Stephen Hawking recently stated his thoughts on the future of humanity, and it may upset some. Hawking predicts we have about 1,000 years left on this Earth and the only way to survive is to colonize space. He acknowledges the low odds of an apocalypse scenario any given year, but states over the course of many years a catastrophic event is almost certain.
Many people become uncomfortable at the thought of space colonization. Not only does it still seem like science fiction, but people have grown attached to Earth. This blue and green rock has become what we've known, investing so many resources into studying and mastering our environment. We have a pretty good grasp on what goes on here on our planet and anything else is, well...alien.
Some people probably get freaked out at the thoughts of death, both as an individual and a species. Naturally, we are programmed for self-preservation, to ensure the survival of ourselves and our offspring. However, the universe is uncaring. There is no grand scheme, no plan. What happens is nothing more than chaos.
Humans are, after all, nothing more than part of the chaos. We came into existence for no reason and we will fade out just as quickly. Our species has a huge impact compared to other species, but still no impact in the long run. The cosmos are infinite and we occupy the smallest fraction of it.
Homo sapiens are a species just like any other. What we do to our Earth is nature doing unto itself. Sure, we have a greater influence due to significant technological advances which help our impact reach far beyond ourselves.
I believe humanity will end, no doubt. All things end whether or not you like it, that's the breaks. I do agree with Stephen Hawking, the resources of this world are finite, and the only way to live past our home planet is to move beyond it, not to mention the potential for extinction by being restricted to one planet. I do not believe it is the inherent right of the universe for us to endure, we will die much like everything else. Yet, we are still a species just as any other, we are obsessed with self-preservation. No doubt in my mind we would colonize space if everyone was aware of the vulnerability of Earth and one-planet species, but I truly don't believe we as a species think like that. Earth is the safest thing we know, space is scary and expensive to learn about.
Space colonization is the way of the future, whether or not we will get to see it.
