A more hopeful view (a non-political thread)

burgold · 11-09-12, 07:30 AM

I once read a translation of some 14th Century texts where the leaders of the time were looking at the sloth of the upcoming generation and declared that the society was going to Hell in a handbasket.

We really do always think that the next generation is going to poop it up.

Moving this out of politics for a moment let me tell you a reason I have hope. I spoke to a scientist recently who figured out how to lace nanoparticles with what is effectively aspirin and in doing so was able to take these particles through the blood brain barrier and dissolve the plaques that cause Parkinsons and Cerebral Palsy. I spoke with another who developed a drug treatment that in early tests seem to reverse the losses of Alzheimer's. I found a scientist who has learned to turn a cheap flexible and durable plastic sheet into a window that's also a solar collector. Last week, I even found a scientist who was able to use light beams to fashion an honest to God working tractor beam.

There are reasons to hope guys. We are living in an age of science fiction and what we are achieving is remarkable. Yes, there are shadows too, but if you look at the possible there are reasons to feel really good.

Get your minds out of the mud politicians sling and look at the world we've been gifted. It is a good world and we can rejoice in it even while we work to make things better.

Extreme · 11-09-12, 07:38 AM

Looking to the past isn't helping when the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off. Hope for the future is gone Burg, wake up.

burgold · 11-09-12, 07:45 AM

You don't find any of those advances hopeful?

I've got more... Scientists have developed an exoskeleton that can operate as a home gym in outerspace for astronauts, but here on Earth can give full mobility and range of motion to paraplegics. A different set has figured out how to return stem cells to an embryonic like state with 75% efficiency, while others in the field have developed a way to use these cells to recreate organs out of the hosts own genetic material practically eliminating the possiblility of rejection.

I can go on.

Extreme · 11-09-12, 08:24 AM

Please do. I'd like more stuff to rehash when Obamacare and every other mega-expenditure of Obama's comes due and every program like this has to be cut because they no longer get the government grants to fund them. It isn't a matter of if it's going to happen, just when.

tshile · 11-09-12, 08:47 AM

Ex, are you going to ruin every thread with your doom and gloom?
I mean seriously, it's been 3 days. How much longer do you need?

burgold · 11-09-12, 09:47 AM

Scientists have developed a nano-filter capable of cleaning up oil spills like the BP disaster. Scientists believe they located the comet that first brought water to Earth. Chemists have developed self-healing plastics and metals that can repair themselves after being damaged.

All of these are incredible things that could better lives and even the economy.

Extreme · 11-09-12, 10:32 AM

T, our country's future is doom and gloom, not me. And Burg, nothing will better the economy under our current gridlocked government.
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Extreme · 11-09-12, 10:33 AM

And seriously, 3 days of gripes should suffice for a lifetime of misery? I wish I shared your optimism.
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tshile · 11-09-12, 10:37 AM

My comment was less about dealing with the troubles in general and more about you making every thread about them regardless of the original topic.

MikeSr619 · 11-09-12, 11:51 AM

Burg, i wish i shared your same enthusiasm. I do. But I look at the youth of today and the "gimme gimme" attitude and it makes me scared and worried. I know there are brilliant kids out there but they seem to gave their heads stuck ib xbox live and Facebook right now and dont care about anything.
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burgold · 11-09-12, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeSr619

Burg, i wish i shared your same enthusiasm. I do. But I look at the youth of today and the "gimme gimme" attitude and it makes me scared and worried. I know there are brilliant kids out there but they seem to gave their heads stuck ib xbox live and Facebook right now and dont care about anything.
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I really do have several of the same fears. Working on my science show for the radio really has given me hope. More, I went to the White House Science Fair and the National Rocketry Expo and the kids I met there just blow you away.

Now, I know that these are some of our most extraordinary youngsters, but the things these guys are doing just blow your mind and make you excited about the future.

Henry · 11-09-12, 12:30 PM

“Our youth now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for their elders and love chatter in place of exercise; they no longer rise when elders enter the room; they contradict their parents, chatter before company; gobble up their food and tyrannize their teachers.”

-- Socrates

MikeSr619 · 11-09-12, 12:30 PM

I agree...its not every kid but with social media and the access we all have to each others lives maybe it is just exposed more now.

I want to keep hope alive though!

Henry · 11-09-12, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeSr619

I agree...its not every kid but with social media and the access we all have to each others lives maybe it is just exposed more now.

I want to keep hope alive though!

Is anyone else chuckling at the irony of a bunch of old guys spending all day on a messageboard complaining about kids and their newfangled social media?

MikeSr619 · 11-09-12, 12:45 PM

kind of..I get that.

BUT!!!!

we were all from a time before this was out. a time where when you called someone a filthy name you had to face up to it. a time where you learned about politics thru your parents, the newspaper, and the trusted local news.

now its some jerk on Twitter saying Romney wants to control your vaginas, some punk in Omaha calling Obama the N word, and 123453345 memes that are just downright disrespectful.

but yes, I get it.