Random thoughts thread

[ZetaVI]

how do you embed vimeo videos?

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Even without the institution of education, knowledge can still be passed down. Destroy technological infrastructure, though, and you send us into the dark ages relatively quicker. Granted he never gave a time frame, both are valid.

Even with the collapse of our technological infrastructure, reverse evolution is impossible. The only plausible scenario would be the imperceptible manifestation of a genetic catalyst that further evolves mankind beyond the need of an enlarged frontal lobe. As it stands, the frontal lobe of the human brain is too extensively developed; thus making the process of stupefaction impossible. There are inhibiting factors like self-awareness and the instinctive desire for self-preservation that promote extreme curiosity; the same curiosity that caused mankind to question/understand the natural order fostering our ability to alter our surroundings as we saw fit rather than adapt to them.


Granted, I'm no expert on the subject of forward/reverse evolution... so I could be completely wrong. lol


Edit: I didn't answer the original question... So my answer is the same as yours Orbital. I'll say the internet, but I'll also take it a step further and say rapid connectivity in general. Break us apart and make it so we can't share experiences/knowledge quickly and we may not be set back but it'll definitely stagnate growth.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by SVTSHC

Even with the collapse of our technological infrastructure, reverse evolution is impossible. The only plausible scenario would be the imperceptible manifestation of a genetic catalyst that further evolves mankind beyond the need of an enlarged frontal lobe. As it stands, the frontal lobe of the human brain is too extensively developed; thus making the process of stupefaction impossible. There are inhibiting factors like self-awareness and the instinctive desire for self-preservation that promote extreme curiosity; the same curiosity that caused mankind to question/understand the natural order fostering our ability to alter our surroundings as we saw fit rather than adapt to them.


Granted, I'm no expert on the subject of forward/reverse evolution... so I could be completely wrong. lol

Ever see Battlefield Earth?

It's not reverse evolution we're talking about, granted that without extensive use the frontal lobe or any other part of the brain would eventually become vestigial as neural connections were rerouted to other used more frequently (basic brain plasticity). Lack of education doesn't cause you to evolve backwards, but does increase "stupidity" as concepts taught in school are no longer forced upon the individual. If people aren't learning basic mathematical formulas, theorems, physics, history, etc., you better believe people will be dumber. Knowledge contained within the brain is no longer being taught, it will eventually disappear; not that the physical organ of the brain has become any different (though I previously pointed out it could).

That make sense?

[SVTSHC]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Ever see Battlefield Earth?

It's not reverse evolution we're talking about, granted that without extensive use the frontal lobe or any other part of the brain would eventually become vestigial as neural connections were rerouted to other used more frequently (basic brain plasticity). Lack of education doesn't cause you to evolve backwards, but does increase "stupidity" as concepts taught in school are no longer forced upon the individual. If people aren't learning basic mathematical formulas, theorems, physics, history, etc., you better believe people will be dumber. Knowledge contained within the brain is no longer being taught, it will eventually disappear; not that the physical organ of the brain has become any different (though I previously pointed out it could).

That make sense?

You know what, I completely overlooked that; and seeing I often talk to people about things like muscular atrophy too, haha.. I'm embarressed =/. I guess I was focusing too much on something similar to the general loss of intellectual curiosity.

Also I never saw Battlefield Earth =/

[ichitaka05]

What to make for dinner tonight... Mochi sounds good...

[Dark]

I facepalmed so hard seeing this news.

[M-17]

Originally Posted by Dark

I facepalmed so hard seeing this news.

Good to know if I end up going to Vietnam at summer's end.

J/k, but hopefully I'll have a nice time since I've never been to Vietnam before.

[OrbitalEllipses]

A bunch of friends of mine went to Vietnam and LOVED it. They're also college aged and the exchange rate favors us, so...grain of salt.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

A bunch of friends of mine went to Vietnam and LOVED it. They're also college aged and the exchange rate favors us, so...grain of salt.

A bunch of friends of mine went to Vietnam, didn't love it quite as much. Of course, that was a long time ago....

[M-17]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

A bunch of friends of mine went to Vietnam and LOVED it. They're also college aged and the exchange rate favors us, so...grain of salt.

That's what my friend told me too.

He has a place over there that's one block away from the beach, so all I need is money for my ticket and food, everything else will lead me to living it up.

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

A bunch of friends of mine went to Vietnam, didn't love it quite as much. Of course, that was a long time ago....

Dude...

They make it back? If not, my condolences.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Dude... They make it back? If not, my condolences.

All my friends made it back (actually more older brothers of friends), thanks. Its all good.

Of course, my grandfather who was 82nd Airborne during WWII and fought all over Europe would have made the same snide comment I did about Germany which I would love to visit, so its all good. No telling what he say about me driving a Japanese car,

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

No telling what he say about me driving a Japanese car,

lol, this is actually pretty funny to me because non-Japanese Asians in Asia hate Japanese people, but in America, Asians basically universally agree that Japanese cars are the best quality and they all drive them, even if they hate Japanese people too :P

[neutron256]

Originally Posted by OrbitalEllipses

Ever see Battlefield Earth?

Yes and I will never be able to get that time back!