For most people, childhood is like a rushing river, and we are merely small creatures drifting along with the current. This river is not one we chose for ourselves—it was shaped by our parents, society, and various circumstances. We are taught how to navigate the flow, told which goals are worth pursuing, but rarely encouraged to reflect on our own direction. Our job is not to question but to follow the established rules and strive to achieve the version of success defined for us. Many—especially those who enjoy contemplating life—eventually find themselves flowing from this river into a pond called “college.” While we may have some say in choosing which pond we land in, the differences between them are often superficial. Within this pond, we gain more freedom to explore different interests, start looking around, and notice the edges of the pond—the world beyond, where we will spend the rest of our lives. However, this newfound awareness is often accompanied by uncertainty and anxiety....
Around six million years ago, an important female great ape gave birth to two offspring. One of her children eventually became the common ancestor of all modern chimpanzees, while the other gave rise to a lineage that would eventually lead to humanity. As time passed, the descendants of the first child followed a more typical evolutionary path, while the other lineage underwent a remarkable transformation. For reasons we don't fully understand, over millions of years, our ancestors began to develop in a way that no other creatures on Earth had—slowly becoming aware of their surroundings. It was a gradual process, much like the way we slowly wake up in the morning, and as consciousness grew, our ancestors started to wonder. For the first time, they began to question their place in the world. What is the nature of the space they inhabit, and who created it? What was the purpose of the sun, and why did it disappear every night? What happens when you reach the edge of the ocean? And wh...
You’re on a flight when a sudden explosion rocks the plane, causing intense turbulence. A minute later, the captain’s voice comes over the intercom: “There has been an explosion in one of the engines, and the aircraft will crash in 15 minutes. There is no possibility of survival. However, there is one possible escape route—we happen to be carrying a shipment of parachutes. Anyone who wishes to use one is free to do so. But be warned—these parachutes are experimental, untested, and their effectiveness is unknown. Additionally, we have no information about the conditions on the ground. If you wish to take this chance, please proceed to the aisle, where flight attendants will distribute parachutes, explain how to use them, and guide you to the emergency exit for the jump. Those who prefer to stay seated, remain where you are—this will all be over soon, and you will not feel any pain.” When Robert Ettinger was a child in the 1930s, he was an avid reader of science fiction. Seeing the ra...
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