Human

Human military pilots from the Federated Planets of Earth imaged as part of a recruitment campaign in 2203.

## Society

### Predominant Language

English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Hindi

Humans, native to the planet Earth in the Sol System, are a bipedal primate species distinguished by their advanced cognitive abilities, societal structures, and capacity for empathy. With a rich history spanning back to approximately 300,000 years ago, humans have overcome numerous challenges, evolving from nomadic hunter-gatherers to establishing vast civilizations and, eventually, exploring the vastness of space. Through their advancements in technology and collective societal efforts, they formed the Federated Planets of Earth, marking their prominence in interstellar politics and cooperation by the 23rd century.

## Overview

Humans, scientifically known as *Homo sapiens*, are a species of primates indigenous to Earth, the third planet in the Sol system. Originating in Africa, humans have expanded their domain across Earth and eventually reached out to colonize other celestial bodies within the Sol system, and neighboring star systems like Alpha Centauri and Epsilon Eridani. Characterized by their bipedalism, advanced cognition, and complex social structures, humans have become the dominant life form on Earth and have a profound influence on the planet's environment, ecosystems, and other species.

## Etymology and Definition

The term "human" is derived from the Latin word "hūmānus," related to "homo," meaning "man" or "person." The scientific name *Homo sapiens* translates to "wise man," reflecting the species' capacity for advanced thought, problem-solving, and culture creation. The definition of a human isn't just biological but is also tied to their unique cultural, philosophical, and sociological aspects that set them apart from other life forms.

## Evolution

The evolutionary tale of *Homo sapiens* is woven into the fabric of life on Earth, a journey that began millions of years ago with the divergence of humans from other primates. This story is best understood through the lens of numerous intermediate species and evolutionary adaptations that paved the way for modern humans.

The lineage of humans, or hominins, diverged from the lineage leading to chimpanzees, our closest extant relatives, between 5 to 7 million years ago in Africa. The earliest known hominins, such as *Ardipithecus* and *Australopithecus*, displayed both bipedal locomotion and adaptations suitable for climbing trees. These species, like *Australopithecus afarensis*—the famous "Lucy"—showed a blend of traits indicating a transition from a life in the trees to one on the ground.

Around 2.5 million years ago, the first members of the genus *Homo* emerged. *Homo habilis*, aptly named "handy man," is believed to be among the first to use stone tools, marking the beginning of the Paleolithic era. This was followed by *Homo erectus*, a species with a larger brain and a more human-like body proportion. *Homo erectus* is significant not only for its physiological adaptations but also for its behavioral innovations, like controlled use of fire and potentially the first rudimentary forms of spoken language.

Various species of the genus *Homo* migrated out of Africa, with *Homo erectus* reaching as far as Asia. In Europe, another human ancestor, *Homo neanderthalensis* or Neanderthals, adapted to colder climates and exhibited sophisticated tool-making and cultural expressions.

Back in Africa, around 300,000 years ago, *Homo sapiens* made their debut. With even larger brains, intricate tool-making capabilities, and symbolic expressions like art and jewelry, they began to expand beyond the African continent approximately 70,000 years ago. As they spread, they encountered other hominins like the Neanderthals and the mysterious Denisovans. Genetic evidence suggests that interbreeding occurred between these groups, leaving traces in the DNA of modern humans outside of Africa.

While many hominin species walked the Earth at different points in history, *Homo sapiens* were the only ones to survive into the present day. They endured through a combination of biological adaptations, such as changes in diet and resistance to diseases, and cultural innovations, like clothing, complex social structures, and advanced hunting techniques.

The development of agriculture around 10,000 years ago further accelerated human evolution. With the shift from a nomadic lifestyle to settled communities, humans began to experience changes in diet, lifestyle, and even in their genetics, as genes favoring agrarian societies became more prevalent. This agricultural revolution laid the foundation for the rise of civilizations, setting the stage for the next chapters in the story of humanity.

The evolutionary journey of *Homo sapiens* underscores the intricate interplay of biology, environment, and culture. From the savannahs of Africa to the vast expanse of outer space in recent centuries, humans have continuously adapted and evolved, showcasing the remarkable plasticity and resilience of the species.

## History

Human history is a rich tapestry of innovation, exploration, conflict, and growth. As humans evolved biologically, so too did their societies and cultures, leaving profound imprints on the world.

### Ancient Civilizations (c. 3500 BCE - 500 BCE):

Beginning with the development of writing in ancient Sumer around 3200 BCE, the emergence of the first civilizations marks the start of recorded history. These early societies in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China formed around fertile river valleys, which supported agriculture. The creation of written scripts like cuneiform and hieroglyphics allowed for more complex administration and the codification of laws, as seen in Hammurabi's code. The philosophical and religious traditions of ancient India and China took root during this period, laying the groundwork for millennia of cultural and intellectual growth.

