A self-assembling nanotech-based goo became available to the general public.

A think tank gathered to discuss the ramifications:

One expert said, “We’re allowing foolish holo-experiments to go viral—with attempts to build homemade laser weapons, teleporters, and replicators—causing fatalities. We should protect ...”

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“No, no!” interrupted another expert. “If you think about it, this works best for the fate of humanity.”

“Explain yourself.”

“Well, consider it ‘viral Darwinism.’ For the first time in human evolution, it’s no longer about survival of the physically fittest—who has the most endurance, savagery, or strength—instead, nanotechnology requires survival of the smartest.”