The rule could be anything, as funny or as serious as you want. The universe will progress in a similar way that it has up until this point, unless your changed rule prevented it from doing so.

Some examples might be:

  • The invention of currency is not allowed.
  • Iron is slightly less stable.
  • The Ancient Greeks are able to cultivate Silphium, which does not go extinct now.
  • Icalasari
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    3422 days ago

    A necessary requirement for higher intelligence is proper, functioning empathy. If you lack this, you’re just… Incapable of intelligent thought beyond that of a particularly stupid dog

    • Kairos
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      1622 days ago

      Humans do generally have proper functioning empathy

      • @Septimaeus@infosec.pub
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        522 days ago

        a moral impetus, informed directly by empathy, that is so overwhelming that the feelings of others are tantamount to one’s own

        I’m guessing this is their meaning. Sounds interesting. Maybe that version of humanity would have far fewer nukes and a lot more good sex.

        • Kairos
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          121 days ago

          The problem is that basic empathy only goes so far. But we [almost] all have it.

    • @LainTrain@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      522 days ago

      Have to say this wouldn’t affect me, not because I don’t have any empathy but only cold, logical political solidarity, but also because I wouldn’t really class myself as particularly intelligent. I’m just walking here