Insights on Human Evolution from the Perspective of Military Science Fiction Authors

Ray Cloninger is a distinguished author and veteran whose life experiences have shaped his unique perspective on the human condition. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Mathematics degree, Ray embarked on a remarkable journey as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He served two tours in Strategic Air Command, flying B-52s, and had a pivotal role as a forward air controller during his time in Vietnam. After leaving military service in 1971, Ray ventured into diverse fields, including real estate sales, flight instruction, the steel industry, medical cost consulting, auditing, and the food service industry. He ultimately retired from Sysco Foods Corporate Office in 2003.

Writing began as a hobby for Ray in 1989, evolving into a passion that led to the completion of his first book in 1996. As he developed the narrative, he realized that the story’s main character—a woman—required a rich backstory. This newfound realization compelled Ray to create a prequel, which expanded into a series, ultimately giving rise to Evascension.

Ray defines evascension as the emergence of identity, curiosity, logic, knowledge, intellect, imagination, creativity, and wisdom in evolving biological life forms. This concept enhances human beings’ capabilities beyond the limitations of material evolution. He believes that while human beings are composed of matter, the essence of the soul arises within the body, influenced by genetics, upbringing, and life experiences.

Ray emphasizes that our instinctive programming initially governs our actions and reactions to the environment. Evascension has driven humanity to create essential tools, harness energy, and invent groundbreaking technologies—all to extend our potential. However, with fossil fuels becoming a double-edged sword and stockpiles of nuclear weapons threatening our existence, Ray warns that without timely wisdom, humanity risks losing its Eden.

The first book in the Evascension series, titled The Journey from Instincts to Intellect, explores the critical tipping points confronting evolving life as intellect reaches a level where one individual could destroy a planet’s habitat. This book delves deep into the societal issues faced today, where instincts dominate politics and power structures, while also addressing humanity’s base instincts and their far-reaching effects.

To Ray, the term “evascension” captures a feeling yet to be fully recognized in any language. It combines elements of evolution and ascension, symbolizing the soul’s journey beyond mere existence. As he aims to integrate the term into public discourse, Ray has secured multiple domain names and maintains an active presence on social media, promoting the concept and its significance.

Ray Cloninger’s life, work, and philosophy serve as an invitation for readers to ponder the complexities of existence and the choices that define our destiny. His commitment to exploring the intersection of instincts, intellect, and survival challenges others to imagine a better future for humanity.