The Great Filter Research

New advances in technology, weaponry and warfare continue to develop at a very rapid pace. With this better understanding of machinery and defense, we are able to further enhance our lives, by making gadgets to make life simpler. Whether it’s a fully functional prosthetic limb that allows someone to feel again, or something as simple as a drone that with the ability to walk dogs, these new advances continue to assist us in our daily lives. But what if a vast knowledge in technology along with major conflicts erupting between countries is what the Great Filter is, and will keep us from evolving to a higher level of civilization? At first, technology seems like a necessity for us to advance as a civilization. After all, how could we possibly
Conflicts between fellow man remain constantly noticed and remembered, preventing humanity from truly achieving peace and unity as a species. An article featured on The Guardian written by Steve Taylor states an early American psychologist’s (William James)’ theory on war is that war’s prevalence is due to the positive psychological effects it brings. James states, “War establishes a sense of unity against the face of a commonly shared threat, binding people together.” The article continues to mention how war supplies a sense of a cohesive community, communal goals, and the inspiration of everyone in the country to act without selfishness and with honor. This supplies the feeling of purpose and meaning, and suppresses the feeling of monotony in everyday life. The most plausible way we can get through this Great Filter is by using technology to enhance our lives rather than using it for self-destructive purposes, and finding different outlets that suppresses the feeling of a monotone lifestyle. James suggests that humans need to find alternative activities to express the positive effects of involving ourselves in a war, that do not include the destruction and rifts created between nations after wars are complete. This leads to the clear idea that “stable, lasting peace” depends on the development and growth of societies with a rich amount of variety and opportunity that can satisfy the most complex human necessities and wants. The article featured on The Guardian details that due to the abundance of societies “unable to [satisfy the basic necessities of mankind]” makes our future expectations of peace look very bleak. With our main focus shifting from war to peace and collaboration between all nations, as well as advancing our technology, our collective knowledge can