There is no overpopulation problem. The problem is CAPITALISM. If we had a decidedly more equitable system, the Earth could easily handle our current population and then some. If instead of PROFITS (of the tiny minority) being the end-all and be-all of all economic activity ... if instead our common end-all and be-all was ceaselessly improving the quality of life for humans and all life on Earth - then all 10 of these problems could have long since been solved. After all, back over 100 years, circa 1900, a light bulb that lasted a lifetime was invented - only to have the rights to it bought up by GE so that it could not be produced - it was sorely needed but it wasn't profitable. Extrapolating to all the other HELPFUL progress that could have been made were profits not in command - we can easily see that this planet could have long since been a workers' paradise. Conversely, as long as capitalism rules; NONE of these problems will be solved - again, because it's simply not profitable to solve them. btw, while the subject matter is quite interesting, I ended up feeling like Beckman didn't come close to answering the question. He indicated nothing whatsoever about any possible theoretical limits to how much more powerful (and/or faster) computers can become.
Very astute. I find it fascinating that as the world's population continues to explode, people are completely unable to recognize / acknowledge the problem. In fact there's almost a rabid ferocity to the attacks on anyone who suggests at there's a population problem. And yet 40 years ago when I was in grade school I remember that it was major concern. I believe that factory farming and religion is at the root of this false belief. Factory farming, is completely unsustainable and it's devastating the planet. Religions, especially those that promote human fecundity are also devastating the planet. Can Humanity outgrow it's slavish Reliance on religion to face the future?
@@briandbeaudin9166 Of your two main points; I completely disagree about the "over-population" one. 70 years ago, when I was in grade school, they were pushing the "Population Bomb" - claiming it would soon be our doom. So much for that prediction & hype. Actually the Planet can handle a good 10 billion of us - IF we didn't have CAPITALISM (production by the billions for the profit of 2,200 billionaires!). OTOH, about your religion point: Let the billions who profess faith in a prayer-answering god ... let them all promise to never again go to a doctor or hospital & pray instead. Time to stop being hypocrites! Save all that medical help for those who appreciate it.
@Leon Have you ever heard of CAPITALISM, Leon? The economic (& political-cultural) system we've been living under since circa 1500 - FOUR HUNDRED YEARS. It promised a good life to all; it's delivered some 90% poverty world-wide instead. Did you know that if the wealth of just the SEVEN richest billionaires was distributed world-wide; there'd be no more poverty? As to "Whatever helps me sleep at night." - My baby (in 33 years of honey-moon style bliss) has NEVER ONCE said "No" to me in bed. We've made love (w/ male orgasm) over 22,000 times (I was born a math-whiz and have always counted everything). She's also gorgeous (all the hetero guys, of ALL ages, hit on her). And to top it off, she smells like WILD HONEY - just drives me wild (and puts me to "work").
WOO! really interesting, thank you!
How about all people food on the table? ....the people can't do wont do.Learn them Computers that.....progress 360 degree type of thing
basically artificial intelligence
Your top ten problems is upside down. Overpopulation is directly/indirectly the cause of the other 9 on your list. Otherwise a good discussion
There is no overpopulation problem. The problem is CAPITALISM. If we had a decidedly more equitable system, the Earth could easily handle our current population and then some. If instead of PROFITS (of the tiny minority) being the end-all and be-all of all economic activity ... if instead our common end-all and be-all was ceaselessly improving the quality of life for humans and all life on Earth - then all 10 of these problems could have long since been solved.
After all, back over 100 years, circa 1900, a light bulb that lasted a lifetime was invented - only to have the rights to it bought up by GE so that it could not be produced - it was sorely needed but it wasn't profitable. Extrapolating to all the other HELPFUL progress that could have been made were profits not in command - we can easily see that this planet could have long since been a workers' paradise.
Conversely, as long as capitalism rules; NONE of these problems will be solved - again, because it's simply not profitable to solve them.
btw, while the subject matter is quite interesting, I ended up feeling like Beckman didn't come close to answering the question. He indicated nothing whatsoever about any possible theoretical limits to how much more powerful (and/or faster) computers can become.
Very astute. I find it fascinating that as the world's population continues to explode, people are completely unable to recognize / acknowledge the problem. In fact there's almost a rabid ferocity to the attacks on anyone who suggests at there's a population problem. And yet 40 years ago when I was in grade school I remember that it was major concern. I believe that factory farming and religion is at the root of this false belief. Factory farming, is completely unsustainable and it's devastating the planet. Religions, especially those that promote human fecundity are also devastating the planet. Can Humanity outgrow it's slavish Reliance on religion to face the future?
@@briandbeaudin9166 Of your two main points; I completely disagree about the "over-population" one. 70 years ago, when I was in grade school, they were pushing the "Population Bomb" - claiming it would soon be our doom. So much for that prediction & hype. Actually the Planet can handle a good 10 billion of us - IF we didn't have CAPITALISM (production by the billions for the profit of 2,200 billionaires!).
OTOH, about your religion point: Let the billions who profess faith in a prayer-answering god ... let them all promise to never again go to a doctor or hospital & pray instead. Time to stop being hypocrites! Save all that medical help for those who appreciate it.
@Leon Have you ever heard of CAPITALISM, Leon? The economic (& political-cultural) system we've been living under since circa 1500 - FOUR HUNDRED YEARS. It promised a good life to all; it's delivered some 90% poverty world-wide instead. Did you know that if the wealth of just the SEVEN richest billionaires was distributed world-wide; there'd be no more poverty?
As to "Whatever helps me sleep at night." - My baby (in 33 years of honey-moon style bliss) has NEVER ONCE said "No" to me in bed. We've made love (w/ male orgasm) over 22,000 times (I was born a math-whiz and have always counted everything). She's also gorgeous (all the hetero guys, of ALL ages, hit on her). And to top it off, she smells like WILD HONEY - just drives me wild (and puts me to "work").