A fundamental law of the universe is that things tend toward a maximum state of disorder - entropy. An operational definition of any life form is some phenomenon that "momentarily" counteracts that through self-directed action.
Now, one life form's self-directed action can accelerate another's level of entropy (e.g. lion eats gazelle, invasive plants taking over environments, etc.). Humans have found ways to do this in very magnified ways both within and outside their species - to such an extent, it'll be carved into the geologic record as the anthropocene. Key to enduring survival of the human species is how to optimally manage the externalities, unintended consequences, and the like of how entropy is redistributed in the name of human self interest. Optimistic view is that current levels of knowledge and technology can be appropriately applied at a meta level to solve it. Willingness and cooperation are all that's needed.Why do the greatest civilizational influencers in the history of the world eventually arrive at a point with idiots running them? Pax Romana, Pax Britannica, and Pax Americana all seem to have degenerated after upgrading the world. Is it a natural human pattern?
-Greg
