we, humans, are the most disgusting species on the planet.

[TimeToEvolve]

watch and see

&list=UUpQLC-evmUAon9BBpcW4kYg

pretty much sums up our technological "progress" over the last 10,000 years

[NYC_SKP]

1. Yup. Reminds me of this guy:

[defacto7]

2. Welcome to DU....

Good cartoon of reality. My favorite though trite meme is that we are not an animal that balances its participation in the Eco system, we are a virus. We take and never give back, we take until we kill our own host. That is a virus.

[Jgarrick]

3. Would you prefer that we be limited to Stone Age technology?

[Boxerfan]

4. I'd prefer there be rules to keep the stupid & greedy from killing the rest of us-Duh.

You can respect your environment without reverting to the stone age-its about sustainability.

Our current use of the planet we all live on is not.

[Jgarrick]

5. Referring to "progress" ( in quotes) makes it look as if you are skeptical of the

benefits that we enjoy as a result of our technology. Living in a first world country in the 21st Century provides a better standard of living than any point in history.

Be of good cheer! We've never had it so good!

[Boxerfan]

7. Where is the word progress in my post?

And I've never had it so good?

Are you joking or really really ignorant. And ask the same Q to the rest of the earths inhabitants-Do you think they would be so happy to see their homes destroyed & ability survive diminished to no end?

[Jgarrick]

8. My apologies, it was in the OP.

And I've never had it so good?

Certainly, unless you prefer the life of a Neolithic hunter-gatherer. Failing that, is there any time in history in which you would prefer to live?

Do you think they would be so happy to see their homes destroyed & ability survive diminished to no end?

They appear to want to emulate our lifestyle. Witness the changes over the last half-century in the world's post populous countries, China and India. They can't industrialize fast enough.

More power to them.

[Boxerfan]

9. I think you mis-understood-Animals-The fact you completely ignore that is telling

Because I believe we are not the only intelligent species on this planet.

And I also believe we have a duty to protect the environment & that includes animals.

And NO we don't have it better fer freaks sake. Your priorities are obviously at you belly button and no further.

[Jgarrick]

10. Let me assure you, I am not ignoring animals. They're a valuable renewable resource.

Because I believe we are not the only intelligent species on this planet.

I suppose it depends on one's definition of "intelligent", does it not? We're certainly the most intelligent species on the planet...dolphins trying to thank us for all the fish as they say, "So long" aside.

And I also believe we have a duty to protect the environment & that includes animals.

Some people think we have such a duty...others don't. It's self-imposed in any case. As for non-human animals, I think we need to take steps to assure that species don't become extinct, because they're an important commodity. Allowing or making whales (just as an example) to die out is stupid.

Besides, they're delicious, as I found out in Iceland a few years ago.

And NO we don't have it better fer freaks sake.

When and where did we have it better than today? Please be specific.

Your priorities are obviously at you belly button and no further.

They certainly start there, you bet. Starvation sucks, and for the vast majority of human history having a secure food supply was the exception, not the rule.

Not only am I at virtually zero risk of starvation, I can eat from the cuisine of the entire world whenever I feel like it. I can access the entire wealth of human knowledge with a device I carry in my pocket. If I contract a life-threatening disease (as I did two years ago), I can get treatment that has a damned good chance of curing me (as it did). I can travel at a whim halfway around the world, and get there in 24 hours.

There's never been a better time in history. The 21st Century rocks.

[stuntcat]

12. animals are "an important commodity"

That really is the way almost all humans see the rest of the life on the planet isn't it?

[Jgarrick]

13. Of course they are.

That really is the way almost all humans see the rest of the life on the planet isn't it?

Sure is. Doesn't mean that such resources shouldn't be managed wisely with an eye for future use, of course.

[bloom]

14. The 21st century may rock for YOU at this point and time.

Don't expect it to last.

Catastrophes of humanity's own making are to be expected at our current rate of pollution and disregard, before the century is over.

Yes, the poor will suffer the most. And the coral. And the least able to adapt.

You will probably notice little, by the sounds of things.

[TimeToEvolve]

17. "Would you prefer that we be limited to Stone Age technology?"- that implies that we have a choice

our "progress" is merely a consequence of the boom of cheap, abundant, energy -rich hydrocarbons, aka ancient sunshine, it increased our capacity do exploit the planets resources and turn it into things, as well as seriously disturb the environment. but this era will end, soon all of the ancient sunshine will be gone. and when it goes, so will all of our "advances" which were merely afforded by an energy resource that was destined to vanish. sure, the human mind can contrive all sorts of wonderful gadgets and whatnot, but it's all moot without energy to power it. once the fossil energy is gone, all that we'll be left with 1600's - 1700's technology, which is powered by current sunshine.

we don't have a choice of what kind of tech we will be using, the laws of science will choose for us

[narnian60]

6. Loved that cartoon. nt

[MrMickeysMom]

11. Terrific, aren't we?

I think it's time for the aliens to violate the prime directive… I'll keep an eye out and work towards real progress, meanwhile.

[Bigmack]

16. Homodumbians! nt