Eden's Monsters: Trilobites, Anomalocarises, Sea Scorpions and Other Creatures

Throughout human history, humanity has existed surrounded by monsters. Yet it was precisely because of them that the smartest, fastest, and most agile survived—helping develop our physical and mental abilities, as well as skills for using tools. We have defeated all our enemies: some became exhibits in museums, some were added to the Red Book, some became our pets, and some became part of our genetic heritage. But there is a danger hidden in this: reaching the top, we may stop evolving, which often leads to extinction. Now we dominate the planet—but does that mean evolution is over for us and it’s time for us to disappear? We ourselves nearly became monsters and continue to teeter on the edge, risking the destruction of Earth’s ecosystem. Perhaps it’s time to consciously manage evolution. In theory, we are capable of controlling living matter, and that could be the key to preserving and spreading life throughout the universe. But to do this, we must understand ourselves, think rationally, and strive to improve. That is exactly what science exists for, including paleontology and anthropology. The age of monsters is ending, and our goal is to open a new era—the era of Reason.