Extinct Quote by Bruce Sterling
““BRUCE STERLING Homo sapiens declared extinct , Nature, November 11, 1999: Since I've been asked to offer an epitaph," the highly distributed poetware continued, "I believe that we should rearrange the Great Wall of China to spell out (in Chinese of course, since most of them were always Chinese) -- 'THEY WERE VERY, VERY CURIOUS, BUT NOT AT ALL FAR-SIGHTED.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Nature, November 11 1999, “BRUCE STERLING Homo sapiens declared extinct”
The quote humorously suggests that humanity’s curiosity led to its downfall, and that we should mark that with a massive, ironic monument.
In simple terms: Human curiosity caused our demise; we should commemorate it dramatically.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the double‑edged nature of curiosity.
Themes
curiosity
human nature
legacy
irony
Mood
wry
thoughtful
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- environmental policy
- education
- public art
- historical reflection
Key Concepts
existential risk
cultural critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does humor affect our perception of existential threats?
- What responsibilities come with curiosity?
A Different Perspective
The joke may downplay serious ecological concerns.
![“If America suffers from drugs, perhaps you should ask what America is lacking, [“What an asshole,”] Eric King commented suddenly. They ignored him.” quote by Bruce Sterling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a1c/bruce-sterling-3596_america-suffers_if-america-suffers-from-drugs-perhaps-yo_363226.jpg)
![“In ten years [i.e., 1980] all important animal life in the sea will be extinct. Large areas of coastline will have to be evacuated because of the stench of dead fish.” quote by Paul R. Ehrlich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/552/paul-r-ehrlich-13046_animal_in-ten-years-i-e-1980-all-important-anim_180543.jpg)
