# Human Selection, Evolution, and Geopolitics By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-08-14 We are entering a new phase of evolution where humans are redefining fitness and the process of selection. For example, consider how medical advancements have changed natural selection within humans. It used to be that a fatal disease or mutation that occurred at a young age would eventually be eliminated via natural selection as the individual would likely die or be unable to reproduce. Thus, the gene would be eliminated. But, with medical advancements, individuals with these diseases and negative traits can survive and thrive. Therefore, natural selection is no longer a dominant force in all cases with humans. Some may consider this a call to eliminate medical science, but it is merely how evolution works at a macro-scale. We've developed ways to survive beyond some aspects of natural selection. However, in the short run, this is concerning as most would agree it would be better as a species to eliminate these diseases versus suffer through their existence. This is a building crisis that, left unchecked, could result in significant social, economic, and cultural problems. In some ways, we are lucky that birth rates are declining because it limits the net number of issues that might be propagating. The flip side is that a declining birth rate has been a precursor of nearly every civilization's collapse. We are in quite a pickle, but we possess a new suite of technologies that will likely represent a significant shift in how things have traditionally gone. This isn't the rise of AI and robotics or new economic and political theories. Instead, it is the ability to "optimize" the traits of our offspring via gene testing and embryo selection. We can already screen for and select embryos to minimize disease traits, but we'll soon be able to select for other traits like height, intelligence, longevity, and personality. It will not be perfect, but it will stack the odds towards whatever one perceives as good. Many dilemmas will emerge from this, but evolution and game theory will still play a significant role in finding the balance. This trait selection means that people can have children later without the risks often associated with doing so. It also means that cultures, where cousin marriage is the norm (about 1 in 8), will significantly improve their offspring's health and well-being. In the next ten years, be prepared for this to be the top political and governmental issue as healthcare prices skyrocket and birthrates plummet. It only makes sense that governments subsidize trait selection to minimize the healthcare burden, increase productivity, and boost wellness. They will also subsidize IVF to ensure the nation and economy can sustain itself as our biological cycle continues to misalign with our social work cycle. This is only the beginning of the next phase of evolution. When paired with AI, one should be ready to increased rates of change that will cause untold amounts of distress, anxiety, and discourse. #### Related Items [[Geopolitics]] [[Evolution]] [[Optimization]] [[Future]] [[Genetics]] [[Birthrate]] [[Disease]]