Very true. It's a big problem when people who do so much to advance humanity are treated with so little attention and respect that's due.

I don't think we are sliding into idocracy but we are going to brush against it.

Even more pathetic is the fact that many people are unaware of who he even was.

@Medicdad I think we're brushing, brother.

At least what the news reports is a worthy memorial/honor for Hawking: [nytimes.com]

I know that raising the idea of regulating population is basically political suicide. But if we keep growing unsustainably then we will end up waging wars over resources.

I mean we already do that but this time I mean water and food, not oil.

@Lancer I would argue all the warring going on now is over resources. Ask Russia, Syria, Libya, and Venezuela how that works. There are a number of experts who would also argue there is no food shortage or over population to fear at this time. They would argue that the present management and food distribution is the cause of hunger around the globe. Trade deal have killed small farming communities around the world adding to hunger in their areas, forcing prices up and migration. If there was a water crisis we wouldn't be allowing companies to make billions each year depleting our water sources. There are means to solve the apparent water crisis within technology that are being held back on purpose.

@William_Mary

That makes sense. It's unfortunate that large corporations control the supply of food and water in the modern world. Because in the event that they decide to increase prices, there will be no alternative source of food.

Eloquently written, thank you. I do believe much can be refuted, or at least matched by historical stupidity ..perhaps barring the prominence of trump. But with regard to education, I’ve witnessed an obvious increase amid our youth, which includes those in their 20’s & 30’s. With the pushed assumption that college is required for success, discounting a lifetime of debt, the average youth I associate with are obviously far better educated than those of my time… Granted, they’ve not reached their peak power or influence, but they’re impatiently waiting

@Varn Your reply provides some good reasons to hope. I have learned a great deal from my children, now grown, and see that they are very impatient with the state of affairs in our nation. Peace.

Trump hasn't perpetrated hate. That was Obama who put everyone at odds.

I still have yet to find conclusive evidence that Trump is a racist.

@Lancer Very fine people on both sides...

White privilege is not about how much money people have. Both of my parents are from Appalachia; I spent my childhood until 12 years there; had relatives without an indoor bathroom; while I always lived in a house with running water, we didn't have a phone, often no power for up to a week, and was very food insecure

And I STILL recognize that I benefit from white privilege simply because I do not fear being arrested for driving down the street in a nice car, or walking in an affluent neighborhood, How I am not treated as liar or scammer when I return items at a store, how security ignores me in a store, and the list goes on.

Edited immediately to remove a double word.

@ArtemisDivine, bullshit. Trump is backlash to Obama, a half black man, being elected to office; let's not kid ourselves, sister. What about the "birther" crap; and the "shithole" countries remark? Not racist? Please.

@jorj, so you don't believe the reports that DJT and his father conspired to keep Blacks out of their apartment buildings years ago? That he obviously couldn't care less about the DACA kids, except to use them as pawns? That he never said that the judge ruling on Trump University couldn't be fair because he was Mexican (which he isn't btw)? Don't believe any of that, huh?

@jorj, if it acts like a duck, and walks like a duck...guess what?

Salvador, Haiti and parts of Africa are shitholes. What's racist about that remark? It's not a nice remark but it's not racist. As far as Obama's birth certificate goes.....documents are forged every day. Questioning someones place of birth is not racist. We weren't there when Obama was born, so how do we know?
Look I'm not a big fan of how Trump conveys things all the time. He is blunt, brash and sometimes rude. He is definitely not an eloquent speaker but I don't believe he is racist.

New, and let's hope, better directions.

I mainly agree with you. But there is an invisible hand guiding the way people think and feel.

Until we can control ourselves and our emotions, we will not be able to solve these problems using logical analysis or implement any effective solutions.

@Lancer I think that's where religion comes in.

@Lancer "Invisible hand"[?] Adam Smith or theism?

@SpikeTalon
To be honest it seems like it should be "invisible hands" since there are so many people manipulating others from the shadows.

...problem is, in a democracy, that doesn't bode well..

