7/04/2009 PERMALINK
Stephen Hawking talks about our humods future
Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking recently outlined his personal philosophy, which turns out to include most of the humods memes. "At first, evolution proceeded by natural selection, from random mutations." But now, says Hawking, we are entering a new phase of "self designed evolution" in which we will extensively modify our own DNA. "At first, these changes will be confined to the repair of genetic defects controlled by single genes." Then humans will move on to modding more complex combinations . "I am sure that during the next century, people will discover how to modify both intelligence and instincts like aggression," says Hawking.

Hawking also points out the importance of another key part of the humods worldview, the vital importance of advancing our species by developing and spreading the most effective memes. "Some people would use the term, evolution, only for the internally transmitted genetic material, and would object to it being applied to information handed down externally. But I think that is too narrow a view. We are more than just our genes."