| HylianSwordsman said: There are some really disruptive technologies in the pipeline that could become the institutions I describe. Blockchain is one. It has more potential than just disrupting banks. It could disrupt the entire market and the way we exchange goods, maybe even a way to verify truth and defeat fake news. 3D printing is another, as it could democratize manufacturing. Mesh networks could create an alternate internet free from ISPs and make net neutrality secured forever, and make the internet free like it used to be, freer even, because it could never be tied down again. If it sounds fantastical, that's because it's science fiction at this point. But the beginnings of these technologies are already here, and the trends are promising. Free exchange of ideas on a free internet with the ability to verify the truth of information independent of governments, churches, corporations, or any institution that you'd have to merely trust the authority of, and you'd have an informed populace immune to propaganda. 3D printing allows them to make what they need and want without need of governments, corporations, or charity. Blockchain, applied correctly, eliminates all middlemen and creates more efficient ways of distributing goods than even the freest market would unaided. Add a few technologies of abundance, such as some upcoming farming technologies that could let us grow 5 acres worth of food in a space smaller than your living room with a fraction of the water and non of the pesticides, or expanding the 3D printing technology with advanced enough nanotechnology to allow for 3D printing entire buildings in weeks to months for a fraction of the cost, and all of humanities basic needs could be met without the need for large concentrations of power, government, church, corporation, or otherwise. It's a more than optimistic outlook I know, more a utopian one, and I don't think it's guaranteed, just very much possible. The right mix of powerful technologies could obsolete government and completely reorganize society, and give billions the power to act collectively and democratically with enough disruptive power to overturn any government or other corrupt concentration of power. |
Yeah, I like all of that stuff, and I too am hopeful that these (and likely other) technologies will fundamentally change the way humans interact with each other for the better. Of course, we're a long way from it all fitting together, so it remains to be seen just how positive it will be, or if it will even work out anything like we hope.
| HylianSwordsman said: If I misrepresent you, it is because I don't understand your viewpoint. I apologize for the shortcuts I've taken thus far. |
No problem. It is a political (philosophical, maybe) discussion on a gaming site. This has gone better than can reasonable be expected.