@Varn You read my mind. We had 2 elections here yesterday, mankind failed them both. Bad news for the planet, our economy, lifestyle and especially the Great Barrier Reef. Oz will be the most unpopular country in the world the way we are going.

People are selfish, controlling and cruel. That's why we have hatred and war.

There is a reason for the illogical nature of war.

Those who understand the meaning and purpose of life are fully aware of why was are have continued throughout the ages.

It's because we have not evolved biologically. Deep down we are no different than our cave man ancestors. To understand why humans act the way we do just look at chimps. They are social, political, can use primitive technology, have a language of sorts, are capable of great compassion to members of their troop, but also capable of great cruelty to members of other neighbouring troops. Humans simply add greater IQ to the equation, which allows for planning and technology. We can use this for the greatest acts of kindness, such as charities, disaster relief etc., but can also use it for the greatest acts of cruelty, such as war and genocide.

@ArtemisDivine As they were thousands of years ago. We haven't evolved. We are still the same on the inside.

@Nomad I concur.

@Nomad I agree; we have not evolved as quickly as our technology has.

Very true. I'm sure it's "Gods will" what we should all be good little consumers, think less and buy more.

@Lancer Unfortunately, ‘America’s’ capitalist consumption appears to have molded world-wide expectations… Communistic drab didn’t do it

@Varn haha yeah.

Another "swing of the pendulum," so to speak?

That sounds just like us. Human beings are so short sighted, just like governments. I mean I'm looking a few centuries ahead but if I die at the age of 100 then that was all worth nothing.

I'm not sure honestly if there are a few centuries left for us. I think we have tipped the balance already way past the save the plant part really but just aren't truly feeling the effects yet but there are little hints or big hints I think myself. I think as long as humans are safe in there little happy bubble its all good and it just isn't.

It’s not our youth - it’s us. Education standards have nearly surpassed our students ability to achieve them. The state I’m most familiar with had set ‘the most rigorous HS graduation standards in the nation.’ Not only did my 2 struggle to achieve them, but many of the brightest boys in their classes fell behind … which worked well - as their school was also the #1 military recruiting HS in the state.. Year-round school, smaller class sizes, and deemphasizing ‘sports’ is what it will take to compete with the world … though I’ll not hold my breath ~

Haha, good point indeed.
I would say that's 1 big step in the right direction. But I was mainly thinking of the world as a whole. America is looking like it'll make a moderately good recovery but Europe doesn't look too promising. Nor does Africa.

I think that as time goes on, we will see a significant amount of change throughout the world but for better or worse, no one can tell.

Fair enough. We should have that common enemy in about 300 years if everything goes according to plan.

We don't need to die out, we just need to regulate ourselves better.

@Lancer We've shown we cannot.
Luckily, we've also shown we're inherently self-destructive, so the problem will rectify itself soon--quite possibly in our lifetime.

@WileEQuixote
That's quite pessimistic but I can't say I disagree with you on that.
I like to take the pragmatic approach. Prepare for the worst but hope for the best.

Well at least Trump puts America first. Not many other countries politicians or leaders give a damn about their people.

I live in australia and I'm considered a 2nd class citizen because I live in the West. The eastern states take all of our wealth from mining and we get I think $0.33 for every dollar we make. That's 67% of our wealth leaving and it's never coming back.

So as a "white priviladge male" I get to pay more than other people in tax so that it can improve the lives of people in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. Which I'm fine with as long as they keep the terrorist attacks and gang culture over there. It's a small price to pay in that respect.

I suppose.
It won't matter in 300 years if my plans go well. But we will probably have a big revolution in the near future, probably within the next 2-4 decades. Where the cities of western nations will experience large amounts of violence. Working class killing working class, so that'll probably balance out the population.

I dream of a day in which all men and women can look at each other as friends and family. But until that day I will continue to be vigilant of those who may do me harm.

Someone should put that in the bible. (Just kidding)

@Lancer Martin Luther King Jr got it from the bible and put on the table for us to savor.