If an alien race was weighing up the good and bad in mankind with a view to preservation or extermination what might they be weighing up?
| Pros | Cons |
| Creativity – art, dance, music, architecture, literature, poetry, fashion, photography, sculpture, design Spirituality – nature, sunsets, stones, beauty, seas, harmony, peace, yoga, meditation Caring– hospital, care homes, welfare, hospices, community support, youth clubs, crèches, selflessness, altruism, heroism, rescue, gentle hands, hugs, comfort Education – schools, universities, curiosity, pleasure of learning, seeking knowledge and understanding Science/Technology – research, curiosity, scientific advances, technology developments, modern society, machines, gadgets, labour saving, expansion of knowledge Health – hospitals, doctors, dentists, mental health, psychiatrists, nurses, carers Cuisine – foods, flavours, textures, aromas, chefs, cooking Wines – nose, taste, nuance, sharing, harmony Culture – vitality, differences, history, stories, beliefs Leisure – teams, sports, competition, camaraderie, support, teamwork, pleasure. Love – partner, family, friends, pets, nature, sex and sharing. Travel – appreciation of geology, architecture, cultures, nature, wonders and awe. Awe and Wonder – ability to be in awe of the heavens, infinity, nature, beauty, life. | Tribalism – nations, nationalism, patriotism, racism, War – cities torn, civilians killed, indiscriminate bombing, hospitals, terrible weapons designed to maim and create terror, gas, nuclear Torture – horrendous instruments designed to inflict pain, use of electricity, drilling, cutting, crushing, beatings, floggings, rape, sexual mutilation, psychological Violence – guns, knives, razors, fists, boots, bats, Misogyny – roles, dress code, subservience, sexual exploitation, 2nd class citizens, careers, education, pay. Inequality – sexism, elitism, old boy network, clubs, control of system, gross earnings, extreme poverty, exploitation, control of media, manipulation of democracy, authoritarian, Cruelty – dog fighting, bear baiting, abuse of animals, enjoyment of pain, sadism, Drugs – addiction, death, illness, gangs, pushing Greed – billionaires, millionaires, exploitation, price hikes, excessive profits, ignoring human misery, workers’ conditions, sweat shops. Crime – theft, murder, revenge, prostitution, slavery, drugs Selfishness – thoughtlessness, ignoring others, taking more than others, more than needed Pollution – cutting corners for profit, lack of care for the effects on health of others, impact on ecology, deliberate Environmental destruction – short-term gain, long-term loss. Forests, lakes, seas, air, land Politics – careerists lining own pockets, lust for power and wealth, sociopaths and psychopaths, lies and manipulation Religion – intolerance, separation, fear, hatred, violence – crusades, Jihads, torture, wars, pogroms, indoctrination, burning at stake, inquisitions, politics, wealth and power, stifling progress, denying science, spreading conspiracy Internet – control, manipulation, misinformation, addiction, lies, algorithms reinforcing views Mental Illness – Psychopathy, sociopathy, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, addiction, obsession, trauma, fragile minds easily damaged. |
Are humans worth saving or are our fragile minds too hard-wired to greed, power and violence? Are we too destructive?
What have I not considered?
What would your verdict be?