Genius Club

Chapter 1399: Chapter 46 Hunter_3

In this situation, direction is particularly important.

It’s very possible that one direction may be smooth in the early and mid stages, only to prove untenable in the end; or a direction may face constant obstacles without progress in the early and mid stages, but once the bottleneck is broken, it leads to a bright future.

In the past few centuries, there have been instances of choosing the wrong path in technology, leading to many detours.

The most typical debate happened in the early 22nd century when humanity was preparing for space exploration: the battle between reactionless spaceship engines and reactionary spaceship engines.

Global scientists formed two equally matched factions.

On one side, the Conservative Faction believed in continuing the development of reactionary engines and undertaking a plan where fuel is supplemented step-by-step using gas planets during space travel.

On the other side, the Reformists believed in taking a bold step to research reactionless engines collectively and solving long-range space travel once and for all.

Ultimately, the Reformists claimed victory with their epoch-making ideas, and scientists worldwide began research on reactionless engines.

However, centuries passed...

It was ultimately confirmed that reactionless engines were merely a fantasy, a beautiful dream, completely unsuitable for space travel; at least, with the technological capabilities of the current era, they were completely impractical.

Centuries wasted like that, humanity turned back to reactionary engines.

If... during that initial conference, the decision had been made to select the traditional yet reliable reactionary engine for continued research, would human civilization, centuries later, have taken a different path?

It’s a pity that time offers no regrets.

Centuries of time and talent were wasted.

After this event, the scientific community generally became conservative, greatly damaging innovation and the willingness to innovate.

The female secretary watched Hans sit in the host’s seat, squeezing her palm nervously.

Will he...

succeed?

After a brief opening speech, the conference began, overwhelmingly dominated by the view that human sciences should focus on humanity, enhancing and genetically modifying the human body without detaching from it; science instruments can be relied upon but not excessively; items like electronic prosthetics, electronic eyes, electronic brains are entirely untenable.

They believed that the mechanical acceptance limit for the human body should be simple functional prosthetics for disabled people and certain mechanical organs for medical use.

"But we must grasp this extent and boundary well!"

A scientific authority in the audience spoke:

"If from the very beginning we don’t grasp this extent, allowing prosthetics and fake organs to develop excessively powerful, it’s hard to imagine... whether in the future, there will be people deliberately removing healthy limbs and organs to install those cold machines."

His views were recognized by many attendees.

In fact, even by 2504, the level of acceptance for mechanical prosthetics and electronic organs remained very low amongst humans. As long as one’s healthy organs were functional, no one would willingly exchange them for mechanical ones... naturally, there were also few scholars researching in these areas.

However.

The conference.

Hans, serving as the global leader in technology, was a firm Reformist.

"Everyone."

He stood up, unafraid of the room full of Conservatives seeking comfort in numbers:

"If the development of a technology truly benefits human lifespan, physical strength, health, or even intelligence... why should we stubbornly hold onto the old ways and refuse new things?"

"Nowadays, the fear of failure and subtle unwillingness to innovate prevails in the academic world, with a global outlook except essentially China’s Rhein University, showcasing this passive attitude."

"Indeed, the dreadful failure of reactionless engines caused humanity to waste centuries of valuable time, but should we topple this failure and thus abandon all hope for the future?"

Hans’ gaze was sharp as he slowly scanned the surroundings, speaking deeply:

"[Do you truly believe the human body is perfect? No, you are simply afraid of failure, afraid of stepping onto the wrong path again, wasting centuries of time.] "

"What’s there to be afraid of! Are humans only a few centuries away from extinction? Impactful in the present, beneficial for unicorns, there must be someone willing to make this attempt! If we don’t start research on electronic prosthetics, electronic organs, and electronic brains now... then when shall we begin?"

"Scientists and scholars, if everyone cannot stand firmly at the forefront of technology, it will be meaningless! If none of you dare to try failures, who will have the courage to try failure?!"

...

...

Hans’ reprimand left the room silent.

Gradually.

A few places began to clap, which slowly transformed into thunderous applause throughout the hall!

Indeed.

Hans was right...

Should human civilization bow its head and be defeated due to a single failure?

Everyone was well aware in their hearts.

The fusion of electronics, intelligence, machinery, advanced materials, and nuclear batteries, creating electronic prosthetics, electronic eyes, and electronic brains, would surpass the performance and endurance of the human body significantly.

But conservative thoughts and the traditional human-centric view prevented exploring these research areas.

In the final vote.

Under Hans’ leadership, electronic prosthetics and electronic brains became the new direction for human sciences moving forward, marking the moment when humanity began its journey toward a bright future!

"Great job, Hans!"

After the meeting ended, the secretary excitedly approached, brimming with enthusiasm:

"You succeeded! You will lead humanity towards a new age!"

"It still relies on everyone’s collective efforts."

Hans said calmly:

"One person alone cannot change the world; this human science revolution... is another long marathon, a race between humanity and destiny."

As they exited the building, the self-driving car the secretary arranged had already arrived at the entrance. Hans took the passenger seat while the secretary drove him home personally.

"Hans, I’ll pick you up again tomorrow. Just wait at home. Until the police complete their investigation, you must be cautious about going out and ensure your safety."

"Understood."

Hans, tired, waved:

"See you tomorrow."

...

After the secretary drove away, Hans looked toward the door lock, ensuring the iris scan and various biometric validations made the lock accessible only to him.

Click.

After opening the door.

Hans walked into the living room and turned on the light.

"Ah!!"

He shouted, stepping back, stumbling, almost falling!

He saw...

Sitting on a chair next to the dining table in the living room, there was a young man with a smile on his face, beside him stood a trash can robot with glowing green eyes.

The young man, arms crossed and legs propped up, had clearly been lying in wait for some time.

"[A hunter will inevitably become prey.]"

Lin Xian smiled lightly, looking at the elderly man who arrived late:

"I’ve told you this twice altogether, whereas you can only hear it once."

"So, how should I address you?"

"Newton... or Copernicus?"