The evolution of human sociotechnical systems shows some trends that, though initially
adaptive, may become inadaptive if the long run is considered. Technical progress, for
instance, entails an increase of destructive powers and augments the efficiency of
intraspecific conflict as a mechanism for self-consumption of the species. It can be foreseen
that technical advancement, which up to now has increased the species' dominance and
genetic fitness, beyond a given threshold may make this fitness decrease, possibly leading
the species to extinction or considerable reduction. It is argued that this critical limit has
been already crossed or will be crossed before long.
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