Final answer:
The author's opinion most likely reflects that mankind is on a path towards destruction due to the existence and potential misuse of weapons of mass destruction, with a particular emphasis on nuclear weapons and the dangers they pose—aligned with Option C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the provided references, it can be inferred that the author's opinion aligns most closely with Option C: Mankind is heading towards complete destruction. This sentiment is reflected in the discussions of the existential dangers that nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction pose to humanity. The notion of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) suggests a precarious deterrence strategy rather than a belief in the safety of stockpiling weapons. Moreover, concerns are raised about the potential misuse of defensive technologies, such as those designed to deflect asteroids, which could be weaponized by unstable regimes. The references convey a sense of the grave responsibility nations bear when developing and using such weapons, given their capacity for unprecedented devastation.
The historical use of nuclear weapons and the ongoing development of various forms of weapons of mass destruction underscore the precariousness of our time. While on one hand, defensive weapons may offer some protection, their existence and potential for offensive use by dictators or in war paint a bleak picture for the future of humanity. The tension between the desire to protect human life and the risk of contributing to its destruction is a central theme reflected in these statements.