As of this posting, the buildings are still standing. People are still breathing oxygen, and I am perfectly capable of going to a Chinese restaurant (definite sign of the apocalypse if not on that one).
Ida, what they (scientists) are calling a nearly 50 million year old "bridge" animal from primates to humans. What is exciting about this unveiling, and what most people are missing? This find doesn't make a difference.
To science, and boldly going where no one has gone? Yes, it's exciting. However Darwin died in 1882, and the same fundamental debate has been going on. Basically: Religion vs Science. I'm not going to divulge into this argument. I will say that this fossil will be forgotten in most peoples mind in two weeks, and those on the non-scientific side haven't even heard of Ida. Which is fine.
The people in search of that illusive thing we call reality, and history. They know that every biological discovery since Darwin's Origin of Species makes sense in light of that. To them, Ida is simply one more piece of the hardest puzzle ever. To those who don't believe in evolution, it's just a bunch of rocks.
This is public discourse. "You're burning in hell!". "You're an ignoramus!". Nothing will change because as a society people insist whoever wins an election is truth. Truth is completely independent of public discourse. We could have a 100 year debate over whether Donkey Kong was indeed a real ape. That doesn't make Donkey Kong any more than the greatest imaginary video game character ever.
I realize that people will want creationism, intelligent design, or other alternatives to be taught right beside evolution in school. I'm fine with that, as it doesn't make Donkey Kong a real ape. I'm safe to say that not all in science has foundations (as I'd love to see String Theory come crashing down). I will fully admit that evolution may indeed be an imaginary ape. Keep an open mind.
Recommended reading: "Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life" by Gerald Pollack.
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