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0 pointsjquery2y ago0 comments

Ask horses how they're doing these days... just because we've always found a use for humans because of their unique cognitive abilities doesn't mean we always will find a use.

I think it's critical to be thinking about how to make sure wealth isn't simply funneled to a few capitalists who own everything simply by virtue of them being first, because it seems that's the future we're heading for if we aren't careful.

I think you, and I, and everyone on HN will be fine (more or less...) but I am worried about a wide swath of people who will get "left behind."

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someplaceguy2y ago· 2 in thread

> Ask horses how they're doing these days...

It would be pointless. Do you even know that 99% of horses can't speak English?

Anyway, my own experience tells me they're mostly just horsing around.

A lot more leisure and a lot less work than a few centuries ago...

Good times!

CaptWillard2y ago

"The [horse] population peaked in 1910 at 27.5 million, more than 600% higher than in 1840. What does the overall growth of horses and mules during the nineteenth century suggest about the relationship between animal power and the introduction of new mechanical technologies, including the steam engine?"

https://energyhistory.yale.edu/horse-and-mule-population-sta...

someplaceguy2y ago

> "The [horse] population peaked in 1910 at 27.5 million, more than 600% higher than in 1840."

Clearly unsustainable, so I'm glad that problem solved itself. Phew! Can you imagine what it'd be like if they continued reproducing like a plague?

Anyway, the real question is: were they happier in 1910 when they were our slaves or are they happier now that they have more leisure?

How do you even measure happiness in a horse?

How do you measure happiness in humans?

Is happiness even real?

What is the meaning of life?

What does "42" mean?

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