Considering the fact that most animal populations never live to a "ripe old age," I'd say we're doing better than average. If that's good, and our contributions here help steer thoughts on various topics in the right direction and away from ill-informed decisions that will adversely affect many others, I'd say that's a good thing indeed.

__________________
I am Mugs, of the Alien clan of Usa, Nordamerica, a Terran, of Sol.

Perception isn't reality. It's merely an abstraction thereof, and quite often not a very good one at that.

"Staying young requires the unceasing cultivation of the ability to unlearn old falsehoods." - Heinlein

"Freedom begins when you tell Ms. Grundy to go fly a kite." - Heinlein