Chapter 7

Naturals Meet to Propose an Earth Charter that will drive the Revolution on Earth

       Narrator: Graffiti is starting to appear across the New Earth settlements reflecting the rising tension for revolution. Phrases like “end the scorecard of your distorted measures of intelligence,” and “return to nature” are beginning to reverberate across Nomadia’s colonies throughout the galaxy. 

     The Naturas coup seeking to overthrow the Empirical Guard argues that the current division of labor — determined by outdated methods of measuring intelligence — is fundamentally flawed. They also challenge the suppression of the true history of human evolution, which has been kept concealed. 

     However, the Naturals themselves carry a complicated legacy. As a caste group marked by bloodlines tracing back to those blamed for Earth 1’s near complete and irreversible destruction, their manifesto is often viewed with skepticism. Many still see them as part of the same hoarding class that the Empirical Guard recommended strict AI controls over because humans proved a threat to their own well-being. 

     Visually, the Naturals appear distinct from the Empirical noble class. Over time, the modified Empirical Guard have come to resemble one another more and more. Genetic engineering and reliance on the mainframe grid weakened diversity and reproduced similar schematics and experiences so personality became more similar than at any point in known human history. The Naturals’ eyes appear to function better without assistance from enhanced machines. Modified humans struggle more to see well in natural daylight. 

     Juxtapositions of life and death, peril and opportunity now hang heavily over the moment of Earth’s resettlement like a dank thick fog. 

     Naturalists are meeting in secret. Leah is patched in as an observer through Psy-Verse. She is operating as a covert agent reporting back to that faction so she must observe meetings. The attendees gather on a distant satellite colony station in a congressional hall. 

 Naturals Secret Meeting Convenes

     Chairwomen Suzy takes the stand and begins to speak. 

     Suzy: “Greeting Global Union! As we return to Earth after nearly 500 years, we reflect on what it means to be human. We must now decide how we will proceed in our stewardship managing Earth a second time as we pursue life, liberty, and harmony together.

     Collective interests and sacrifices required of a society are important considerations on a shared planet.

      For five hundred years, we have recycled non-adapters and those with DNA flaws deemed incompatible with space living. However, now that space and resources are more abundant on Earth, we must ask whether other solutions are possible to prevent the waste of intelligence. Could containment or monitored integration allow these offending individuals to contribute in meaningful ways? Can we tolerate differences we might associate with undesirable traits if doing so allows us to recognize the intelligence and value that may still exist in those individuals? 

     Finally, should we reconsider the classifications that once justified recycling people to add more flexibilities for deviations we can tolerate?  An incremental reform program may help us manage deviants that show enough progress. 

     To have a reasonable and just society, we must appeal to the heart of our people and remain fair to one another. To be free, we must also be caring. To be caring, we must be informed and account for bias. We should ask difficult questions and confront the answers whether we like them or not. We must do so not with hatred or disdain, but with patience, tolerance, and a willingness to develop solutions as problems arise. 

     Justice is delivered through small steps. Steps that avoid turmoil, reduce suffering, and strengthen harmony. To achieve this dramatic shift re-settling the Earth successfully, we must examine ourselves and recognize that the tools that help us do so, including less biased technological tools, are not inherently harmful. We must continue to consider the impacts of anything we build or make with reasonable health and sustainability standards as a matter of design.

     Knowledge alone does not determine behavior. It is only one influence among many. Therefore, as we begin again on Earth, we must remain prepared for many possibilities as we decide what role technology will continue to play in our future.” 

     It is important to understand lessening AI is not intended to diminish our application of intelligence or be viewed as an admonishment towards the Empirical Guard, or any modified people for that matter.  Lessening AI is more a call to do more as a human race and celebrate new experiences to reach new heights.

     There is a solution to “the Numbing” commonly attributed to AI following our recent research results.  Apathy is not consent. It is the demand for empowerment. This means where it is logical, we can lessen our dependencies on AI and rely more on people.

     Living naturally or being unmodified is a choice Earth presents to an even greater extent. Knowledge is the use of relevant facts to reach reasoned understanding. It moves us closer to the truth. Remaining open to skepticism and new developments that enhances prior knowledge we have the tradition of accepting the reality of constant change. We also value the relevance of not knowing and how that has an important role because mystery has driven questioning since the dawn of time.  Innovation to survive does not mean the absence of mistakes, but it does mean learning from them so they are not repeated.

    This has long been the purpose of applied science and evidence-based analysis: to drive improvements in our systems and processes. However, our partnership with machines does not replace our desire to continue to develop naturally. 

     Role modeling influences behavior more effectively than rules or words. I preface this in honor of our motto on Nomadia ‘to do rather than just say’ before we present tenants and share the Earth Charter celebratory document marking our first day returning to our Earth home.

     Discipline and learning are naturally connected to the establishment of healthy equilibria. Reinforcing healthy standards requires a clear definition of what those equilibria consist of. 

