Once Human Extra Deviants

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

05-01-2025

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The concept of "Once Human," particularly when coupled with the term "Extra Deviants," immediately evokes a sense of the uncanny. It suggests a transformation, a departure from the baseline of humanity, resulting in something...more. But what constitutes this "more"? And what societal implications arise from such a fundamental shift?

Defining "Once Human"

The phrase itself is inherently ambiguous, inviting multiple interpretations. It could refer to:

• Biological Alteration: Individuals genetically modified to enhance physical or cognitive abilities, pushing the boundaries of what's considered naturally human. Think of enhanced strength, disease resistance, or extended lifespans achieved through advanced biotechnology.

• Cybernetic Augmentation: The integration of technology into the human body, blurring the lines between organic and machine. This could range from prosthetic limbs with advanced sensory feedback to neural implants directly affecting cognitive function.

• Technological Transcendence: A more radical shift where consciousness is uploaded into a digital realm, potentially achieving immortality or transcending the limitations of a physical form. This evokes ideas of mind uploading or merging with artificial intelligence.

The "Extra Deviants" Factor

Adding "Extra Deviants" amplifies the unsettling nature of the concept. It implies that within this already altered population, there is a further subset—those who have exceeded even the established norms of their modified state. This could signify:

• Unintended Consequences: Individuals who experienced unforeseen and potentially negative side effects from their modifications. Perhaps their enhancements spiraled into something unpredictable or harmful.

• Illegal Modifications: Individuals who have undergone unauthorized or illegal alterations, pushing the boundaries of ethical and legal frameworks surrounding human augmentation.

• Evolutionary Divergence: A subset of the modified population that has undergone further unique evolutionary changes, perhaps adapting to novel environments or exhibiting unforeseen capabilities.

Societal Implications

The existence of "Once Human: Extra Deviants" presents several complex ethical and societal dilemmas:

• Social Stratification: The potential for a stark divide between the modified and unmodified populations, creating inequalities in access to resources, opportunities, and social standing.

• Ethical Considerations: Concerns regarding the manipulation of human life, the potential for misuse of technology, and the long-term consequences of such alterations.

• Legal Frameworks: The need for robust legal frameworks to govern the development, application, and oversight of human augmentation technologies.

Conclusion:

The concept of "Once Human: Extra Deviants" is a fertile ground for exploring the future of humanity and the ethical implications of scientific advancements. While offering potential benefits like disease eradication and enhanced capabilities, it simultaneously raises profound questions about identity, equality, and the very definition of what it means to be human. The narrative possibilities are vast, and the potential societal ramifications demand careful consideration.