Humans

[The Man in Black]

Here's an interesting question: do you believe that the human species is more of a virus to its habitat, or more of a protector of its home world? Watching "The Matrix" reminded me of this, when Agent Smith is talking to Morpheus about humans. He makes a solid point that really the only other organism on this planet that hasn't found a niche without having to spread to stay alive is the virus. An interesting side note is that viruses ride the boundary between our definition of "living" and "not living", because they only meet the requirements of being "alive" when they are within a host. But another idea is that humans are here to be protectors of this planet. While some say we may not do an amazing job, we actually are developing means to protect our home world from asteroid attacks, etc...

There are many sides to this debate, I just presented two semi-opposing ones.

[Tsyal Makto]

I think a more accurate word would be parasite, and we are a parasitic species by definition, we've just become too high 'n mighty to accept it. Read this. It describes us pretty well, doesn't it?

Originally Posted by Definition, Parasitism

The relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it

All other living species on the planet of our size have either a mutualist or commenal relationship with the biosphere, and humanity did too prior to agriculture, though we have since moved into the realm of parasitism. Being sentient, we have the ability to go beyond simple ecological balance and be true stewards of the planet, while still advancing technologically, but it will require some major paradigm changes. Things like a move away from corporatism, permaculture, population reduction, etc. Unfortunately most of this goes against the dominant culture, so whether that will happen, I don't know.

[The Man in Black]

Originally Posted by Tsyal Makto

I think a more accurate word would be parasite, and we are a parasitic species by definition, we've just become too high 'n mighty to accept it.

I referred to a virus because it's slightly more specific than a parasite. It isn't considered living at all unless it's inside a host, and it also spreads in order to survive. I'm not sure which is the better representation, however I think both can apply.

Originally Posted by Tsyal Makto

All other living species on the planet of our size have either a mutualist or commenal relationship with the biosphere, and humanity did too prior to agriculture. Being sentient, we have the ability to go beyond simple ecological balance and be true stewards of the planet, while still advancing technologically, but it will require some major paradigm changes. Things like a move away from corporatism, permaculture, population reduction, etc. Unfortunately most of this goes against the dominant culture, so whether that will happen, I don't know.

I agree, with things like slash and burn agriculture, the human population was gaining in knowledge and intelligence which subsequently led to society "using" Earth rather than seeing it as something sacred.

[SaphirJD]

so sad it may be, humanity can really be considered as virus or parasitic lifeform... And as long as there are so much people who give a damn about saving our world and destroying it just for the money reasons, for power, whatever.. this will sadly also not change.

[Marvellous Chester]

I agree with Tsyal Makto and Saphir, we are more a parasite than anything else and definitely not a protector. We take from our host giving nothing back, the more of us there are the more we take and faster and before long Earth will not be able to cope. God help the universe if we ever make it to distant planets, I just hope there are aliens out there who are a bit more passionate about the health of their home world than we are

[The Man in Black]

Originally Posted by Tarnished Soul

I agree with Tsyal Makto and Saphir, we are more a parasite than anything else and definitely not a protector. We take from our host giving nothing back, the more of us there are the more we take and faster and before long Earth will not be able to cope. God help the universe if we ever make it to distant planets, I just hope there are aliens out there who are a bit more passionate about the health of their home world than we are

Ah, this reminds me, is anyone a proponent of the idea that we're destined to "destroy" our entire universe? As society progresses, we've been more and more able to replicate the beginnings of our universe. Some believe that we may replicate the big bang and completely destroy everything in existence. Kind of far fetched, but up for debate nevertheless!

[SaphirJD]

Originally Posted by The Man in Black

Ah, this reminds me, is anyone a proponent of the idea that we're destined to "destroy" our entire universe?

This is for sure a depressing idea.. So i hope if that WOULD be the case - something or someone will arise to eliminate that threat, for every Evil which exists, there has also to be some good i guess.

[The Man in Black]

Originally Posted by SaphirJD

This is for sure a depressing idea.. So i hope if that WOULD be the case - something or someone will arise to eliminate that threat, for every Evil which exists, there has also to be some good i guess.

Indeed depressing, however I don't believe in it for the reason you just proposed. The only thing is that it may occur in an experimental sense, so it wouldn't be in the "evil" sense that it would occur. Of course the most likely way it would happen is highly theoretical.

[rapunzel77]

I don't believe that humans are a virus or a parasite. Although at times we don't do a good job taking care of the planet like we should, we do do some things to help the planet and each other. I am disturbed by the current trend that is growing to see humans as nothing more than trash, a virus, or a parasite that can be thrown away. We are none of the above. We do have worth and it is very sad to see this idea spread . We are capable of great and terrible things but it is very dangerous to generalize. Remember that we are worth something in spite of the messes that we make.

[Human No More]

Humans don't have to be, it's just the way most people live, definitely on the virus side.

[SaphirJD]

Anyway what we truly need are dozens of "Superheroes" or "Super Villains" which battle for the earth.. and in that Case.. Everyone should join for the greater Good - Time is running slowly out, and we all know we can do our part

[X.,.Pandora.,.X]

Originally Posted by The Man in Black

Watching "The Matrix" reminded me of this, when Agent Smith is talking to Morpheus about humans. He makes a solid point that really the only other organism on this planet that hasn't found a niche without having to spread to stay alive is the virus.

You do understand that it is the evil guy, the destroyer, the virus himself saying that right?

[The Man in Black]

Originally Posted by X.,.Pandora.,.X

You do understand that it is the evil guy, the destroyer, the virus himself saying that right?

Ah, but he makes a valid point though, like I said. Precisely why I posted this in the debate thread, it is definitely a subject that can be disputed. Just because he is the antagonist his statements aren't immediately invalidated.

[SaphirJD]

Well, Evil or good depends often from the Point of View, Even Evil ones think sometimes of themselve as good ones. So.. if now Agent Smith is the wrong one or the others..

You can not say 100%

Only one thing is sure... The only true Evil is the Evil which pretends to be good

[Banefull]

I do not think the definition of parasite applies. There are many other lifeforms that benefit from our existence. Mites feed off of our skin. We give them a place to live and in exchange, they eat our dead skin cells which keeps us healthy. Its a symbiotic relationship. I would also consider agriculture to be symbiotic. We give them space to reproduce and in exchange they feed us. Mechanistically, the plants "want" to reproduce. They only stay alive long to reproduce and if giving us food makes them reproduce better, then they will evolve by outside selection. As for the others, lifeforms have always competed with other lifeforms for resources, we do also. In this regard, nothing is truly new under the sun.

As for a virus, I do not think so. Stephen Hawking once said that we need to escape this planet because too much could happen on a single planet as we would be too prone to annihlating ourselves; however, I believe that we are indeed capable of overcoming ourselves and can learn to in relative harmony with each other.

As Rapunzel77 said

We are capable of great and terrible things but it is very dangerous to generalize.

There are all sorts of people in this world. We are what we make of ourselves. We can choose.