I think it's interesting how we invented the means to destroy ourselves (nukes) only shortly before discovering the means to renew, craft and prolong ourselves.  If we nuke ourselves, that might help us avoid the mistakes that are just over the horizon that could be more catastrophic to our species.  If we manage to not nuke ourselves, maybe we have the maturity as a species to handle these other developments.

Or, you know, the universe is determined to crush us one way or another, like roaches evolving against ever more capable insecticides.