### 2. Classical Antiquity (c. 500 BCE - 500 CE):

The subsequent millennium saw the rise of empires that would shape global culture and geopolitics. The Greek city-states, particularly Athens, became centers of learning and democracy. In time, the conquests of Alexander the Great spread Hellenistic culture far and wide. Meanwhile, Rome evolved from a republic to a dominant empire, bringing innovations in governance, architecture, and engineering. In India, the Maurya and Gupta empires flourished, while China saw the Han Dynasty's golden age.

### 3. Middle Ages (c. 500 - 1500 CE):

Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, Europe entered a period often termed the "Dark Ages," characterized by feudalism and the spread of Christianity. However, this era wasn't dark everywhere. Islamic Golden Age scholars in the Middle East and North Africa preserved and expanded upon the knowledge of antiquity. In the East, the Tang and Song dynasties in China saw revolutionary advances, and the Mongol Empire connected Asia and Europe like never before.

### 4. Renaissance to Enlightenment (c. 1500 - 1800):

The European Renaissance marked a renewed interest in art, science, and Greco-Roman traditions. Pioneers like Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo expanded horizons in multiple fields. The Age of Discovery followed, with explorers like Columbus, Magellan, and Vasco da Gama charting new routes and encountering previously unknown continents. Intellectual revolutions continued through the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights.

### 5. Industrialization to Modern Era (c. 1800 - 2000):

The period spanning from 1800 to 2000 saw the world change in myriad ways. Commencing with the Industrial Revolution in Britain in the late 18th century, a series of technological advancements began to shape global societies. The power of steam engines, railroads, telegraphs, and electricity evolved the nature of labor and transportation. These innovations led to a drastic move from agrarian societies to bustling urban centers and factories. As the 19th century rolled on, the world witnessed a whirlwind of invention and expansion. The Scramble for Africa, colonial endeavors in Asia, and the surge of imperial influence spread European governance, economic systems, and cultural nuances across continents.

However, as the world plunged into the 20th century, global tumult took center stage. The ravages of two World Wars redefined geopolitics, decimated economies, and left profound societal scars. From these ashes arose organizations like the United Nations, conceived with the hope of preventing future global conflicts. As the wars ceased, the shackles of colonialism began to shatter, paving the way for the birth of new nations, each imbibing political and economic templates from their erstwhile rulers. The 20th century's latter half stood witness to the digital age's dawn. Innovations like transistors, personal computers, and the internet altered human communication. Concurrently, the century saw powerful waves of civil rights movements, pushes for gender equality, and a broader emphasis on individual freedoms.

### 6. The Anthropocene (21st century):

The 21st century stands out as a crucible of challenges and innovations for humanity. The beginning of the century was marked by pressing global crises. Unchecked climate change, rapid overpopulation, recurrent pandemics, and economic calamities cast a shadow over Earth's future. By 2040, these combined pressures had pushed the political capacities of even the mightiest nations to their limits. The institutions that once maintained the world's delicate balance buckled, leading to geopolitical chaos. Wars erupted in various parts of the globe, particularly in East Asia, Central Europe, and Northern Africa. Such conflicts consumed invaluable resources, exacerbating global crises further.

Yet, in the backdrop of this Earthly turmoil, technology and human resilience pushed forward. Breakthroughs in fusion power, coupled with an ambition to colonize the cosmos, presented hope in the face of adversity. Colonies on celestial bodies such as Luna, Mars, and Titan began to flourish, evolving both culturally and economically. However, as they grew more autonomous and assertive, tensions with Earth heightened. There was a palpable sense of nationalism and a desire for self-rule among these off-world settlements. Matters reached a point where many colonies contemplated severing ties with Earth, expressing discontent with their Terran counterparts' perceived neglect.

Meanwhile, on Earth, in response to the fragmented global order, new alliances and 'super-states' began to emerge. Entities like the European Union, the North American Federation, and the People's Republic of Asia consolidated vast swathes of power. Their might was often directed towards military endeavors, attempting to gain an upper hand in the complex global stalemate. A precarious balance was struck, and while major blocs of influence emerged, a significant portion of their potential was squandered in unfruitful military campaigns.

However, 2071 brought a silver lining. The looming threat of nuclear war catalyzed a renewed push for unity. Major global powers, including the Pan-Pacific Federation, Caribbean Confederacy, and European Union, began discussions to overhaul the faltering United Nations. The outcome was the formation of the United Federation of Nations (UFN). This renewed entity championed numerous innovations, from renewable energy production to advanced atmospheric processing. Furthermore, its emphasis on space exploration ensured that off-world colonies were reintegrated into its power structure, restoring an Earth-centric balance to the solar system.

