Speculation, discussion, and debate are the core mechanism from where our civilization derives it's progress. Our entire society is based upon a
foundation of knowledge.
Many of the topics discussed around here are most certainly listed among the topics of highest importance to our civilization. And our future
predicaments. (I admit we also have our fair share of "comical" topics as well.lol)
Our brains get much exercise from contemplation, questioning, and attempts at speculation.
Perhaps the majority of our species overlooks the basics, and even I admit I take it for granted.
But there have always been a group of society that did not take things for granted, whom choose to seek deeper meanings that were hidden below the
surface.
This group of people created modern civilization. So do not be surprised when you find out the people creating tomorrow's world are posters among you
here on these very boards contemplating and considering their next big ideas.
Is there a Edison and a Einstein on here? You betcha. So this is why I keep trying to be much more friendly and attempt to facilitate these people's
strengths.
Like SO said earlier in another thread, this place was designed to facilitate each other's growth. So we have to adopt new defenses against overt
attempts to undermine our hotbed of free thinking.
Atlantican makes a great point about OMNI being a precursor to user generated content, and I did not think of that earlier. I agree that the same
initiative appears to be driving these developments and it is a pattern. A very promising pattern for humanity, all things considered.
The very existence of such things as ATS seems to be evidence that our species is progressing not just technologically, but philosophically. Such
great scientists as Carl Sagan lamented that our species knew hardly anything about science and philosophical thinking, however things have changed.
People are becoming more
Literate. Countless great minds are emerging everywhere around us.