At a time when everyone is concerned about over-population, we should take comfort in the fact that humanity is in the process of "creating space." For many this may seem too fantastic to be true, but there can no longer be any doubt about it; in creating cyberspace, humanity has created space itself. Cyberspace is real space.Whole physical objects are being transferred into cyberspace: books, documents, leases, laws etc. There is no longer any real need for libraries, halls, filing cabinets and warehouses which used to store these paper documents. Nearly every major corporation and firm has completed the process of moving their paper documents to cyberspace. Sure, some of these companies still keep hard-copies, but it does not change the fact that - in reality - these hard-copies are not really needed.
Other physical objects that are moving to cyberspace include all sorts of art forms: music, pictures and even drawings and paintings. We no longer need (except for reasons of nostalgia) DVD's, CD's, photo albums, portfolios etc. to take up space in stores and homes. I have already begun the process of uploading every hard copy picture I own to the internet. I take comfort knowing that if these pictures are ever lost or destroyed, they will still be available on the internet.
Money is also moving to cyberspace. During the last 15 years we have seen a huge transition from cash to "paper money" in the financial world. Money is no longer needed to exist in a vault, or even in your wallet, if it exists on your account in cyberspace. All you really need is your debit card. Okay, cash is still the most liquid, but our debit cards are becoming even more so. Do you see how fast they swipe those things at Starbucks? And who can say if in another 15 years we will even need debit cards anymore? Perhaps a simple chip implanted into one of our fingers will suffice...
I believe this move to cyberspace could also have major implications for outerspace travel. You often hear people say, "Before the sun explodes, humanity will have moved on to other planets." I cannot help but feel that this is short-sighted. Humans will not need to move "externally" to some other planet, when it can move "internally" to space that is opening up within us. Inside the very bosom of the globalizing human race, space is opening up. We are penetrating into the very fabric of space-time.
Perhaps it is more plausible that intelligent life will not be found by reaching out to the stars, but by reaching inwardly, into cyberspace. By punching into cyberspace we can perhaps link to a network bed by which we can communicate with other intelligent life who have managed to do the same. In such a scenario the vast distances of outerspace (which is a crippling handicap to outerspace travel) will no longer pose a problem. If this is indeed possible, then perhaps the reason we have not yet heard from other intelligent life is because we have not yet acquired the capability to receive their communication? Perhaps they wait for us. The greatest thing humanity has, is a penetrating mind, and that will be our greatest similarity with other intelligent life.
People with religious faith should trust in the phenomenon of cyberspace, because it is consistent with their religious belief. Remember, "the kingdom of God is within you." God will not come from the literal stars and sky, but from the bosom of the earth and the collaboration of humanity. The earth contains all we need to liberate ourselves.
"Most people think great God will come from the sky, take away everything, and make everybody feel high. But if you know what life is worth, you will look for yours on earth." - Bob Marley
So now you see the light?
You have very valid points Marco; however, the flip side of the coin is how do you secure cyber space ( the clouds ) with the peace of mind that you have in securing your filing rooms,cabinets and vaults. If my memory serves me correct, it was less than two years ago that China hacked into Google's private files - See the link (http://www.metro.co.uk/tech/848729-china-hacked-into-google-according-to-wikileaks-cables). Secondly see this one ( http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295640,00.html).
ReplyDeleteThe afore said, paints a grim picture. Here is why?
1) If China can hack into Google.com what will prevent them from hacking into Facebook.com? Nothing! absolutely nothing! Then why think your files stored on one of the above firms servers are safe? don't even think about those stored on your local servers or hard drives. Unless of course the're not in "cyber space" but in your "closed space". No wonder the music industry is hurting... talk about torrents!
2) In regard to link #2: If China can hack into, the Pentagon, what would stop them from hacking into the Moscow Kremlin and activate one of Russia's nuclear missiles? The world as we know it would change.
Be-careful what you wish for, Cyber space will make life easier for every one, but... Think about the microwave cooker technology..., then think about DOOMSDAY!
Great post
Yes I agree, I tend to see the positive with not enough reassurance on the negative. Before God comes, the anti-God will come. Both good and bad will be gained from this. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDelete