans can eventually achieve. We can all imagine robotic AI units  becoming sentient and either empowering our survival or rivaling us for survival and power. 

Although that type of sentient AI life is possible and feasible, it will take a long, long time to get there. In the meantime, AI will remain a technology (tool and method) to help us improve the human condition and the functioning of human societies. You can bet on it.

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