From the study you linked about elephants have a call for humans - I'm not quite sure how that is an example of conceptual thinking. That is a one-to-one perceptual reaction from previous negative interactions. If they then flexibly used these sounds to discuss the nature of humans when we weren't around - then you would be into conceptual thinking IMO.

I dunno... is there a definite line in the sand? We've all heard various different interpretations of what "conceptual thinking" entails, but to me (again, subjective), it seems like having a unique identifying sound that relays an exact meaning to fellow elephants constitutes a concept. Discussing the nature of humans is a much higher level of conceptualization, I would argue.

I certainly think post-language is something that could emerge this century. I've kind of touched on this before on Hubski.

Interesting thoughts. Check out Princeton's project. Personally, I think it's bunk, but I wish SO badly that the noosphere was real.

I hear ya, brother. Let's hope Venter's project is a massive success!

Eternal life scares me about as much as dying. I'm not so sure we're meant to live forever... call it a gut feeling. Then there's the question of Earth's limited resources. But damn, my survival instinct is just as deeply ingrained as the rest of us.

Cheers. :)