I’ve just had my second complete total knee replacement, I’ve had other augmentations as well.
I was not kind to my body when I was younger and while I accomplished a lot, I ultimately paid a price… My “parts” started to fail.
Then I think about football players, track stars and rugby players who surely have done worse things than I have to their bodies, I can only imagine what their later lives might be like, especially when they retire and discover that they have done “damage”.
Then I think about Science fiction…machines augmenting and improving humanity.
I really think about Science fiction.
I recall the $6 Million Dollar man from the 70’s …It was popular science fiction then.
I think that Sci Fi isn’t Sci Fi at all now…
I think that all this saving people, and changing people so that they have mobility, or better eyesight or hearing implants-
These are enhancements- enhancements that in a short time will officially see the first cyborgs in society. And most likely, they won’t be the super -soldier of comic book and Sci Fi fame.
Nope, I believe that it will be some one like my neighbor down the street, Mr. Sowicki, who has an “aftermarket” heart. Or it might be someone else. It might be me.
There’s a few people already who have had implants imbedded in their hands and those implants open doors, unlock computers and more. There are 7-11s in other parts of the world who no longer accept cash, so these implants will be the next step, as credit cards are slowly going away, making room for “swipe sticks” and …implants.
The definition of Cyborg is “a fictional or hypothetical person whose physical abilities are extended beyond normal human limitations by mechanical elements built into the body.” However, more and more that “fictional” label is being worn away; and worn away more quickly than most other changes that are taking place all around us.
I am a Cyborg.
The future has arrived.
I am a cyborg.
YOU are a cyborg, too. If you’re not now, you probably will be before you die. And maybe not my generation, but certainly the generation following me will embrace augmentations with a gusto. I mentioned to my 24 year old niece that she will probably live to be over 100. She will have lots of “onboard” devices” to help her get through her life.
She told me that she thought I was being silly.
I told her that I was pretty sure that I was right.
“Besides-, I told her “you have over 70 years to get used to the idea”.
The new day is here and we don’t even know it.
Just call me “Steve”…”Steve Austin”.