Once Human Phases

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

06-01-2025

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We've all seen the movies: a virus, a catastrophic event, a rogue AI – something that fundamentally alters humanity, leaving behind remnants of what we once were. But exploring the "Once Human" phases isn't just science fiction; it's a thought experiment that probes the very nature of our existence and what it means to be human. Let's break down the potential phases of a post-human world, acknowledging that these are highly speculative but grounded in current scientific and societal trends.

Phase 1: The Catalyst

This is the initial event that irrevocably changes the human condition. This could manifest in numerous ways:

• Technological Singularity: An AI surpasses human intelligence, leading to rapid technological advancements that outpace our ability to comprehend or control them.
• Global Pandemic: A highly contagious and lethal disease decimates the population, fundamentally altering societal structures and possibly even our genetic makeup through selective survival.
• Environmental Collapse: Climate change or other ecological disasters force drastic changes in human lifestyle, potentially impacting our physiology through resource scarcity and adaptation.
• Nuclear War or Global Conflict: A large-scale war causes widespread death and destruction, leading to societal breakdown and possibly genetic mutations due to radiation.

Phase 2: Adaptation and Fragmentation

Surviving humanity enters a period of intense adaptation. The old world order collapses, replaced by smaller, often isolated communities. The very definition of "human" might begin to blur:

• Genetic Modification: To survive harsh environments or disease, humans might undergo forced or voluntary genetic alterations, potentially resulting in distinct subspecies.
• Technological Augmentation: Cybernetics and bioengineering could blend humans and technology, creating transhuman individuals with enhanced capabilities.
• Social Darwinism: In a struggle for survival, certain traits or behaviours might be favoured, leading to a new form of societal evolution.
• Cultural Divergence: Isolated communities develop distinct cultures, languages, and even beliefs, potentially leading to significant differences between human groups.

Phase 3: The New Normal

Eventually, a new equilibrium might emerge. This "new normal" would be drastically different from our current reality:

• Transhuman Society: Humans might be significantly augmented, blurring the line between human and machine. This society could be highly technologically advanced but potentially ethically complex.
• Post-Scarcity: Advanced technology could solve resource limitations, potentially leading to a utopian or dystopian society depending on its distribution and control.
• Neo-Tribalism: Smaller, self-sufficient communities might thrive, each with its own distinct culture and social structures.
• Complete societal transformation: The very fabric of what we consider society could be irrevocably altered, with new power structures and social norms emerging.

Conclusion: A Speculative Journey

Exploring the "Once Human" phases is a journey into the unknown. While the specifics remain speculative, considering these potential scenarios allows us to confront fundamental questions about humanity, technology, and our place in the universe. It’s a reminder that the future is not predetermined, and the choices we make today will profoundly shape the "human" experience of tomorrow.