There are other "fortuitous" facts as well. only for certain critical values of the strong nuclear force and other parameters will Helium fused from primordial Hydrogen fuse into useful-to-life Carbon and then Carbon to Oxygen Here is a fun link https://faculty.wcas.northwestern.edu/infocom/The%20Website/index.html
As you suggest, the moon was important to our development. The tides it caused spurred flora and fauna to migrate to land, without which we might still be swimming in the ocean. Large moons are unusual which suggests there could be an abundance of life on other planets that never left the ocean. Interesting to finding out.
It's proposed tides helped the transition from ocean to land. Amphibians were the first to adapt to tidal conditions, allowing them to feed or take sanctuary in either element. This strategy proved so successful that flying fish even jumped the land-going part and skipped straight to aviation!
Great overview. I believe that supporters of Progress should embed their ideas into Big History (which is the study of all history from the Big Bang to the present).
Big History + Progress would also make a great educational curriculum because it integrates all the sciences, social sciences and history into one over-arching story that makes everything relevant.
A few decades ago I think most scientists were sure that intelligent life on other planets is common throughout the universe. As we explore the universe more, however, I think many are questioning that assumption.
It makes us realize just how precious human material progress is.
There are other "fortuitous" facts as well. only for certain critical values of the strong nuclear force and other parameters will Helium fused from primordial Hydrogen fuse into useful-to-life Carbon and then Carbon to Oxygen Here is a fun link https://faculty.wcas.northwestern.edu/infocom/The%20Website/index.html
Oh my gosh, don't send me down a rabbit hole. I may never get out. :)
Sean Carrollof Mindscape podcast talks lot about cosmologlogy, the anthropic principle, etc. Anyo who likes this post will like lots of Mindscape. :)
As you suggest, the moon was important to our development. The tides it caused spurred flora and fauna to migrate to land, without which we might still be swimming in the ocean. Large moons are unusual which suggests there could be an abundance of life on other planets that never left the ocean. Interesting to finding out.
That's one I have not heard! Is the belief that, absent the tides, life may have never left the oceans?
I have forgotten the mechanism, but I recall that Asimov also though the moon was important.
It's proposed tides helped the transition from ocean to land. Amphibians were the first to adapt to tidal conditions, allowing them to feed or take sanctuary in either element. This strategy proved so successful that flying fish even jumped the land-going part and skipped straight to aviation!
Much to appreciate and even more to ponder. 😉
https://youtu.be/8qqR5dJOpRo?feature=shared
Great overview. I believe that supporters of Progress should embed their ideas into Big History (which is the study of all history from the Big Bang to the present).
Big History + Progress would also make a great educational curriculum because it integrates all the sciences, social sciences and history into one over-arching story that makes everything relevant.
That's the goal! For me at least.
A few decades ago I think most scientists were sure that intelligent life on other planets is common throughout the universe. As we explore the universe more, however, I think many are questioning that assumption.
It makes us realize just how precious human material progress is.
My sense is that not many expected intelligent life. Hence the "Fermi Paradox."