The Antikythera mechanism reveals new secrets
The Antikythera mechanism gives me nightmares. Just as the suggestion that a lack of transmissions from intelligent life means the existence of a great filter. The Antikythera mechanism is a strong indicator of technological regression in human beings.<p>Perhaps more terrifying is the fact that it is not the first time we've regressed or collapsed. The mysterious Late Bronze Age Collapse is another example, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Bronze_Age_collapse" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Late_Bronze_Age_collapse</a> Or, the Classic Maya civilization collapse, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_Maya_collapse" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_Maya_collapse</a><p>It is inconceivable for us to imagine a rapid regression today. Our civilization seems invincible, the knowledge seems to be too widespread. But most of our knowledge is brittle. If you were to send a time capsule forward with the recipes to remake our modern world, including eUV technology. How would you do it? (using extant literature)<p>Research papers require years of study and background knowledge to fully understand and they fully fail to capture the science involved. Patents are even more inscrutable. We couldn't send our CAD drawings and specifications forward either, because they require specialized knowledge as well. After all, how would they build an iPhone if they don't know how to make screws or glue? Or, the multi-layer PCBs etc.<p>Another renaissance to recreate our civilization from our published work would be nearly impossible. Or, take centuries to accomplish.<p>It may be fruitful to imagine ways to fit civilization into a box that can last tens of thousands of years, so that future generations can find it —— post apocalyptic tragedy —— and rapidly recreate our world.