“Humans are unquestionably unique. Unique in a way and to a scale unprecedented in Earth’s history. The question is: Are ‘unique’ and ‘special’ the same and/or equivalent? In my opinion, yes, we are both unique and special. We are unique in a number of ways – opposable thumbs, large brains, use of fire, etc. These are all ‘special’ traits, too, but what I believe makes us truly special is the scale at which we affect the planet. We are special in that, unlike any other species in existence, we can eradicate entire species’ at unprecedented scales as well as develop technology and deepen spiritually at quantum levels.

We are currently at a crossroads of the species’ and earth’s history where we face potential mass extinction (of humans and innumerable species) on one hand and technological and psychological innovation that could catapult the species (and planet) into a new age on the other. In one dystopian future, the remnants of human civilization are as bleary as those of the dinosaurs. A species that evolved to be big, strong, and powerful enough to inhibit the evolution of fellow Earth inhabitants. A species that evolved beyond its means and eventually was corrected by the Earth’s intuitive homeostasis.

Overall, I believe that whatever our fate is at the end of the day, it is in the best interest of the Earth’s evolution as well as whatever lies beyond in the unknown Universe.”