The Malthusian Catastrophe

As I so wisely stated a couple hundred years ago, "The power of population is indefinitely greater than the power in the earth to produce subsistence for man." What I've been saying for all these years is that inevitably, population will continue to grow and shall exceed the ability of the earth to provide for humanity. While our population exponentially grows, the earth's resources stays a fixed amount.

Yep, you guessed it, were screwed. I've only been trying to tell you for 200 years now! However, with modern science being as modern science is, I've begun to postulate new theories in addition to my original, "Were all gonna' die in a Malthusian Catastrophe" idea. Maybe we got more time than I originally thought. Nevertheless, my catastrophes are pretty dangerous and we should work to avoid the disaster in which our population halves itself a few times and returns to subsistence-level conditions.

Since my publications of my treatise, The Principle of Population (Which is an absolutely fabulous read) in 1826, I still maintain that a famine, great war, or epidemic is on humanity's horizon. Its just a matter of time! However, many believe we are capable of changing that course with new developments in science. With the institution of population growth laws such as a limit on the amount of children, it seems possible to prevent the impending Malthusian Catastrophe.

No matter what the future holds for us insignificant humans, my ephemerides (astrological charts which provide the positions of the heavenly bodies at a given time) will give you wonders to wander. So before the power of population is greater than the earths ability to provide for humanity, read about the world! And only if we work together and use our knowledge can we guarantee the immortality of humanity.

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

In 1983, Dr. Howard Gardner of Harvard University proposed his theory of multiple intelligences. His theory suggests that human intelligence is not limited to one capability as is measured on an IQ test, but in eight different ranges of potential. Gardner proposed that proof of these multiple aptitudes is found in savants. Individuals with savant syndrome often score low on intelligence tests but are geniuses in one form such as mathematical computation, musical ability, memory, drawing, etc. Furthermore, Gardner cites evidence of multiple intelligences in evolutionary adaptations. He observes that different aptitudes enabled early humans to cope with environmental challenges such as finding their way home, solving problems, and reading others' emotions. Consequently, Gardner theorized a list of these intelligences on a broad scale:

Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

Aptitude ________________ Exemplar ______________ Learning style

1. Linguistic ____________ T.S. Eliot, poet ______________ words, textbooks
2. Logical-Mathematical ___ Albert Einstein, scientist_________ numbers, logic
   
3. Musical ____________ Johann Bach, composer ___________ music, audio
4. Spatial ______________ Pablo Picasso, artist ___________ pictures, visual
5. Bodily-kinesthetic _____ Martha Graham, dancer _______ physical activity, sports
6. Intrapersonal(self) ____ Sigmund Freud, psychologist _______ self-reflection
7. Interpersonal(others) ____ Mahatma Gandhi, leader _______ social experience
8. Naturalist ___________ Charles Darwin, naturalist ________ activity in nature

Gardner's contemporary theory of intelligence has become quite popular. He has proposed changing the educational system to support the different learning styles of individuals with differing aptitudes. However, critics argue that intelligence is purely mental ability. Gardner counters that all forms of intelligence are pertinent and valuable, it just depends upon the societal culture that places greater value on some capabilities over others. Furthermore, Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences extends our idea of mental aptitudes. His new definition opens up the door to speculate and further our understanding about the concept of intelligence.

The Future of Civilization

What does the future hold for humanity and civilization? I think the seers and soothsayers might fall short on this one. Nevertheless, any fair-minded individual can theorize. What do you think about the future? Inevitably, I think humanity will exhaust the resources on Earth. I think technology will advance to a point in which we are capable of the colonization of other planets. Consequently, our civilization will expand to the stars seeking new resources. I watched an amazing video on YouTube with Dr. Michio Kaku on the subject. Watch it. Its worth your time.



So what do you think? Feel free to comment.

Hindsight Bias

Have you ever experienced the I-knew-it-all-along phenomenon? Well, I have. This phenomenon is quite prominent in every day life, and being aware of its existence is interesting. For an example: you give half the participants in a survey group a research finding, and the other half an opposing result. You tell the first half of participants, "Researchers have found that separation weakens romantic attraction. As the saying goes, 'Out of sight, out of mind.'" Ask them to think of how this is true. (Why might this be true?) However, you tell the second half of participants in the survey group the exact opposite. You say, "Researchers have found that separation strengthens romantic attraction. As the saying goes, 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.'" Ask them to think how this is also true (do you see how this could be additionally true?). Participants in the research group can easily explain both of these results and find them equally true. Most attribute it to unsurprising common sense. Do you see the hindsight bias, the oh, I knew that all along! This tendency to believe, after learning the outcome, that one would have foreseen it is called hindsight bias (Myers). Isn't this phenomenon interesting? Do you know any times in your life this has happened? What do you think?