This may have already been discussed on the list, but MSNBC has a fairly detailed special report on their website about the future of human evolution. from the report: Some were tickled to hear how experts rated the prospects for Unihumans (globally blended culture), Survivalistians (adapted for the post-apocalypse), Cyborgs (machine-human hybrids), Numans (genetically modified elite) and Astrans (optimized for interstellar colonization). > Among the somewhat limited options given for the future of humanity (but still quite progressive considering this is coming from the mainstream media) I personally envision "Cyborg-Numans" (yes, multi-classed in an almost role-playing game way) as the next big step up (but then I have doubts about uploading). I see the real "Astrans" as being a modified for space version of the Cyborg-Numans and not a totally different offshoot as is depicted in the report. I realize there are good reasons to simply send sentient machines into space rather than transhumans (at least in the near term). I have to say I think their timeline of human evolution is totally arbitrary both due to the ridiculously long timespans involved and also because they show development as being linear instead of parallel. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7348103/ Jon from Shanghai was quoted by the Special Report as writing: I think, as more technology develops, we will just evolve into "Lumps." A "Lump" is just a large set of buttocks with two eyes and four stubby appendages. This comes from sitting behind desks, lounging in front of the TV, or surfing the Net and not really needing to go out and do much of anything. > I hope this is not the future for Extropians who constantly post to the list! heehee : ) I look forward to what list members have to say. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7103668/ Best wishes, John Grigg