Why Humans are Often Left Out of Far Future Timelines

The question of why humans are often left out of far future timelines, which lead up to the ultimate fates of Earth, the Solar System, and the universe, has puzzled many. This exclusion reflects a fundamental tension between the human timescale and the astronomical timescales involved in the cosmic timeline. In this article, we will delve into this topic, examining the reasons behind this exclusion, the implications of human evolution compared to cosmic events, and the role of storytelling in shaping public perception.

Human Evolution vs. Astronomical Timescales

The key to understanding why humans are frequently omitted from these vast cosmic narratives lies in the stark difference between the human evolution timescale and the timescales involved in astronomical events.

Let's consider the timescales:

1 million years ago, we were already human-ish, but a different species, such as Homo erectus or Homo habilus. Within the next million years, we will still be human-ish, but the species will evolve beyond our current form. Five to seven million years ago, we were apes, just like our fellow ancestors. The sun will eventually turn into a white dwarf in about 5 billion years, and the largest black holes will take around (10^{100}) years to evaporate.

These astronomical events, while fascinating and indeed pivotal to the ultimate fate of our universe, occur on timescales that vastly surpass human comprehension and experience. For instance, the Earth will be sterilized by the sun in about 500 million years, and the sun-driven warming will kill most larger organisms in a much smaller timeframe, perhaps 100 million years.

The Role of Human Evolution in Far Future Timelines

Even if we assume that humanity continues to exist, the evidence suggests that we, or our descendants, will have evolved beyond the point of being recognizably human in a relatively short cosmic timescale.

Evolution and Genetic Drift

There are two primary scenarios that could lead to the extinction or transformation of human life:

Genetic Drift: Natural genetic changes leading to the emergence of a new species within a few million years, or even less if environmental pressures accelerate this process. Self-Extinction: Humans could render themselves extinct before evolving into a new species.

In either case, the outcome is the same: human life, as we know it, will be gone. This implies that humans and post-humans will have essentially zero impact on the solar system, the galaxy, or the universe at large.

Impact on Storytelling

While these cosmic events are compelling and important, they often do not directly intersect with the narrative arc that human stories typically follow. Therefore, they are frequently omitted in favor of more relatable and immediate concerns within the human timescale.

For instance, many science fiction stories focus on the immediate future, dealing with near-term concerns such as climate change, technological advancements, and geopolitical conflicts. These narratives are inherently tied to the human experience and are thus more accessible to the audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the omission of humans from far future timelines is not a result of an oversight or a lack of consideration. Instead, it is a reflection of the vast chasm between the human timescale and the astronomical timescales involved in the ultimate fate of our universe. While these cosmic events are indeed pivotal, the human-centric narratives that dominate our storytelling often prioritize immediate and relatable concerns.

However, it is important to note that there are exceptions to this rule. Stories specifically designed to explore post-Solar futures for humanity do exist, but they are often niche and not as widely recognized.

Understanding these timescales and their implications can provide a better appreciation for both the human and cosmic narratives that make up the grand tapestry of our universe.