Humans are the highest level of consciousness evolved on planet Earth, in our solar system, and potentially in the universe. But we don't know the right questions to ask of the universe. The universe is the answer. What we see see a cosmic puzzle of epic proportions.
I do not think consciousness emerged by accident. What it feels like is a test, experiment, simulation, or opportunity to see what we will do. Can life understand the nature of reality.
There is almost zero chance we find out the truth. We are a million generations away. We did not evolve to see truth. Yet it 'feels' like something wants us to know. To strive and search.
There are massive challenges facing humanity and threatening our ability to survive and understand reality. Bombs, heat, war, and time - the sun will destroy Earth eventually.
There are no known civilizations to whom we may pass the torch. No other life exists as we know it, making life on Earth responsible for determining the fate of consciousness in the universe.
We must preserve humanity's knowledge and spirit across time, and advance our understanding of reality, in order for life to survive at all.
A few good ways to do this are to:
- Create good families, children communities, and institutions that seek truth
- Make breakthroughs in physics (gravity or relativity level)
- Extend human lifespans (biotechnology)
- Make life multiplanetary (space travel & infrastructure)
- Build aligned superintelligent systems