At RealClearScience Ross Pomeroy presents the evidence that the human species has reached its biological limits in terms of lifespan, height, and athletic performance (800-meter sprint, high-jump, and shot-put):
The 20th century was a period of unprecedented biological growth for our species. The average human lifespan increased from 31 years in 1900 to 66 years in 2000. Adults grew more than 8 centimeters taller. Sports records toppled on an annual basis.
Yet at the dawn of the 21st century, humanity’s growth has noticeably slowed, and the change seems to be a trend, not an anomaly. Much to the dismay of fanciful futurists like Ray Kurzweil, who envision humans living 200 years or more, our species shows no signs of pressing forward to to new biological heights without serious technological intervention. Instead, we are plateauing.
In the coming years I suspect there will be some evolution in what we consider “biological development” and “losing our humanity” but I believe that overall Mr. Pomeroy’s observations are correct. I will not live forever; the odds are that I won’t live much past 85; the recognition of that reality is an important part of the human condition.
