Chapter 1: Generational Reflections

As I consider the future, it’s clear that the older generations may have a deeper connection to the younger ones than I might anticipate when I reach that age. I recognize the changes on the horizon and feel reluctant to embrace them.

I will take a moment to pause from the latest news on conflicts. Instead, let’s look ahead with the hopeful belief that we’ll navigate through the coming months without facing catastrophic consequences.

At 53 years old, I belong to Generation X. I share my home with a 16-year-old boy, my fiancée's son, who is part of Generation Z. It's intriguing that this generation is labeled "Z," as I fear they may represent the culmination of biologically born humans.

Given my family history, I expect to live to at least 80, even if I were to adopt unhealthy habits for the next two decades. Since I avoid tobacco and don’t have much interest in drinking, reaching 90 or even 100 seems plausible. Unless unforeseen environmental factors or health system issues arise, it looks like I’ll be around for a while.

I trust that I will retain my cognitive faculties as well. My paternal grandmother was an enthusiastic reader until her last days, and my parents remain sharp and wise, often providing me with valuable insights. Their life experiences still hold significance in our current world.

However, I doubt I will be able to say the same when I turn 80. I anticipate having little in common with the upcoming "goner generation," filled with meta-zombies and cyborgs enhanced by technology.

At present, humans are still essentially "humans," but I suspect this reality won't endure much longer.

I have no ambition to pursue "eternal life," a desire shared by many today. The trajectory of science and technology suggests that we may soon witness practical immortality through a unique consciousness or possibly a merging of multiple consciousnesses into one entity. If you think tribalism is intense now, just wait until all factions coalesce into a singular collective.

I won't know how to relate to such an "advanced" being, nor will I understand their offspring when they decide to reproduce. I can only imagine that their perception of the world will far exceed my own, leaving me struggling to keep pace if I remain biological and susceptible.

Currently, boomers serve as parents and grandparents, but that era will soon fade. Eventually, it will be up to us Xers to hold onto the essence of humanity within our biological minds and bodies. While some may dive into the “meta pool,” future generations will have the option to completely abandon their biological roots, transforming into something different, customizable, and utterly strange. The next wave of "human" consciousness may never even comprehend the human experience.

Chapter 2: A School Fire and Reflections on Change

Today marks the day when the school burned down. One would typically expect to find a group of jubilant children nearby. Yet, the reality is far from that.

I’m uncertain about what the future holds for those like me who will resist these changes. Perhaps it's premature to determine what I will desire at that age. I might yearn for youth and the excitement of joining them, but I doubt it. Evolution tends to favor the young. After living for so long, I believe all a weary mind truly seeks is rest.

Throughout my life, I’ve endeavored to maintain an open mindset. This has helped keep my thoughts youthful, yet until recently, I never genuinely considered the possibility of living indefinitely. I never contemplated the question: what is the purpose of never reaching a conclusion?

“Alright, Xer.”