World renowned theoretical physicist, and cosmologist Stephen Hawking delivered a speech at Oxford University recently about humans' limited stay on Earth. He warned humanity to look for another planet in a span of 1000 years.
It can't be denied that our planet has been experiencing its worst state. A lot has been happening nowadays, including the rise of artificial intelligence, the ravages of climate change and the threats of nuclear terrorism. This is why the 74-year-old Cambridge professor said that it is best to colonize another planet, as cited by the Daily Express, and do it in 1000 years.
His hour-long speech talked about the origins of the universe, as well as the theory of relativity. During the speech, he explained the possible happenings on Earth and why it is best to continue researching and seeking ways to find a safe and new place for humankind.
Hawking continued by saying, "Although the chance of a disaster to planet Earth in a given year may be quite low, it adds up over time, and becomes a near certainty in the next thousand or ten thousand years. By that time we should have spread out into space, and to other stars, so a disaster on Earth would not mean the end of the human race."
Before considering another planet, Hawking suggests it is best to solve the problems we are currently facing right now. True enough, the only way to treat disease is to understand disease.
This is a clear reminder that we should always be careful of the adverse effects of technology and artificial intelligence, according to BBC. While it may have given us the luxury and advancement we never knew we needed, it also creates global problems we never knew existed.
Despite the alarming reminder he delivered, Stephen Hawking ended the talk by saying, "Be curious. However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don't just give up." Take it from Hawking; never stop learning.