Stuff You Should Know Nuclear Semiotics: How to Talk to Future Humans
Aug 20, 2019
Dive into the intriguing world of nuclear semiotics, where the challenge of warning future civilizations about hazardous nuclear waste is tackled with humor and creativity. Discover the complexities of language evolution and the innovative symbols proposed to convey danger across millennia. From glowing plants to mythological stories, hear how these ideas aim for clarity and permanence. Explore the cultural nuances between the U.S. and Sweden in managing nuclear waste and reflect on the vital role of communication in safety.
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Nuclear Semiotics Goal
- Nuclear semiotics aims to warn future beings about nuclear waste.
- The challenge lies in crafting a message that transcends time and cultural shifts.
Waste Longevity
- Nuclear waste remains dangerous for thousands of years, exceeding human writing history.
- This necessitates warnings for future civilizations, whose communication methods are unknown.
Visual Play Idea
- Chuck Bryant considered creating a visual play of people dying from digging at the site.
- Logistical issues like power sources and data storage challenged this idea's feasibility.