If
you think you might have it in you to join our merry band, take this quiz and to
see if you have what it takes.
1) Hypothetically
speaking, imagine a country called Acirema. This country has a population of
approximately 270,311,756 (in 1998) which means that it composes less than
6 percent of the worlds population. However, it consumes over 30 percent of the
worlds resources, including many which will run out within the next 50 years. As
the resources dwindle, this hypothetical country will:
A) Focus a great deal of money, research, and
initiative on finding hi-tech sustainable solutions to its energy problems .
B) Have a wild drunken orgy.
C) Pack its entire population onto an enormous
space-ship and "go where no man has ever been before"
D)
Form an
elite team of scientists and engineers to create a wider variety of Jelly-bean
flavors.
Answer: A, Therefore an
individual with a technical background in environmental issues and experience
working on a team will become invaluable in tomorrow's job market. The drunken
orgy is optional.
2)
Form a mathematical model of an interesting, intelligent, idealistic student
that enjoys meeting people, talking about important issues, and building
something spiffy. Define this model as x. Form a complex system by multiplying x
by over 40 similar variables, and integrate over several years at a large well
funded university. What is the limit of this system?
Answer: Trick question, there
is no limit.
3) An
average rain forest dweller can make a home in six days, give or take, out of
materials found locally. The home is adequate for their needs, but does no
permanent damage to the local ecology.
Including the time it takes for the average American to not only construct, but
pay for the materials, architects, builders, and the interest on the mortgage it
takes 30 years to "build" a home (assuming they are fortunate enough
to ever own their home). Not only does this home initially do irrevocable damage
to the local (and possibly global) ecology, but acts as a constant and
un-sustainable drain on the worlds energy resources.
Please
answer, in short essay form: Who is more advanced?
Answer: The question is a
moot point, as a truly advanced individual would combine the best aspects of
each. This person would combine the wisdom of living with sustainable,
appropriate technology with space age materials, science, and engineering. With
a reasonable amount of intelligence, some friends, elbow grease, and a generous
supply of quality beer civilization is finally within our reach.
4) Finally,
for bonus credit, what is the best way to make a difference?
A) Wait until other people solve the
problem for you.
B) Sit down in front of the TV, and
channel surf until you don't care anymore.
C) Find some other similarly motivated
people, and do something!
D) Find the square root of 73, do a
no-holds-barred Laplace transform, and bang your head into a table.
Answer: C: "Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. " - Margaret Mead