Rather than evolving something that would be really useful like an extra 3D lens in the eye or fingers that are better suited to typing on a QWERTY keyboard, we’re going to start living in trees and evolve a hook thumb that lets us grab branches.
This isn’t to detract from the extraordinary imagination displayed by Ryan Hopwood in his vision of humans in a future Earth with less gravity and a different atmosphere. It’s impressive, thought-provoking work that throws a light on some of the challenges humanity faces adapting to whatever changes may lie ahead in the environment.
But after millions of years of evolving in one direction - smarter - even if Earth’s gravity does reduce and the climate heats up, are we really going to say, “Screw it, let’s go live in the trees”?
More useful evolutionary advances might include an extra lens that allows us to enjoy 3D TV without having to look like a retiree who has escaped from Florida. Or a built-in bullshit detector extension to the ear that kicks in whenever you’re listening to a waffling politician, or a social media expert.
Marsupials are on to something with the built-in pocket. Perhaps there’s scope for evolving a small clip on the arm from to which you can attach any accessory, such as the latest Louis Vuitton handbag or your AppleBerry.
Facetiousness aside and, again, while fantastic visions of future humans are a worthwhile exercise, the broad sweep of evolution is towards more brain power, more technology, and more shelter. Apartment buildings with shag pile carpets, well-lit offices with swivel chairs, industrial-scale food production, the development of creative goods and services and large societies working together for mutual benefit are as much the products of evolution as Usain Bolt.
If gravity slowly decreased over time, surely it would make more sense for humans to become a bit smaller and lighter and using ever-increasing brain power to create technologies that address the risks posed by a changing environment.
Hmm. Using technology to address the risks of a changing environment. Hasn’t been much success with that lately, has there?
Maybe Ryan Hopwood’s right. We’re all heading for the trees.
What evolutionary features do you think humans should evolve?
Facebook Recommendations
Read all about it
Punch live
Up to the minute Twitter chatter
RT @alaindebotton: So many of our problems would be alleviated if we had 3 or 4 exceptional friends living within a 2 minute radius.
It's terribly unfashionable to admit but my Cityrail train just left on time again
Recent posts
The latest and greatest
Interest rate barney barely even rates as interesting
Stop all the cheering, cut off the champagne. Prevent the pollies from barking and silence the drums.…
Life slips away while you’re filming it on your phone
Some friends of mine had lunch on Saturday with a mate who spent so much time artfully composing photos…
Other stuff to be angry about today (with chorizo pic)
That dopey Spaniard. Three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador has been banned for two years,…
Nosebleed Section
choice ringside rantings
From: City vs country: What would you change your life for?
Dieter Moeckel says:
We made the tree change from Darwin to Wonbah more than 15 years ago. After fencing, a road, and couple of dams our money was gone. Super is enough to live comfortably. We have geese growing old and stringy the only one that made it to the pot committed Kamakazi by flying into a tree; the chooks are… [read more]From: I’d rather have a piece of toast than listen to crap lyrics
Erick says:
Led Zeppelin are responsible for my all-time favourite mixed metaphor: "There you sit, sit and stare, like a book on a shelf rusting." (Misty Mountain Hop) I laugh every time I hear it. Hmmm, I believe I've decided what to play on the way to work today. [read more]Gentle jabs to the ribs
No wuckin forries. These nuckin futs are tuckin fops
Well, puck me with a fitchfork. The F-word is apparently an acceptable part of Australian speech. That’s… Read more
Most commented