Short term, long term, minor things and major. How will current threads evolve?
Here's an interesting site for some ideas: Future Timeline.
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Short term, long term, minor things and major. How will current threads evolve?
Here's an interesting site for some ideas: Future Timeline.
Prime numbers start streaming in from Vega.
I've been reading too much Contact.
Oh you know. Ecological devastation, massive crop failures, peak oil and widespread economic unrest.
Of course there will be permanent shelter, fresh drinking water, genetically engineered food, cloned pets and trips to the moon for people that can afford it. And if they can't afford it then they deserve what they get. They should have known better than to be poor while the economic elite was reshaping the world for their own benefit.
Stupid poor people.
That's interesting. That is essentially the picture of that website. I think the thing that you can most reliably say about reality is that it will find a way to lie between the two extremes. Ecological and economic problems will cause a large amount of harm, but technological progress will continue faster than ever in more developed countries.
Though I am inclined to be sceptical of any claims about elites controlling the entire system... the world is a bottom up, emergent thing for me.
I don't think that they control the entire system by any means. I also don't believe in an illuminati or anything like that. Things like Bohemian Grove and the Trilateral Commission are just indications of a socially cohesive upper class and not a monolithic, widespread conspiracy.
However it's no secret that those that control resources make the majority of decisions relating to how those resources are spent. When a minority controls a majority of resources then that puts them in a position of power. Being a mostly capitalist world, it is only expected (and respected) that they use the majority of said power for their own ends.
They don't have to worry about where their food is going to come from if massive droughts and ensuing famine are to strike. So they don't really worry about that as a potential consequence of their actions: they won't have to bear the cost and they'll probably make a killing on the food that they do sell. Most of the rest of us do have to worry. We're just too stupid to think about it in a unified manner. Whereas the extreme upper class is socially cohesive, the poor of the world are divided into crackers, spics, niggers, fags, rednecks, towelheads, religious whackjobs, commie liberals, warmongering conservatives, etc. So there's no cohesion because we don't trust each other enough to mount a unified resistance and slow things down a bit.
Okay yes, I was thinking of elaborating in the same way. I agree with that idea.
The kind of ideas that I'm opposed to are the ones where people are able to steer the entire system through their power and prescience, such as the idea that the recent economic collapse was the result of a group of people coming up with a plan. In reality it can all be explained by the ignorance and greed of individuals in power. The guys up in ivory towers had no idea what happened and still have extremely diverse opinions about the future, there's no way anybody has the ability to exert control over these kinds of large events.
I think a lot of those predictions could be pretty accute, some will come even sooner than they predict. But lol at how it states equal pay for women in 2067, is it not almost that now in 2012?
Spoiler for Data:
Did you lose the power of sight or something..?
But surely if there were ever a case of womens pay being inequal, the employer could be taken to tribunal? If the law is being flouted today, then it will always be and there will never be equality. Btw, is this equal pay for the same job, or just income overall?
You know everything I know. It looks like it's an average. Your claim bears no resemblance to reality; just look at the data, it shows that unequal pay occurs less and less.
I really don't find this particularly interesting; if you want to make your own thread about women's salaries, please go ahead.
Well that graph is only a prediction, one which seems pretty inaccurate. Many of the 2012-2019 predictions seem accurate, but if the economic collapse does occur, then most of the post 2019 stuff will likely not happen at all.
That's why they're threads, not predictions. If we go at our current trend without any major problems, we'll end up with many of the technological advancements around the time they're predicted. However, if say the solar flare thing happens, we might not even be here.
Without a doubt, there are some very tough times ahead, with lots of crises to try and solve. And there are some exciting prospects about how technology will advance in the coming years. I just hope the good outweighs the bad as we head into an uncertain future.
