May 19, 2021   |   0 comments

Thomas Lombardo discusses cosmic evolution and the future of humanity through the lens of science fiction.

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Our view of the future of our species tends to be coloured by very short term concerns. Most of us are too busy with the distractions and worries of everyday life to spend much time thinking about what lies ahead when we are no longer here. As for the future of the Earth, our solar system, and the wider cosmos, these are deemed the domain of scientific specialists and of little relevance to the urgent political, social, economic, and environmental problems which plague the present day.

However, contemplating the incomprehensible vastness of creation can help us recapture a sense of wonder and possibility, and nurture a cosmic consciousness which puts our present predicament into perspective. This mental evolutionary process may ultimately make the difference between survival and extinction for life in our remote corner of the galaxy. The discussion takes as its starting point the work of English science fiction author Olaf Stapledon, specifically his novels Last and First Men and Star Maker.

Previous interviews with Thomas Lombardo

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Stanislav Shevchenko ‘Gravitone’