Homework – Due Friday, September 26, 2025
Sorry, not sorry, for the late notice. I was busy contemplating the end of the world . . .
The main assignment is to read this from Adam Mastroianni and come prepared to argue either the Doomsayer's point of view or the It's-Getting-Better-Everyday one. Also, have a timeframe from when it all does end.
For extra credit and regardless of your position on the main assignment have a point when humanity jumped the shark.
For extra, extra credit have a favorite end times scenario to share.
If you want some more of either pessimism or optimism, check out these sources:
Check out the latest IFF:
Jeremiah Johnson argues that persistence beats talent.
There is probably a lesson in the above for the obsession people have regarding UFOs and alien life on Earth. To that end, here are two links:
The Wall Street Journal has this piece on how Pentagon disinformation fueled America’s UFO mythology.
While more recently Robin Hanson says we should decide now how we feel about aliens because “we are nearly as well placed now to put serious effort into analysis steps three and four above as we will decades from now,” and we just got “the strongest evidence so far that (some) UFOs are aliens.”
Stories (Awkward and Otherwise):
Perhaps these Jams are on point:
What are the best songs for the coming ASI?
"In The Year 2525" - Zager & Evans
"We'll Make Great Pets" - Porno For Pyros
"Mr. Roboto" - Styx
"It's The End Of The World" - R.E.M.
Lots of ground to cover. See you Friday!