I've been thinking recently how cool it would be if some sort of global fund was set up, dedicated to the advancement of mankind. Something anyone and everyone could contribute towards. It would work on the principle of being open to all, but owned by none. Governments, companies, wealthy individuals, etc, all would be free to give as much as they liked towards the cause, but no one could claim to have an entitlement to funding, no matter how much they've put in. Any donation to the cause would be charitable, rather than a simple investment opportunity. No one would be able to claim the rights to any products or advancements that come about as a result of this fund, so the benefits would be shared by all, and not hoarded as the property of some selfish institution.
It could be used to fund various research projects around the world, in areas like medicine, agriculture, renewable technology and many other important things. Obviously, as a peaceful foundation, with the advancement of the human species as the goal, the funding of research into weapons technology or anything of the like would be strictly forbidden. What would give it an advantage over regular government or private funds, is that it would be a large pot, worth many billions, if not trillions. So we would see a lot more global projects on the scale of CERN's supercollider and NASA's Mars missions.
With such a thing in place, I think our species would advance at a more rapid rate than we are now. This is all most likely an overly optimistic fantasy, that wouldn't be likely to occur for a long time, if ever. But it's a nice thought. And if such a thing already exists, then I would like to claim credit for the idea, with the excuse of time travel.
As long as donations are strictly voluntary, then this would be a wonderful thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Heavy Sleeper
Of course. Mandatory donations would just be stupid.Quote:
Originally Posted by cmind
It's also an oxymoron.
It looked like they were being fairly conservative with a lot of the guesses. I think a lot of the stuff will happen a lot sooner than what is on that site. For example the end of the EU, it looks like it might happen in five years from now, so 2035 seems like a long time. They also have the life extension medication really far out, so far out that you could become a cyborg and live forever before it hit mainstream market. I think that medicine that can't cure aging will come around about the same time as people are becoming more cyborg like. No reason there should be like a 30 year gap there.
I think the one about genders getting equal pay in 2067 is a little silly too. At that point if they are right, desktop computers are smarter than all humans combined, and we are all cyborgs and living on other planets and stuff. I don't think money will be an issue at that point.
There will likely be very rough times ahead, especially if we do make a transition to having no money. I suspect that would be very rough. However, studies have shown that advancements in technology continue regardless of economic problems. For example even during the great depression we had technology advancing without issue. So I suspect we might face large depressions, but it is unlikely to knock us off track or effect technology to a great degree.
Heavy sleeper - it's not exactly the same thing but Warren Buffett and Bill Gates have set up this contract type of thing (although not exactly a contract) where billionaires sign up and say they will donate 50% or more of their money to philanthropic causes. There is also one for millionaires but set up by someone else.
I don't think there is one for average earners, maybe you could set one up.
The only problem I see with some sort of massive fund is who decides what project is worthy of funding from it?
Nice. Not that I'm criticising or anything, but that sounds like more of a global aid thing, when I was thinking of something more along the lines of a fund dedicated to scientific advancement and things that are essential for the future stability of the world.Quote:
Originally Posted by tommo
It's great to hear about something like this being done though. Buffett and Gates have always been willing to give up their wealth for a worthy cause.
My guess would be that some sort of panel would be set up to listen to proposals and judge whether or not they are worthy of funding. Of course, detailed records would always be kept for what goes in and what comes out of the fund, down to the last dollar, pound or euro. They would also have to keep track of all proposals heard, with details of exactly what ideas were put forward and the judgements of the panel always being open to the public. Basically putting in place any measures necessary to ensure no bribery or corruption is taking place.Quote:
Originally Posted by tommo
That's my best guess of how things would run. And I fear I may be hijacking the thread with all of this. Sorry to the OP.
This: :shock:
"12. California will lead the break-up of the US (Dev 2)
IP: Likelihood 8/10. There are some indications already that California wants to split off and such pressures tend to build over time. It is hard to see this waiting until the end of the century. Maybe an East Coast cluster will want to break off too. Pressures come from the enormous differences in wealth generation capability, and people not wanting to fund others if they can avoid it."
