Story 33. Written by Jim Waitlord

How will the new human species differ from the current dominant Homo sapiens on the planet?
This question unveils one of the deepest philosophical dilemmas of human evolution: is the current form of the human species the final one, or merely a stepping stone toward a larger, more complex form of existence? If we imagine that every humanoid being has a city within their mind, then the city of Homo sapiens is rather simple and solitary. It has a single inhabitant, a single consciousness. This consciousness builds, leads, and governs the city. The individual’s ego is the ruler of the city, and external influences are, at most, intruders that occasionally cause disruption.

However, the new human species, Homo multiplicis, would be radically different. In their city, the number of inhabitants is not limited. Depending on the individual's capabilities, the city could be home to dozens, or even billions, of residents. These could be the living, the dead, those from the past or future, extraterrestrials, gods, or anything else imaginable. This idea is not merely metaphorical—the future of human consciousness may be heading toward a collective, multifunctional, networked system capable of simultaneously accommodating and operating multiple perspectives and entities.

The inhabitants of the city can change. Some may stay only temporarily, while others can be exiled if they are no longer needed. Some may become permanent residents by earning a special title, for example, by playing an indispensable role in the functioning of the city. These residents are not merely passive observers but active participants. They offer advice, make decisions, and sometimes clash with one another. The Homo multiplicis mind, therefore, is a dynamic, diverse community where the individual ego is not the sole ruler but merely one voice among many.

Homo sapiens and Schizophrenia

If we now take a closer look at the current world, people who exhibit similar characteristics—schizophrenics—are treated as patients by modern medical science. Could it be that these individuals are the forerunners of the next human species? Throughout human history, there have been many cases where innovators—those who radically deviated from the norm—were first rejected, only to be later recognized as brilliant pioneers. Why should it be any different with evolution?

Schizophrenia appears to be an illness today because contemporary Homo sapiens society is incapable of understanding and interpreting this type of consciousness. The various inhabitants present in an individual’s city—labeled by psychiatry as "hallucinations" or "delusions"—are seen by Homo sapiens as hostile invaders rather than signs of a higher form of awareness.

What Should Be Done?

Let’s assume for a moment that schizophrenia is indeed a sign of the emergence of Homo multiplicis. In that case, Homo sapiens must fundamentally rethink its relationship with evolution. That is, if Homo sapiens wants this new species to emerge. If not, resistance will inevitably lead to conflict. But if it is accepted that evolution is an unstoppable process, then the course of action becomes clear: the birth of the new human species must be supported.

This means that individuals capable of "housing more inhabitants" within their city should not be suppressed but assisted. They must be allowed to reproduce—and even encouraged—so that the next generation can host even more inhabitants within their city and develop the capacity to do so. This is not merely a biological task but also a social and cultural one. Space must be provided for the new human species to emerge, and Homo sapiens society must come to terms with the fact that the boundaries of human consciousness do not end where we currently believe they do.

The Schizophrenic Motto: They’re trying to help you, but you’re not sick!

This statement offers a radical new perspective. Today, schizophrenia is seen as a malfunction of the mind, but what if it is actually a new operational model? A model in which consciousness is no longer unified and homogeneous but diverse and pluralistic? If we view schizophrenics in this way, they are not patients but pioneers. They are the ones who have crossed a threshold that the majority of Homo sapiens have yet to even approach.

Evolution is never comfortable. The new always seems foreign and frightening, but human history teaches us that adaptability and innovation lead to survival. It is entirely possible that this transformation is already underway, but we have simply failed to recognize it. The cities of the new human species, Homo multiplicis, are already being built—the only question is whether Homo sapiens will realize that the time for change has come.

The New Human Species and the Evolution of Consciousness