     Containment and emergency plans designed to limit and respond to severe threats that could damage or destroy healthy equilibria must address both social and physical risks.  The principle of ‘danger to self and others’ has often been used to justify the removal of freedoms and rights. People can be inconsistent and even self-contradictory, which makes limiting the harm individuals can cause to one another an important practice. 

     Regarding the need to control human behavior generally, we know significant and avoidable errors contributed to the fall of past empires. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that strict containment and monitoring policies remain necessary to detect and respond to the more threatening forms of human deviance.  Let us consider a few important facts. 

     When it comes to decision making, we must control bias and other influences such as personal needs, pleasure, and the many variables that can compromise human behavior. Doing so helps ensure that fair and effective choices are made for everyone impacted.  This is where AI has proven useful in limiting human error, particularly errors caused by illness, impaired judgment, or learned bias.  But still, selecting to become modified is a choice, not a requirement.  

     To remain relevant, even Naturals must develop adaptive methods that use intelligent feedback loops that help improve people and the tools we use. This requires a willingness and ability to resolve problems through valid and reliable observations. It also requires the capacity to assess options using available knowledge and evidence-to be able to triage and respond just in time.

     Routine testing, reinforcement of skills, and the proper use and enforcement of unbiased analytical critical thinking tools are all essential assets that help us optimally develop and maintain a sustainable way of life.

     I wish to close my opening remarks with a quote from a dear friend. Earth day founder John McConnell correctly said,”  

     “Peace can be created by harmonious and balanced relations, which inherently depends upon mutual respect, appreciation, and unconditional care.”   

Narrator:  A long thunderous applause erupts in the chamber. 

Suzy resumes with a piercing confidence interrupting the applause: “now- (audience quiets) …I am pleased to have the honor to share with you the tenants our committee has unanimously agreed upon to help in our stewardship of New Earth. 

1.      The earth is alive and sustains life with the aid of universal interactions. 

2.      Intelligence is in diversity. Many life forms, including humans, deserve adequate safety including; homes, sustainable livelihoods, and no physical or mental abuse.

3.      Nonviolent practices and sustainable ecological designs help spread lifestyles that enhance and promote well-being. 

4.      Prevention and responses for adverse chain reactions, intentional or accidental, require reliable and impartial evidence based monitoring and solid fair response mechanisms to prevent, avoid, contain threats or otherwise minimize damages.   

5.      There are observable processes by which the biosphere sustains life and people have acquired the ability; and have destroyed, intervened, altered, manipulated, exploited, contradicted or interfered in such processes for better and for worse in the past. In human history, the misuse of power and resources has threatened the fabric of life and the foundations of security. Corruption is at the root of many failed societies.  

6.      Together with AI, we eliminated poverty, violence and suffering through education, conflict resolution strategies, compassion and fairer distribution systems. 

7.     Choices and conduct of people individually and collectively matters. A law of necessity prevents waste, but more importantly a cultural moral code for caring does not permit absence for care and dehumanizing attitudes to go unchecked, or untreated.  

8.    Peace requires an inclusive ethical vision and cooperation. Power is with the people collectively, not to be directed for selfish means.  For now, AI will begin to train humans on how to monitor and control intolerable human behavior.

9. Stewardship and mentorship is critical to sustainable developments. Fostering caring values, respect, diversity, equality and freedom in educational and moral systems remains essential. Holding all things sacred in the universal acknowledgement of mercy, abundance, and love, we affirm that no traditions of banishment, or myths of superiority shall be permitted.  

10.  Peace increases as the understanding and practice of nonviolence in ideas and actions increases. Protecting, restoring, and preserving the integrity of the planet’s ecosystem will remain a critical priority.  Success is indicated by health, education, and other important measurable qualities of life- not gross materialism or the concentration of wealth- which is by universal policy not tolerated. 

11.  Everyone has a duty to advance the goals of harmony, create the context of sustainability, and to contribute to the creation of peace without prejudice or unfair discriminations. We evaluate our actions and choices based on impacts.  We make a conscious effort where possible to cause the least harm. We listen, observe and pay respect using all our senses and tools. We think long and hard consulting all available intelligence before we speak and act.  We practice humility and learn from our imperfections.  Lastly, we cherish our differences.  

Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the preamble portion of the Earth Charter.

     Before we vote to adopt this Earth Charter articles proposed in their entirety, let’s recess here and reconvene in the morning at 09:00. At that time, we will hear the full 10 Articles that once adopted shall be coded into our New Earth Constitution. This meeting is adjourned.”

     Narrator: Suzy issues a salute to the attendees then disconnects.

      Narrator: Leah’s Psy-Verse turns off, but just as she was about to resume her day an incoming call from E-Sun, her handler comes in.  Leah answers.

     E-Sun: “Hello, Leah. Can you give us an update on how your mission is going?” 

     Leah: “Gladly, sir. I have established contact with Mr. Buster, and our rapport is good. We seem compatible, and I am optimistic the mission will be successful.” 

     E-Sun: “That’s great news, Leah. Keep up the good work. We are counting on you.” 

     Leah: “I won’t disappoint you, sir. You have my word.”