Must we wait for selection to solve the problems of

"Must we wait for selection to solve the problems of overpopulation, exhaustion of resources, pollution of the environment and a nuclear holocaust, or can we take explicit steps to make our future more secure? In the latter case, must we not transcend selection?" – B. F. Skinner.

In this striking quote, B. F. Skinner challenges us to confront the existential threats facing humanity, from overpopulation and the exhaustion of resources to the looming dangers of pollution and nuclear war. Skinner presents us with a choice: must we passively wait for natural selection or unforeseen events to resolve these crises, or can we take deliberate action to secure a better future? His call to transcend natural selection urges us to take responsibility for our own fate, to choose the future we want instead of leaving it to chance or destruction. His words echo with the urgency of our times, suggesting that humanity's survival and prosperity depend on our ability to act with foresight, wisdom, and intentionality.

The ancient Greeks, in their quest for knowledge and virtue, often pondered the role of human agency in shaping the world. Socrates, for example, famously asked, "What is the best way to live?" His answer was grounded in the belief that humans have the capacity to choose their path, to take active steps toward goodness, and to shape their future through thoughtful action. Skinner’s message aligns with this ancient wisdom—while the forces of nature and society may be powerful, they do not absolve us from the responsibility of shaping our own destiny. The challenge, then, is to transcend the passive forces that govern our world and take control of our future through conscious, collective effort.

Consider the tale of Alexander the Great, whose vision and leadership transformed the course of history. While many empires rose and fell according to the whims of fate, Alexander's actions were guided by his intentions. He did not sit idly by and wait for the world to settle its conflicts; instead, he sought to conquer and unify vast regions through strategy and decisive action. His success was not the result of selection or chance, but of his ability to actively engage with the world and shape its future. In the same way, Skinner’s words remind us that human agency, like Alexander's, is what ultimately drives progress and change. Waiting for selection to resolve the challenges of the modern world, such as overpopulation and environmental destruction, is to relinquish our ability to act, to choose, and to create a better future.

In a more modern example, consider the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. The journey was not left to chance but was the result of deliberate planning, scientific advancement, and human ingenuity. The team of scientists, engineers, and astronauts worked together to overcome the challenges of space travel, not waiting for the natural world to provide the solution, but actively seeking to make the impossible possible. Their actions illustrate Skinner’s idea of transcending selection—that humanity, through foresight and collaboration, can solve even the most seemingly insurmountable problems. By taking explicit steps, we can shape our world for the better, just as the Apollo mission shaped the future of space exploration.

Skinner’s assertion also speaks to the importance of responsibility. In ancient cultures, there was a recognition that to be human is to be accountable—not only to oneself but to the community and to future generations. The Romans, for instance, prized the concept of civic duty, where each individual was expected to contribute to the well-being of the state. Skinner’s quote echoes this call to collective action—if we are to overcome the monumental challenges facing humanity, we must act not as passive observers but as active participants. Transcending selection is about conscious leadership and community collaboration, ensuring that we do not leave our future to chance, but work together to create a better, more sustainable world.

The lesson here is profound: we must actively shape our future. Living in the present with an awareness of the consequences of our actions today allows us to work toward a future where humanity thrives in harmony with the planet. Whether it is through addressing climate change, reducing pollution, or ensuring peace, the responsibility lies with us. Like the great leaders of the past, we must not wait for fate to resolve the crises before us but must take deliberate steps to secure a world of peace, sustainability, and prosperity for future generations. We must transcend the forces of fate and make the choices that will ensure the survival and flourishing of humanity.

To follow this wisdom, we must begin with awareness—recognizing the challenges ahead and understanding that change is within our power. Whether in our personal lives or as part of a larger societal movement, we must act with intentionality, refusing to let the future unfold without our intervention. Let us embrace responsibility, lead with foresight, and collaborate for the future of our world, knowing that the survival of humanity depends on the actions we take today. **We transcend selection not by waiting, but by acting—choosing a future we can all shape and share.