We Are Borg, Mentats, Empaths ...
© Laurence B. Winn
We have such great expectations, each of us ... for ourselves, for our children, for our race, for our world. They exist in a stunning diversity. We dream, we plan, we scheme and conspire to make a difference, and we do it all under the assumption that our efforts will be tolerated, at least we do in nominally free countries.
Where tolerance is the rule, cultural evolution marches steadily toward more disaster-resistant forms of behavior, governed by the same principle that drives biological evolution - survival of the fittest. From many branches, nature trims all but a few limbs. Which few will remain is always a mystery beforehand, so it is important that we produce enough diversity of belief and ability to meet any challenge. If we lop off some of the branches out of intolerance, we do ourselves a potentially fatal disservice.
The theory of biological evolution describes a genetic progression that could have equipped humans with the brains for cultural evolution. The theory is subject to attack from at least two quarters. Certain religious philosophies claim that science has followed its pursuit of truth to an unacceptable conclusion. This argument, we put aside. More to the current point, a second group argues that human evolution has been brought to a standstill, or has even been reversed, by our injudicious application of the medical arts. That is, individuals who are weak of mind or body, whom death would have removed from the gene pool previously, are now allowed to persist and reproduce with the aid of science.
It doesn't matter. Cultural evolution, of which science itself is a product, is poised to supplant the agonizingly slow process of natural selection in human beings. In this respect, we humans appear to be unique. Whereas natural selection operates over millions of years, cultural evolution, by the application of genetic engineering and cybernetics, could easily transform us into cybernetic organisms like Star Trek's "Borg", a technology-augmented being, or something altogether non-human, like a conscious machine, and this could happen within thirty years. (See "Survivors from Earth".) Or, previously under-explored physical and mental disciplines could alter our understanding of the space-time continuum, transforming us into telepathically augmented creatures like the Mentats and Bene-Gesserit witches of Dune.
We are told that Asians and Eastern Indians have done nearly impossible things with chi and the prana, the "life force". They can heal with a gesture or a touch, and over great distances. Some can see the energy field called the "aura" that supposedly surrounds all living beings, and use it for medical diagnosis. A well-trained martial artist can strike through obstructions, damaging or destroying only the target. Certain forensic specialists are said to be able to locate crucial evidence by sensing "vibrations", or by "feeling" the emotions of others to separate truth from deceit. Carried to their logical conclusions, abilities such as these could be as transforming as any other evolutionary change.
