Would You Destroy Everything If You Couldn’t Be Destroyed?

The question of whether one would use their power to destroy everything, given the constraint that they themselves cannot be destroyed, raises profound ethical and moral considerations. This concept, often explored in fiction and philosophical discourse, is now considered through the lens of contemporary humanity's most pressing challenges.

Moral Responsibility and Ethical Considerations

From the outset, it is important to recognize that the act of destroying everything simply because one has the power to do so and not because it is necessary or justifiable is inherently selfish and destructive. If one had the power to destroy the universe and could not be destroyed themselves, utilitarian reasoning suggests that such an action would serve no purpose. The universe, by definition, includes all matter and energy, thus if one destroys everything, one would ultimately destroy themselves, resulting in a pointless and self-destructive act.

Consequences of Destruction

The logical conclusion, if one were to destroy the universe, would lead to an existential void with no remaining matter or energy. This vacuum would be a desolate and inhospitable state, devoid of any substance upon which one could survive. It is reasonable to argue, then, that such an action would inevitably lead to self-destruction due to the lack of resources and context for survival.

Alternatives to Destruction

Instead of wielding power to destroy, an individual with such an ability would have numerous constructive and responsible options. For instance, harnessing their power to mitigate and prevent widespread harm could be a far more valuable and beneficial use of their ability:

Combating Viral Threats and Pandemics

The power to destroy could be used to address global health crises. For example, if one could destroy the viruses that caused global pandemics—such as the Ebola virus, smallpox, and the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic—removing these threats would significantly enhance global public health. This would save countless lives and alleviate immense human suffering, making it a wise and ethical application of one's power.

Eliminating Existential Threats

Another key application of this power would be in addressing existential threats such as asteroids and other natural disasters. Destroying an asteroid that poses a threat to Earth or eradicating other environmental hazards would directly protect humanity and preserve the natural world. This would be a responsible use of power, ensuring the continued survival and prosperity of life on Earth.

Neutralizing Weapons of Mass Destruction

The power could also be used to destroy weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and ensure that these tools of destruction never harm humanity again. This would eliminate the risk of accidental or intentional misuse, thereby safeguarding global security and stability.

The Asshole Syndrome

It is worth noting that the notion of destroying everything solely for the purpose of feeling important or powerful is a prime example of the "asshole syndrome." Some individuals may feel validated by the act of crushing or destroying, but such behavior is inherently antisocial and detrimental to the broader community. Instead, those with the power to do great harm should be motivated by the ethical imperative to do good and prevent harm.

Conclusion

In summary, the hypothetical scenario of having the power to destroy everything but not being able to destroy oneself leads to a clear and important distinction. While the temptation to destroy everything may be tempting, the responsible use of such power would be to prevent widespread suffering, protect the environment, and eliminate existential risks. Any other use of such power would be a selfish and destructive act, serving neither the individual nor the well-being of the global community.