It is difficult to imagine that our species, with all its intelligence and ability to reflect, is moving in the direction of ruining the earth’s environment through global warming such that our planet may soon become uninhabitable for future human generations. And there is also the existence of many ongoing armed conflicts which also threaten much of humanity.
The above concerns reveal that despite human beings’ capacity for language, creative thinking, and spiritual reflection, we are in many ways no different than many other animal species which compete for food, clothing, and shelter. These two realities — environmental exploitation and physical conflicts — are urgent to confront before it is too late to save our planet for future generations.
An added new complexity for humans is the use of artificial intelligence. This new reality has the potential to interfere with mankind’s ability to communicate successfully with each other; as such, A.I. may create an additional danger to humankind's future if it's intentionally designed and corrupted it to mislead, misdirect and cause confusion or distrust.
Medical science has been a benefit to human beings over the past century or two in the developed world in helping them learn how to increase their life spans. But if global warming were to worsen greatly, all bets are off as to how long humans will thrive. There are already places even in the Southwest of our country where excessive heat and insufficient amounts of drinkable water have become serious challenges for the people living there.
Our planet has been suitable for human habitation for many, many thousands of years, but that reality may end in a few generations if we don’t moderate our behaviors to lessen the threats noted above.
With this new season of OLLI classes starting, which ones might inform you on issues such as war and peace, democracy, AI, and other subjects related to the future well-being of mankind? Having a deeper understanding of these issues at a time like this could be very meaningful as we reflect on these changing realities.
Or, on the flip side, you could choose to escape the din and worry by simply reveling in music, film or literature. As a retired psychiatrist, I approve that approach, as well.
All this is to say, pick your classes wisely!
Dr. Hugh Winig is a retired psychiatrist, a longtime OLLI @Berkeley member and volunteer, and a regular contributor to the OLLI Blog.
The OLLI Blog showcases the voices and perspectives of the OLLI community as well as news from and about OLLI.