Originally Posted by
bigdjiver
Thanks to Barry for posting the link to Dawkins "Memetics". I had wondered where the name came from. However sceptical anyone may be none of the ideas I have read about memetics were new to me, only the name.
I already believed in "The Blind Watchmaker", although, once again, the name was new to me. I also believed that the "Blind Watchmaker" will develop, or already has developed "sight"and purpose.
Intelligent beings will spread themselves amongst the stars. They will want to find worldsto inhbit. They will plan to have them terraformed ready for their eventual arrival. The way to do that is to propogate selected genetic material throughout the universe in robotic space vehicles which can search for suitable planets. Genetic egineering and super-computr modelling will ensure that evolution is no longer pure chance, but directed to a goal. In other words, intelligent design. Anywhere that intelligent life eventually evolves will transmit the news via radio waves and nuclear blasts. In effect the Incas and the Aztects will send a "come and get us" message to the Spaniards.
We could be the work of a blind watchmaker, or just sitting ducks, quacking loudly. Perhaps we are just here to build dancehalls for the real dances, when they choose to come.
(Can I sue some libraries for stocking too much science fiction?)
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