An interesting quote on evolution

[mediamogul]

Stimbo: That is true, though if you don't mind me saying, I think that's a bit pedantic and detracts somewhat from the point made. If we so desired to "rule the amazon," I am fairly certain we could. Likewise with most other worldly environments.

Rythm: Indeed there are a great deal of areas that could be improved within us, but it is the artefacts of evolution that have seemingly(!) and actively reduced capabilities that fascinate me. I'd argue that nature does have goals (though obviously not in a conscious sense), enacted through the principles that Darwin deduced. If it did not, then there would be no point in evolving in the first place. As you pointed out though, these goals are not necessarily logical from a human perspective (in particular mine) at this point in time. Which might explain my persistence in this topic.

I diagree that nature has "goals". It is regulated by certain processes like natural selection but that is utterly dependant upon environment and occurs simply as a matter of fact and observation. Traits are selected for or against as a result of whether they promote survival within an environment. Goal implies that nature is "aiming" at something or has some end towards which it is moving.