Tani Coyote
Son of Huehuecoyotl
- Joined
- May 28, 2007
- Messages
- 15,191
A hypothetical for you all.
At some point in the future, scientists have perfected nanotechnology and stem cell research. Together, these render the three causes of death - aging, illness, and injury - virtually a non-issue. Translation: Humans are, barring rapid, exceptional circumstances, immortal. Death will be a thing of the past.
Scientists, however, have one concern: sustainability. Things will still need to be consumed to support this eternal life. Even if we've escaped our personal demise, we cannot escape that of all other life forms. In addition, if the population continues to grow, the planet will lay itself to waste as there's only so much available for everyone.
Therefore, the governments of the world have issued referenda to their citizenry. Space colonisation is still a ways off, even space harvesting is. As such, they are giving two options to their citizens: limit themselves to no children, or cut back their consumption of resources and live simpler lives. Whether implemented collectively or on an individual scale, the governments hold these to be the key to keeping the new, death-free world, sustainable for humans.
As a citizen of this world, how do you vote?
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I cast my vote for less kids. We can keep the current quality of life per individual, but as a whole, consumption of resources must be limited. As such, births must be curtailed. The number of births must be regulated, with possible licenses given to have kids, allotted on a first come, first served basis. Since we're all immortal, methinks that patience will not be an issue.
What to do with illegal children, however...
I fear we could possibly cross into forced euthanasia, however, as punishment for having illegal kids.
At some point in the future, scientists have perfected nanotechnology and stem cell research. Together, these render the three causes of death - aging, illness, and injury - virtually a non-issue. Translation: Humans are, barring rapid, exceptional circumstances, immortal. Death will be a thing of the past.
Scientists, however, have one concern: sustainability. Things will still need to be consumed to support this eternal life. Even if we've escaped our personal demise, we cannot escape that of all other life forms. In addition, if the population continues to grow, the planet will lay itself to waste as there's only so much available for everyone.
Therefore, the governments of the world have issued referenda to their citizenry. Space colonisation is still a ways off, even space harvesting is. As such, they are giving two options to their citizens: limit themselves to no children, or cut back their consumption of resources and live simpler lives. Whether implemented collectively or on an individual scale, the governments hold these to be the key to keeping the new, death-free world, sustainable for humans.
As a citizen of this world, how do you vote?
----
I cast my vote for less kids. We can keep the current quality of life per individual, but as a whole, consumption of resources must be limited. As such, births must be curtailed. The number of births must be regulated, with possible licenses given to have kids, allotted on a first come, first served basis. Since we're all immortal, methinks that patience will not be an issue.
What to do with illegal children, however...
I fear we could possibly cross into forced euthanasia, however, as punishment for having illegal kids.