Editing 1664: Mycology
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The title text parodies numerous {{w|Conspiracy_theory|conspiracy theories}}, by suggesting that {{w|corn}}, which has been propagated by humans throughout large parts of the world, is actually just a fungus that has used humans, and is not a grain at all. This type of theory is remarkably similar to the {{w|Brain in a Vat}} thought experiment, and to the {{w|Isaac Asimov}} short story {{w|Each an Explorer}}. In both cases something has affected the perception of the mind itself, making it impossible to discern the true reality of something. | The title text parodies numerous {{w|Conspiracy_theory|conspiracy theories}}, by suggesting that {{w|corn}}, which has been propagated by humans throughout large parts of the world, is actually just a fungus that has used humans, and is not a grain at all. This type of theory is remarkably similar to the {{w|Brain in a Vat}} thought experiment, and to the {{w|Isaac Asimov}} short story {{w|Each an Explorer}}. In both cases something has affected the perception of the mind itself, making it impossible to discern the true reality of something. | ||
− | This is quite similar to an argument made in the book {{w|Sapiens:_A_Brief_History_of_Humankind|''Sapiens''}}. Author Yuval Noah Harari points out that domesticated crops are among the most successful life forms on the planet, in terms of propagation. These plants have influenced humans to do everything in our considerable power to spread their seeds, eliminate competing plants and animals, and even provide fertilizer and irrigation to help them grow and spread. From the perspective of the plants, they've domesticated us, rather than the other way around. This differs from Randall's conspiracy theory, in that domesticated plants provide us with food in exchange for propagation, making this more like {{w|symbiosis}} than {{ | + | This is quite similar to an argument made in the book "{{w|Sapiens:_A_Brief_History_of_Humankind|''Sapiens''}}. Author Yuval Noah Harari points out that domesticated crops are among the most successful life forms on the planet, in terms of propagation. These plants have influenced humans to do everything in our considerable power to spread their seeds, eliminate competing plants and animals, and even provide fertilizer and irrigation to help them grow and spread. From the perspective of the plants, they've domesticated us, rather than the other way around. This differs from Randall's conspiracy theory, in that domesticated plants provide us with food in exchange for propagation, making this more like {{w|symbiosis}} than {{parasitism}}. |
Conspiracy theories are a [[:Category:Conspiracy theory|recurring subject]] on xkcd. | Conspiracy theories are a [[:Category:Conspiracy theory|recurring subject]] on xkcd. |