That's... horrible... Still need to read up the entire thing. But if you guys don't mind, I'd like to break up the negative atmosphere:
http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/04/scientist-cooks-up-adjustable-strength-metals/Whazza! Nanotechnology.
"Value" just begs the question: it isn't actually a harsh reality but a rather soft and fluffy subjectivity since value is determined by consumer perception.
The lasting impact in evolutionary lines is more useful, but then we can replace our small and large women with fertile and sterile ones. The same basic objection applies.
That... kinda freaked me out (sorry, I'm not accusing or anything) right after I read Saj's human trafficking post. Let me explain why.
I don't blame you for how you think of this. You think that reality is like an arena in which two fighters duke it out and the survivor, which is the strongest and stealthiest, gets his rewards. Well, let me tell you about the
harsh part of it. Reality is actually like an arena with no rules, where broken limbs count for no disqualification and there's no age limits. Once you're in the ring, anything goes. It's not just about two capable fighters trying to see who's the best, but sometimes a strong fighter picks an eight year old boy who has
potential to be the best and strongest in the future, but because it isn't yet. The time is ripe, the strong will bury the boy before he gets the chance to gain strength and take his throne. This way there are plenty of chances to destroy the best of species before they are even capable to adapt, destroying any potential a mere life could bloom with. This is just an example, but reality is even more grotesque than that, and I (and I trust Saj too) have seen it.
Sorry for the incomplete post. I'll read, and subsequently write, more when I get back on.
