A NEW HUMAN SPECIES

In the history of the world, more species, by far, have died out than are presently in existence. Species extinction is nothing new. It is the rule rather than the exception, as fossil remains clearly tell us.

Adapt or die-out is nature's way. And, nature always has the final word with regard to species survival.

The human race seems hell-bent on breeding itself to the brink of disaster.

No one can say if the human race will follow the dinosaur into extinction. If Homo sapien becomes extinct, it is my opinion that he will be replaced by a creature more sensitive to the realities of the world - especially the limits of growth (population, energy use, pollution, etc).

I propose calling Homo sapiens' successors Homo responsibilus (HR) because responsible they must be. And, I hope the species will possess the following basic characteristics

PHILOSOPHY: A gentle philosophy toward nature with a realization that all living things - including humans - must live within the laws of nature. Such a philosophy will focus on renewable, self-sustaining cycles. Each generation would view its time on Earth as a "stewardship," leaving the world better off than it was when they 'took over.'

DEEP RELAXATION: The pace of modern life leaves little room for deep relaxation. Relaxed people think better, see more clearly and deeply, make better decisions, individually and collectively. Most humans never truly relax. We are never taught how to relax, or why we should relax. The need for relaxation is sometimes recognized but it is sought after through a myriad of drugs, from alcohol through valium, to heroin.

The problem is, drugs don't work. Mostly, they make things worse. "Homo sap" knows this but is 'hooked.'

Homo responsibilus will utilize natural relaxation methods, many of which are known today.

DIET: A key aspect of Homo responsibilus will be the kind and the amount of food the 'new race' consumes. HR will eat a balanced diet of natural foods. HR will not overeat as many affluent people do today. Nor, will HR become obese by eating the wrong foods, since HR's body will not hunger for balance in the diet. Much of HR's food will be food that is low on the food chain. Thus, more people will eat better.

HR will live longer, on the average than "homo sap" does, and he will be healthier, brighter, more energetic and more fulfilled because of his diet.

EXERCISE: HR will regularly and systematically exercise. No fads will exist. Exercise will be viewed as a necessary and important part of healthful living. The objective will be a strong aerobic system, adequate muscular strength, optimum body tonicity and flexibility. HR's exercise will result in a healthy species, better able to meet the demands of living.

SELF-SUFFICIENCY: HR will develop an array of self-sufficiency, self-sustaining skills. Most HR's will produce the greater part of their food, their clothing and their shelter needs.

The 'pioneering/yankee ingenuity' spirit will be rekindled and burn brightly in HR. This spirit will infuse every aspect of HR living.

The modern penchant for bigness, for complexity, for economic and political centralization will be cast aside.

TECHNOLOGY: Primary emphasis will be on renewable living, within a framework of using renewable energy and low to intermediate technology.

This is not to say that it will be an age of 'the goat and the loom, to borrow a phrase from B. F. Skinner.

The truly positive aspects of modern living: some cultural, technological, and medical advances will be retained. Certain frontiers of science and technology will be explored and expanded. But, the emphasis will be on gentle, renewable, living.

GROWTH: Dynamic equilibrium is a phrase that will describe HR's economic system. There will be change but within a no-growth framework.

Some will gather riches; none will be as poor as most of the world's people are today. Upward and downward mobility will still occur.

I don't know if present-day human beings possess all of these characteristics. There may already be humans who do. If so, perhaps they are the initial representatives of the new species.

'Homo sap' is causing grave havoc on the Earth. The Earth's very life sustaining capabilities are being eroded. Homo responsibilus, the Earth needs you! Come quickly. Come while there is still time.