Quoted from:
BBC News - Twenty top predictions for life 100 years from now
That's sad, they're the ones that drag America along to the 21st century. In technology and philosophy/laws.
Maybe those 20th century states will want to see california gotten rid of then :P I think a US balkanisation will be quite plausible in hte coming decades.
If I were a legislature in California I'd move for secession now. The feds do nothing but interfere, at this point. They suck up california tax dollars and use it to invade california property for their stupid drug war, not to mention their foreign policy and corporate welfare.
California is like two step away from being the Greece of the US. Then again the US is like 5-10 years away from being Greece too, so maybe that isn't saying much.
???? Last I heard California has the most healthy economy in the country.Quote:
Originally Posted by Alric
Source?
Where have you been?
Second worst unemployment.
Unemployment Rates for States
InvestingAnswers: 10 U.S. States With the Highest Unemployment Rates
6th for highest debt per person.
10 States With The Highest Debt Per Person: Report
Top 10 States With Highest Debt Per Capita - The Consumerist
One of the top states for most homeless.
Facts and Figures: The Homeless . NOW on PBS
Ranked 4th worst economy in the US.
The 10 States With the Worst Economies In America | Economy | AlterNet
I could keep going around and just pulling out articles to prove my point, but I think that should do for now. It is a big state that has a lot of people, and some of those people do make a lot of money but overall the state is doing very badly. That last link also says how the average household there is 77,000 dollars in debt. They also have a lot of government corruption and stuff, but its harder to find statistics for that. They are definitely not among the healthiest states in the country though, not by a long shot. They are among the worse.
I've been not in America lol I don't know where I heard that, or maybe I just made it up, or figured it would be good due to the computing sector.
But still, it's not the worst.
Computing sector is relatively small though, when you consider the population size of California. California has enough people that it could be its own country. California has a population of 37 million. Which about half the size of France, but three or four times the size of Greece or Sweden.
One sector could carry many smaller states but it isn't going to carry a state like California. Though even being a poor broke state, since it does have such a large population it could make its own country. If the US did break up, it would probably be California or Texas. I think Texas is more likely to do something like that though.
Because California has a high minimum wage and worker's rights, most of the Computer Manufacturing jobs are going to states like Utah (which has one of the worst records for worker's rights in the nation).
I believe that within the next hundred years there will be a culling of the human population by several billion people. I do not believe that the human population will decline by itself. I believe it will happen by more tragic means. I also believe it will happen sooner rather than later. Either that or we discover the secret to quick space travel and quickly begin the colonization of other habitable planets. But that's a longshot.
Hahaha. Space colonization ain't going to fix mankind's illness.Quote:
Originally Posted by Black_Eagle
It'll accommodate it though.
No, no. It wouldn't. But it would perhaps allow us to avoid devastation...for a time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Abra
Im just patiently waiting for Maitreya's Day of Declaration...
I wouldn't hold your breath. That's a raw deal. Fuck, they nailed Jesus to a cross just for saying people should be nice to each other. And he bit off more than he could chew with the Romans. Can you imagine somebody trying to dismantle western european imperialism and preserving the things about that made it worth while? I've been scratching my head over it for a while and I don't see it.
I guess I'm not Maitreya though
When Jesus gave his sermon on the mount Maitreya overshdowed Jesus and spoke through him. Jesus at that time was only a 3rd degree initiate. Jesus took the 4th initiation whilst on the cross. He then reincarnated as Apollonius of Tyana and took the 5th initiation in that life and ended his cycle of reincarnation. Miatreya isn't going to dismantle anything, he will simply be a guide to help us to resolve our problems ourselves. Man, people are going to think Im a right nut job. But then Im starting to reach the point in my life that I really don't care that much what people think of me. On the flipside if it does come true I look forward to doing a lot of posting as I have studied this story in great depth.
You should post anyways, despite what some people think. I'm sure many people would be very interested in hearing what you have to say. One rather sad aspect of this forum is that people with very interesting ideas get put down by a couple sour, simple-minded individuals while the people who are actually interested in the concept tend to just lurk.
I completely forgot this point. Maitreya resided alone deep in the Himalayas for a very long time. He was going to use Jiddu Krishnamurti just like he did with Jesus 2,000 years ago. But then he thought about coming forward openly himself. He spent nine years meditating on this before making a decision in 1977. And by nine years I mean 24 hours a day for nine years. That is the level of reflection it took. It boggles my mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by PhilosopherStoned
I will remember that...Quote:
Originally Posted by Omnis Dei
Who or what is Maitreya?
I've heard of a band called that, but I assume you're not talking about them.
Quoted from Wiki (apologies to SOPA)!Quote:
Originally Posted by tommo
Maitreya (Sanskrit), Metteyya (Pāli), or Jampa (Tibetan), is foretold as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he or she is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva.
Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma. According to scriptures, Maitreya will be a successor of the historic Śākyamuni Buddha. The prophecy of the arrival of Maitreya references a time when the Dharma will seem to be forgotten on Jambudvipa. It is found in the canonical literature of all Buddhist sects (Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna), and is accepted by most Buddhists as a statement about an event that will take place when the Dharma will seem to be forgotten on Earth.
WTF....
http://i.imgur.com/ZdvT6.jpg
Did he not answer your question?
I'm curious though, (directed at Mcwillis) if forgetting the Dharma is a prerequisite for Maitreya's arrival, then wouldn't this be a rather unnecessary time for him? Sure, it's disappearing from Tibet but it's reemerging in Western Society.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tommo
Chuckles....yeah, Tommo, I've been away.......
Quote:
Originally Posted by tommo
Quote:
Originally Posted by Omnis Dei
This is slightly off topic. Before I reply to the questions did my post bring you out of hiding after four years to make your 2nd post? Perhaps Maitreya is a subject close to your heart.Quote:
Originally Posted by ianb
From what I have read on wikipedia a great deal of the information there is actually incorrect in my opinion. When finding out information about the future there is always plenty of room for conjecture. I use wikipedia a lot but I don't always take what I find there to be the truth especially with regards to religious prophecy.
To answer your question Tommo & Omnis Dei I would say that the following is the only correct answer. This is just my opinion of course.
He has been expected for generations by all of the major religions. Christians know him as the Christ, and expect his imminent return. Jews await him as the Messiah; Hindus look for the coming of Krishna; Buddhists expect him as Maitreya Buddha; and Muslims anticipate the Imam Mahdi or Messiah.
Although the names are different, many believe that they all refer to the same individual: the World Teacher, whose personal name is Maitreya (pronounced my-tray-ah).
Preferring to be known simply as the Teacher, Maitreya has not come as a religious leader, or to found a new religion, but as a teacher and guide for people of every religion and those of no religion.
At this time of great political, economic and social crisis Maitreya will inspire humanity to see itself as one family, and create a civilization based on sharing, economic and social justice, and global cooperation.
He will launch a call to action to save the millions of people who starve to death every year in a world of plenty. Among Maitreya's recommendations will be a shift in social priorities so that adequate food, housing, clothing, education, and medical care become universal rights.
Under Maitreya's inspiration, humanity itself will make the required changes and create a saner and more just world for all.
No, I came out of hiding all on my own! I hope that your optimism about the re-emergence of Maitreya turns out to be accurate, as the presecence of a living buddah in our world would be out of this world!!
But regardless, the Dharma is still with us, and we are fortunate to be in a precious human incarnation. OM MANI PADME HUM.
I hope my optimism is accurate too. So as not to cause confusion to anyone may I point out that Maitreya is not a Buddhist but instead the Teacher for those of any religion and those who are non religious and belong to no religion.Quote:
Originally Posted by ianb
Most people have probably figured out that McWillis's brand of Maitreyanism is pretty fringe. As the buddha of the next historical age, one would expect Maitreya to be separated from Sakyamuni by some 10,000-50,000 years.
