Ruben van Doorn

On June 28, 2009, the world-famous physicist Stephen Hawking threw a party at the University of Cambridge, complete with balloons, hors d'oeuvres and iced champagne. Everyone was invited but no one showed up. Hawking had expected as much, because he only sent out invitations after his party had concluded. It was, he said, “a welcome reception for future time travelers,” a tongue-in-cheek experiment to reinforce his 1992 conjecture that travel into the past is effectively impossible.

"The Most Dangerous Animal in the World" exhibit, which debuted in 1963 at the Bronx Zoo in the Bronx, New York City, was a thought-provoking display that aimed to raise awareness about the impact of human behavior on the planet. At the forefront of this exhibit was a simple yet powerful installation—a large mirror strategically placed in the center, inviting visitors to contemplate their own reflection and the profound message it conveyed. Accompanying the mirror was a series of text panels that eloquently elucidated the dangers humans pose to life on Earth. The exhibit's intention was to highlight how our species, despite its intelligence and potential for positive change, has become the most significant threat to the delicate balance of nature and the survival of numerous other species. The exhibit's profound impact and critical acclaim prompted its replication at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago in 1968. Recognizing the value of the message conveyed, the organizers sought to bring this thought-provoking experience to a wider audience. The Chicago exhibit faithfully recreated the original installation, ensuring that visitors were confronted with the same introspective and unsettling experience that had captivated New Yorkers five years prior. The duplicated exhibit at Brookfield Zoo aimed to foster a sense of responsibility and encourage visitors to reflect upon their own actions and choices. By showcasing humans as the most dangerous animal, it sought to challenge the commonly held notion that we are separate from the natural world, reminding us that our actions have far-reaching consequences for the environment and the countless species we share this planet with. Both versions of "The Most Dangerous Animal in the World" exhibit served as poignant reminders of the urgent need for environmental stewardship and the importance of recognizing our collective impact on the Earth. By provoking introspection and fostering a sense of environmental consciousness, these exhibits played a vital role in raising public awareness and inspiring meaningful change in the way humans interact with the natural world.