If you could change the laws of physics...

[gmalivuk]

If we're allowed some new control over physical laws or specific phenomenon, and Klear says "let serotonin and dopamine fill every synapse", we are all going to be pretty damn happy. Unfortunately it would also be a lot like being stoned all the time, and we would lose the motivation to do anything (including eat or reproduce). The human race would die with giant smiles and a long-ass 'To Do' list.

Careful you don't accidentally make Reavers in the process.

[elasto]

I actually think that's the most plausible answer to the Fermi Paradox: I could easily see how, within the next century or two, humanity could have the ability to exist in a state of permanent bliss and live entirely in virtual worlds - whether that's via biological interfaces or through uploading into hardware entirely.

And, once you can manipulate and explore a virtual universe - a universe that feels exactly as real as this one but without any physical limits or danger, why on earth would you be out exploring the real universe? Just have some AI ships patrol your solar system to prevent any danger from outsiders interfering and go spent a near-eternity in your sandbox fun-house.

[SlyReaper]

I suspect there would always be some people who would be horrified by the thought of spending their entire lives blissing out in a virtual world. The only way to stop these rebels waking up would be to make everyone forget that it's not real.

Now how do you know we're not already in such a virtual reality? If it's possible to simulate universes (and there's no indication at this point that it isn't), then its probable that the vast majority of universes are simulated.

[Klear]

The only way to stop these rebels waking up would be to make everyone forget that it's not real.

Why would anyone stop them? As long as they wont interfere with the unlives of everybody else, there's no need for conflict.

[SlyReaper]

Because Vectron commands it!

[Xanthir]

I actually think that's the most plausible answer to the Fermi Paradox: I could easily see how, within the next century or two, humanity could have the ability to exist in a state of permanent bliss and live entirely in virtual worlds - whether that's via biological interfaces or through uploading into hardware entirely.

And, once you can manipulate and explore a virtual universe - a universe that feels exactly as real as this one but without any physical limits or danger, why on earth would you be out exploring the real universe? Just have some AI ships patrol your solar system to prevent any danger from outsiders interfering and go spent a near-eternity in your sandbox fun-house.

More processing power, obviously. Once you're already a virtual god, might as well go all out, and that means more power. One sun can only supply so many ergs, and anyway, it'll only last a few billion years. Gotta farm the universe to make sure you can keep civilization going for as long as possible.

I suspect there would always be some people who would be horrified by the thought of spending their entire lives blissing out in a virtual world. The only way to stop these rebels waking up would be to make everyone forget that it's not real.

What do you mean "waking up"? This isn't silly pseudoscience like The Matrix. Your mind has been uploaded. There is no longer any body to "wake up" to.

Now how do you know we're not already in such a virtual reality? If it's possible to simulate universes (and there's no indication at this point that it isn't), then its probable that the vast majority of universes are simulated.

Because it's so much more likely that we're in a Peggy-Sue timeline.

[liberonscien]

I would make a rare element be an all purpose material when mixed with the right substances.

[ijuin]

We already have some all-purpose elements that are extremely common--namely hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. Literally every non-mineral that we use is made up chiefly of these four elements.

[Soupspoon]

Perhaps something like Newmatter?

[lorb]

Fill outer space, maybe with water so we could ride a U-boat to mars.

[Neil_Boekend]

Fill outer space, maybe with water so we could ride a U-boat to mars.

Be aware of species 8472 http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Fluidic_space