Infinite Human Potential.

Hmm, I guess it depends what you mean by infinite. I mean we are all limited by certain intrinsic constraints (physical, cognitive) and certain extrinsic constraints (context, society, wealth, access). So we can't do anything. We can't swim in molten lava or flap our arms and fly.

On the other hand, a free person has a nearly limitless number of ways in which he/she can be self-determined.

I was thinking more in terms of, has humanity the capability of solving all of our contemporary problems and future problems, based on the way things have been, and the way things are now? I won't post anymore in this thread. Just curious as to what others may think.

Please post more -- you brought it up, so it's only fair for you to get your opinion on the table.

There is a fairly simple reason why I don't think humanity has that capacity. Quite simply the world and our problems change far faster than we can devise, implement, and fix solutions. Is there anything in the last 100 years that would suggest otherwise to you?

It seems that when a problem is solved, more problems emerge inevitably, leading to a seemingly despairing chaos.

But who was it that said chaos can bring out the best of men.... or something along those lines.

Sure, we can solve all 'problems'... by not considering them 'problems' at all.

Remember, the contemporary 'problems' you speak of are constructed by the society we live in, and perpetuated by us. Remove society, take a step back, view life in it's barest form, and nothing really matters. I understand this is a bit difficult for some to swallow, and I'm not saying to neglect the things that matter most. On the contrary, sometimes taking that step back allows you to see what matters most. We aren't here to have the weight of the world upon us, Elmud -- whatever 'problems' you think you have, you have because you think you have them.

Is our stock market dropping really a 'problem'? Is me losing my job really a 'problem'? Is not being able to get 60mpg on any v6 ice a 'problem'? Is HIV really a 'problem'? Is my computer freezing every time I go a porn site really a 'problem'? Is the fact that my friend just broke up with his girlfriend a 'problem'? Is my mom's cancer really a 'problem'?

The potential lies in the fact each consciousness rationalizing decides what is a 'problem' for them, and then has the capacity (usually, in our day and age) to attack it with great fervor. Some 'problems' we don't have much power over, but can we can always 'fix' through perspective, understanding. This power gives the individual meaning, purpose, and drives the individual to live another day with 'problem' and 'solution' in heart.

Personally, there are times I've sat down, accomplished what I've wanted to accomplish for the day, fixed those things that were my 'problems', and just took a sigh of relief. In that moment, I could see it only matters because I think it matters -- it's my application of meaning.

This is where our power lies, and is what I call human beauty.

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I think there is such a thing as infinite human potential. The ways in which we've been able to manipulate time and space have been stunning and they only continue to be moreso. As more and more of the human experience is transferred from the physical realm to the information realm, our potential will continue to grow exponentially. Example: Societies no longer need exist in a particular 3-dimensional space.

Infinite Human Potential: As a species, I'm not so sure, it seem that we are crabs in a barrel, to steal a metaphor. As individuals a person may have infinite potential within certain avenues. Those who achieve "enlightenment" as a flawed example. The only problem with the term infinite human potential is I'm not sure anyone can really comprehend it. We all have goals even "eternal" goals (ideals) so to speak, such as the afore mentioned enlightenment. These goals whether they be scientific socio-cultural, mental or spiritual by their nature. So I think in a way we as individuals can achieve infinite potential and aatt he same time not.

I'm not sure what you're talking about... outside of the book "Flatlands", do you have any examples of societies living in other dimensional spaces?

I think it would require a butterfly effect involving a total uplifting in human awareness of individual potential. The cause probably being of some unknown origin and defiantly not intentional, but more a basis of cause and effect to the extreme of pure and simple chance, resulting in the "enlightenment" of the entire human race. Its really a matter of realizing human potentiality as I have already mentioned.

of course then there's always alien theories of superior intelligence which easily could have been set in motion thousands, if not millions of years ago, but in that case fate would be predetermined and our lives would indeed be fairly insignificant, more so than they are already. but that's probably a little too far off the deep end