Abstract
In order to discuss steering the future direction of human civilisation, it is first necessary to define a goal, and in order to do that, it is first necessary to examine the position of the human species in the wider biological and cosmological universe. It is shown that a simple graphical model of the evolution of life can reconcile the controversial concept of evolutionary progress with the scientific demand for a rigorous account of evolutionary change. The position of human society then becomes clear. The forces acting on society at present are propelling it in the direction of continued growth. While no one group within society can steer the whole in a constructive direction, the difficulties and dangers of continued growth can be eased through understanding that major opportunites for further human progress are to be found in space. The focus of material growth should therefore now begin to move out into our Solar System and beyond.
Stephen Ashworth