I predict that the full realization of this life history transition
should occur before 2050, which suggests that this theory
could be in some way connected to the hypothesized
meta system transition commonly referred to as Global Brain
(see: [48, 59-61]). In order to take this 21st century future
seriously we need only assume that the pressures of the
modern developed world hold and accelerate globally. First
and foremost, the pressures for the acquisition of more advanced
cultural information must accelerate as a result of
advanced ICT. This will continue to force an extension of a
widespread postponement of biological reproduction. Secondly,
continued advances in our understanding of aging and
degenerative diseases must accelerate dramatically, allowing
us to radically extend life expectancy and possibly usher us
into a post-aging world. This will remove the evolutionary
imperative to create complexity through biological reproduction,
as delaying current reproduction would always be preferred
in favour of dedication of energy towards culturally mediated
growth and maintenance.