One of the most frustrating and comical aspects of humanity's reluctance to ditch fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil for renewable energy sources is that it reveals just how small our horizons as a species are. Whether you consider expansionist wars like in Ukraine, brutal oppression as in Gaza, or the nihilist frog-in-a-well politics of Donald Trump's US, it would seem that human beings are incapable of looking at the bigger picture. Do we want to mature as a planetary civilization and look to the stars while preserving the well-being of the people and ecosystems on Earth? Or do we fight and die in the same old ways, while just looking more 'modern' with our suits and supercomputers?
I recently came across a very interesting discussion about an obscure but highly influential study published way back in 1964 by Russian physicist Nikolai Kardashev, in a YouTube video from the Public Broadcasting Service's (PBS) Space Time channel. The paper, titled Transmission Of Information By Extraterrestrial Civilizations, had a simple and elegant answer for why humanity hasn't yet discovered alien life. Kardashev was looking to understand the amount of energy required to boost a signal through space. He surmised that if we were to try and communicate with intelligent life out in the cosmos or vice versa, communication signals would have to be propelled by an immense amount of energy. Human civilization, both back in 1964 and in 2024, simply does not control that level of energy.
この記事は Mint Mumbai の November 27, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Mint Mumbai の November 27, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
GDP growth falters in Q2, hopes pinned on 2nd half
GDP growth of 5.4% was the lowest in nearly two years, lower than estimates
Aster DM merges with Quality Care in $5-billion deal
Bengaluru-based Aster DM Healthcare on Friday announced a merger with Blackstone-backed Quality Care India Ltd (QCIL) in a deal that will value the combined entity at $5.08 billion (₹43,000 crore).
AIFs, equities pip realty in family office funding
What's Ahead for Family Offices?
Defence contracts emerge as key biz for telecom infra makers
India's push for local manufacturing has prised open a new business frontier for domestic telecom equipment manufacturers.
HUL turns to high-growth segments to lift demand
Premium is the watchword for packaged consumer goods major Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL), as it unveiled a new strategy on Friday to ride on an expected rise in household income and increasing consumer preference for more expensive brands and products.
Russia's war economy shows new cracks after ruble plunges
The Russian economy, surprisingly resilient through two-plus years of war and sanctions, has suddenly begun to show serious strains.
Colgate making right moves, but valuation a concern
Colgate Palmolive (India) Ltd has had a good run in recent quarters and continues to make efforts to boost growth.
Kalyani family's wealth war takes a fresh turn
Gaurishankar Kalyani has filed papers to back his claim that HUF exists
Zomato raises ₹8,500 crore via QIP
A big part of the proceeds is to be used to expand Zomato's quick commerce arm Blinkit
Fintech startup Klub halves workforce
Bengaluru-based financing startup Klub laid off about 60-70 employees in September and paused its commerce operations, according to multiple people aware of the developments.
