It's Time to Get Involved.

Relevance to Generation Z: As the “future” and the next generation, it is critical that we understand the potential we have to irrevocably change—not just the world—but the fate of the human race. It is debatable if we are truly in the century that history “hinges” on, but undisputed that we have increasing power to shape the lives of future generations.

The “hinge of history” debate is over the hypothesis of the same name, which argues that we are at a turning point in the history of the world and humanity.

Arguments in favor of the hypothesis include “the time of perils” perspective, the rise of AI and superintelligence, climate change, and our youth in the true scale of the human race. The “Time of Perils” view derives from the fact that our age has a “high risk of self-annihilation.” And with the growth of technology and AI, the ethics of and how and who will control this superintelligence are a hot topic of debate. As for climate change, it’s no secret we are living dangerously close to the edge. 

The youth of our existence goes both ways. In favor of the “hinge of history” hypothesis, younger generations have a greater capability of making decisions that will leave permanent marks. However, the odds suggest that the chance that history “hinges on” this century is unlikely—considering it is projected that the people yet to be born outnumber all who have lived, past and present, by a factor of 62.

Regardless, it is true that we live in an age of “influence.” As philosopher Will MacAskill of Oxford University puts it, “Influence involves an awareness and ability to choose one of myriad paths.” We have incredible power in choosing what comes next, and we are exceedingly cognizant of it.

- Tia MacDonald

Source: BBC