The globally renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, whose scientific accomplishments forever altered our view of the cosmos, bequeathed to humankind not only discoveries concerning the nature of black holes but also serious warnings about the future of our civilization. Despite the severe illness that confined him to a wheelchair, the scholar actively shared his insights regarding the perils we are set to encounter.
One of Hawking’s key worries was the vulnerability of our planet in the face of technological and natural catastrophes. He reckoned that nuclear war, artificially created viruses, and global warming pose a genuine danger to the existence of life on Earth. The physicist thought the sole chance for survival lay in expansion into space. By his estimations, humanity has no more than one hundred years to build self-sufficient colonies on the Moon and Mars, relocating thousands of people there, along with flora and fauna to preserve biodiversity.
Hawking was also convinced of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, basing this on mathematical probability. However, he cautioned against ill-considered attempts to establish contact with alien civilizations. The scholar drew an analogy with the discovery of America, where the meeting of two worlds turned into a tragedy for the less technologically advanced side. In his view, a visit from more advanced extraterrestrials could have similar ramifications for Earthlings.
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The rapid development of artificial intelligence caused particular concern for the physicist. Hawking did not deny the necessity of progress in this domain but warned of the hazards associated with creating self-learning systems capable of surpassing human intellect. He feared that machines could become a new life form which would ultimately displace their creators.
Another somber prediction from the scientist was the emergence of genetically modified “superhumans.” Hawking supposed that technologies for enhancing the human genome would become accessible to affluent sectors of the populace, leading to the appearance of a new race possessing superior physical and mental capabilities. This, in his opinion, could incite a profound societal division and, consequently, the extinction or marginalization of ordinary people who have not undergone “enhancement.”
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