Yet, as is often the case with monumental shifts, the UFN's rise was met with resistance, particularly from outer space colonies still feeling sidelined. Many Martian settlements, for instance, threatened to halt trade with Earth entirely. In response to these challenges and to further unify Earth with its off-world colonies, 2117 witnessed the UFN's metamorphosis into the Federated Planets Of Earth. This entity, with its internal market, standardized laws, and elected parliament, aimed to weave a tighter fabric of cooperation across Earth and its space colonies. The aspiration was clear: to pave the path for humanity's first unified government, encompassing Earth and beyond, and ensuring a harmonious future in the cosmos.

### The Solar Age (22nd Century):

The 22nd century is remembered as an era of unprecedented expansion and exploration, characterized by humanity's determination to further understand its place in the cosmos. As the Federated Planets of Earth (FPE) matured, they channeled resources into developing technologies that could facilitate longer and safer voyages into deep space. The century was marked by the inception of advanced propulsion systems, most notably the Fusion Drive, which allowed for efficient and quick travel across the solar system.

As the global community embraced a relatively peaceful era on Earth, the central focus shifted towards tapping into the rich resources of the solar system and even beyond. The asteroid belt became a hub for mining operations, which significantly reduced the strain on Earth's resources. Additionally, the gas giants, primarily Jupiter and Saturn, were explored for potential energy harnessing.

Colonies on Luna, Mars, and Titan continued to flourish and serve as essential outposts for further expeditions into the solar system's outer realms. Several groundbreaking missions were launched to explore the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud, unraveling mysteries of the early solar system. The century also witnessed the establishment of the first human settlements on Uranus' and Neptune's moons in addition to several dwarf planets such as Pluto, Eris and Makemake.

The century concluded most notably with the Constellation Program, which saw the research, development and subsequent breakthrough in faster-than-light propulsion, resulting the revolutionary technology of the Alcubierre Drive.

### The Interstellar Age (23rd Century):

By the 23rd century, humanity had solidified its presence in its solar system and with the invention of the Alcubierre Drive, was ready to venture into interstellar space. The Constellation Program continued to be the most influential event in centuries, with its maiden flight, flown by the FPSV Voyager, arriving in Alpha Centauri on the 16th of March 2200.

The first decade of the 23rd century saw the colonisation of Terra, Alpha Centauri III on the 5th of September 2205, an accomplishment that was not only a testament to human ingenuity but also signaled the birth of a new branch of human civilization beyond our home solar system. Rapidly, the FPE began to expand with witness the colonisation of Poseidon, and Elysium in Alpha Centauri, Atlas and Eda in Proxima Centauri, Avalon in Barnard's Star and Nova in Epsilon Eridani. These habitable exoplanets became known as the core worlds, the crown jewels among their sister systems of Procyon, Ross 128, Sirius, Epsilon Indi, and many others.

Trade routes spanning interstellar distances began to emerge, with ships ferrying goods, resources, and people between star systems. The development of the Quantum Communication Arrays made real-time communication possible over these vast distances, ensuring seamless coordination between various human settlements.

In this era of exploration, a resurgence in philosophical and existential thought became prominent. Humanity grappled with its place in the universe, leading to a renaissance in art, literature, and music. Themes of unity, the fragility of existence, and the vastness of the universe became central to cultural expressions.

## Biology

Human biology is characterized by its bipedal posture, opposable thumbs, and large brain relative to body size. The human brain, especially the neocortex, is responsible for advanced cognitive abilities, such as reasoning, language, and introspection.

Human genetics is diverse, with ancestry traced back to different populations across Earth. This diversity is reflected in various physical characteristics, such as skin color, hair texture, and facial features. In recent centuries, human biology has been impacted by advancements in medical technology, resulting in increased life expectancy and improved overall health.

## Psychology

Human psychology is multifaceted and influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Emotions, cognition, personality, and behavior patterns form the core of human psychology. The capacity for abstract thought, self-awareness, and the ability to plan for the future are some distinguishing psychological traits of humans.

Humans are inherently social beings, seeking connection and interaction with others. This social nature has given rise to complex societal structures, cultural norms, and value systems that influence individual and collective human behavior.

## Culture and Society

Human culture is diverse and ever-evolving. It encompasses languages, arts, traditions, rituals, religions, and value systems. With globalization, various cultures have intersected and integrated, leading to a rich tapestry of shared human heritage.

Societal structures have evolved over time, from tribal organizations to complex political entities. The foundation of the FPE marked a significant shift towards a more unified global society, fostering collaboration and shared goals for humanity's future.

The colonization of other planets and systems has added another layer to human culture, with new traditions and norms emerging from interstellar interactions and the challenges of establishing life on foreign worlds.