As for living buddhas, we're swimming in 'em. Obviously Sakyamuni's discovery cannot be repeated until it is forgotten, but I would guestimate at least thousands now living have used his teachings to polish their little patch of samsara see-through and shiny. Back on topic, I expect the echoes of Avalokiteshvara will continue compounding worldwide for at least four more generations, hastened by the failure to find an "unmistaken" fifteenth incarnation of the Dalai Lama.
Actually back on topic, this ain't R/S. Please keep discussion about fifteenth comings, second comings, the Ragnarok or whatever else in there.
What? The spread of Tibetan Buddhism and its leadership are certainly relevant to near-future geopolitics.
I also anticipate wider adoption of mind-controlled electronics, likely beginning in the latter half of this decade. Most applications will be fairly mundane; using a pre-established pattern of neural activity in lieu of a voice command or keystroke. By the 2020s, virtually all short-burst communications (currently, text messages) will be sent with a combination of neural impulses and predictive algorithms, and by the 2030s at least some people will be able to interpret received neural impulses, establishing a kind of mediated telepathy.
I didn't realise that this had to be a purely scientific future. I won't say anymore. Still, I think its highly a relevant possible future, just from a spiritual angle that's all.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xei
I figured that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Taosaur
As far as I am aware, we're all Buddha's just pretending we're not.
Okay matey, apologies. However, the future of the human race is now intimately tied (in a race against time) to the rapid spiritual development of humanity. Without a real and extreme shift in the way we do things, we are heading for an Extinction Event within a couple of generations.Quote:
Originally Posted by Xei
What's the difference between speculating all the crap in your OP and speculating that a prophecy universal to all religions will come true?Quote:
Originally Posted by Xei
I find it interesting that they predict people who are under the age of 50 by 2025 have a real hope of not dieing from old age. It claims by this time the first steps towards anti-aging will be in place and can act as a bridge for when the true aging cure is introduced.
idk about most of you, but this sounds too good to be true. Of course I would love to see lunar field trips and manned missions to the gas giants which wont come until after Im long gone otherwise...but Im pretty sure I better not hold my breath that Im in the generation who can finally not die of aging.
Come on, can you seriously ask that? Xei wants to discuss a likely future, not a ridiculously improbable one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Omnis Dei
From extensive study and personal experience backed up by the experience of a few other people I have met it is a likely future that is neither ridiculous or improbable. Last time I checked bookmakers Ladbrokes are offering odds on the second coming.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pensive Patrick
Well of course they are!!!! Ladbrokes sensibly realise that they can make a ton of cash out of religious fanatics because the second coming is almost certainly not going to happen. And even if it does do you really think they'd have to pay out? You've kinda shot yourself in the foot there.Quote:
Originally Posted by mcwillis
...Quote:
Originally Posted by Pensive Patrick
BTW, end-of-death has been a generation away for futurists since alchemy's heyday.Quote:
Originally Posted by tkdyo
No I haven't shot myself in the foot at all. Im looking forward to a fantastic earner on that one and when Maitreya does come forward I will post how much money I made out of it. I recommend placing bets now before the odds drop dramatically as this could happen at any time. The BBC has made several programmes about Maitreya but the powers that be pulled the plug on them so it is being taken seriously.
This is kinda true, and I also am not getting my hopes up. Obviously the predictions from the 1900s for today were ridiculous, and many of these most likely are too. But, at the very least we have actual scientists examining the cells and dna themselves for answers now, which is more than we can say about many past predictions.Quote:
Originally Posted by Taosaur
I forget the mans name, but Cobert had a geneticist on who claimed they had found a gene in mice to start us down this path, claiming that when they turned it off some of the mouse's aging processes reversed. So at least its plausible, but within our lifetimes, who knows.
As were flying machines.Quote:
Originally Posted by Taosaur
Well, unless Maitreya views either gambling or money unfavourably. Whoops!Quote:
Originally Posted by mcwillis