CHANGING PATHS TO SURVIVE

The urgency to change current practices to prevent civilization's collapse

The need to modify current practices is a response to the growing threat that civilization, as we know it, could collapse if we do not profoundly change our system. History offers numerous examples of civilizations that have fallen or nearly faced extinction due to their inability to adapt to fundamental changes, whether from resource depletion, internal conflicts, or environmental impact. The Romans, for example, fell due to a combination of economic exhaustion, social inequality, and external invasions. Similarly, modern civilization, marked by excessive capitalism and a concentration of power, may be heading toward its own decline if substantial change is not implemented.

One of the forces that could contribute to this collapse is the lack of control over emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to transform every aspect of society, from industrial production to how we interact with information, politics, and the economy. However, if control over this technology remains concentrated in the hands of a small group of individuals or organizations, it could exacerbate social and economic inequalities, further consolidating the power of these elites at the expense of the common good. Additionally, AI could be used to control populations and manipulate information, leading to a loss of individual freedoms and potentially endangering the future of democracy.

It is therefore essential to modify current ways of operating, ensuring the ethical use of technology and creating a more transparent, collaborative, and equitable system. This requires guaranteeing that emerging technologies are under the control of society at large and not just economic elites. Building a system based on transparency and digital democracy is critical to preventing technologies from being used to reinforce the interests of the top 1% and to ensuring that the system does not collapse under the weight of this inequality.

As seen during the 20th century with various social movements, society’s ability to adapt and change in the face of global challenges is key to avoiding self-destruction. The necessary changes are not only technological but also cultural, social, and political. If humanity wants to avoid extinction or a profound crisis, it must rethink its foundations of production, consumption, and power distribution, adopting fairer and more sustainable models.