It is a profound and unsettling paradox of our civilization that we possess the technical mastery to map the stars and engineer sophisticated weaponry, yet we have not fully solved the fundamental crisis of human suffering.

Imagine a world where the staggering $2.7 trillion annually funneled into global military expenditures and the additional trillions in  bn  space investments were redirected toward elevating human existence on Earth. Poverty alleviation alone could be achieved with far less.

Estimates suggest that ending extreme poverty worldwide would require just $318 billion per year, allowing these funds to eradicate hunger, provide universal access to clean water, and build resilient communities free from destitution. Health systems would flourish, bridging gaps in global funding that currently leave millions without essential care, while education could close its $97 billion annual shortfall, ensuring every child receives quality schooling and lifelong learning opportunities.

Humanity services, from disaster relief to social welfare, would transform societies into equitable havens, fostering innovation driven by well-nourished minds rather than conflict. This reallocation could usher in an era of unprecedented peace and progress, where human potential is unlocked not through arms or distant explorations, but through investments in our shared terrestrial home.

Yet, despite this compelling vision, the world’s intelligentsia—scientists, policymakers, and thought leaders—often remain ensnared in entrenched systems prioritizing national security and technological prestige over collective well-being. Geopolitical tensions perpetuate  military hardware expenditures, while space pursuits captivate imaginations with promises of future frontiers, diverting attention from pressing earthly crises. Funding cuts in global health and education, projected to worsen with declines like the $3.2 billion drop in education aid by 2026, highlight a misalignment of priorities, where short-term gains eclipse long-term human advancement.

To catalyze change, these experts must advocate for paradigm shifts: collaborative international frameworks, evidence-based reallocations, and ethical innovations that measure success by lives improved rather than arsenals amassed. By uniting human intellect with scientific rigor, we can forge a path toward a more compassionate world, proving that true intelligence lies in stewardship of our planet and its people. By realigning our genius with our humanity, we can transform the remaining era of civilization into an era where the survival of the fittest is replaced by flourishing of the whole and throwing stones at each other is replaced by minding own business, in peace. ..CN report, 13 Jan 2026