Science fiction often envisions a future tinged with pessimism, drawing parallels from our current societal concerns. Yet, amidst the warning signals, the endurance of empathy holds the key to unlocking genuine hope. Empathy, in its essence, fosters not just survival but the conditions for thriving. It's a unifying force, transcending divisions.

In "Sins of Variance" by Rob Williams, we encounter a crossroads in a future fraught with challenging choices for humanity. Williams presents a world where genetic modifications aim to eliminate conflict, prompting reflection on the repercussions of such success, particularly the neutralization of emotional experiences.

As we approach a century marked by the advent of true artificial intelligence and the need for mankind to coexist harmoniously with evolving technology, the questions raised by the author gain immediacy. It becomes paramount to address these inquiries today, for failure to do so may lead to a future where our species succumbs to a relentless erosion of hope. In such a world, survival becomes a privilege reserved for the powerful, threatening the very fabric of our existence.