Individual Development

Ideally, a child enters the world and is nurtured by caring parents. This development occurs within a broader social context involving other children, parents, and societal structures. Ultimately, parents bear the responsibility for raising children to be self-sufficient, independent, and moral.

When parents nurture children, and those children grow into families of their own, society functions sufficiently to ensure sustainability. Disrupting this cycle can hinder society's ability to perpetuate itself. A societal collapse can be viewed as a natural cycle, much like the life cycle of an individual. It’s not difficult to conceptualize this when we observe how society has granted personhood to corporations. Agencies, like individuals, have lifespans; they age, become less effective, and eventually cease to exist, only to be replaced by new entities. It’s a natural reflection of the human life cycle, as these systems are crafted by humans.

Mourning the loss of a societal agency is normal; celebrating it, however, may be in poor taste. Traditionally, funerals are solemn events rather than celebratory ones. We often feel a sense of loss because we tend to anthropomorphize everything, including nations. This is perfectly acceptable, and we should extend this sentiment to our planet, whether we call her Aberewaa, Gaia, Houtu, Jörð, Prithvi, Proserpina, or Žemyna. If our planet suffers, so do we; if she thrives, so do we.

To respect our elders is to honor the trees and the land we inhabit. Our country has provided us with something valuable, even if it merely serves as a benchmark for our aspirations.

The Role of Education

The primary objective of education should be to cultivate independent, functioning citizens. This includes teaching essential life skills such as financial literacy, cooking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Without these basics, pursuing higher education becomes increasingly challenging due to health and family constraints.

Merely teaching someone to read and sending them off to figure things out on their own is inadequate. The existence of warning labels, like "do not use in the shower," illustrates that we are not adequately equipping people with essential life skills.

While some of this education should occur at home, we must acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and emotional capabilities of parents. Thus, the educational system should focus on refining these foundational skills.

High school used to be the educational standard; graduates were expected to possess the fundamental skills necessary for various endeavors. However, in today's complex society, a college education is increasingly seen as the new norm. While college is not a requirement for everyone, there are valid reasons for choosing alternative career paths that do not necessitate a degree.

Vocational skills are vital and in short supply. Mike Rowe, known for highlighting "dirty jobs," emphasizes the importance of vocational education.

Rowe articulates that education should not devalue vocational pathways compared to traditional academic routes. Ideally, vocational training should precede higher education, as demonstrating basic self-sufficiency equips individuals with skills that support society. Only then should they pursue advanced academic qualifications.

As technology advances, various academic and career paths evolve, and lacking fundamental skills may leave individuals outdated and without a means of sustainability. Many workers have already been displaced due to technological advancements; for example, transcription services for the hearing impaired were once lucrative jobs in the Philippines but have been largely replaced by Google’s technology.

Societal Evolution

Societies typically experience population growth followed by decline or dispersal. Numerous factors contribute to this cycle, including resource depletion, waste management challenges, and an influx of new residents that can overwhelm existing systems. Often, these factors converge.

One could argue that the current situation in the United States reflects this pattern. Growing environmental concerns have prompted many to seek sustainable energy solutions. However, as we transition to greener alternatives, foundational companies may suffer financially, prompting states like California to restrict benefits associated with these changes. Despite these challenges, life in America remains relatively positive, attracting millions of newcomers. This is not a moral issue; it’s a matter of survival.

In a public vote, I would advocate for more accessible immigration policies, balanced with sensible border regulations. After all, one wouldn’t invite just anyone into their home.

As energy becomes scarcer and prices rise alongside increased demand, it’s evident where this trajectory is headed. If this marks the decline of America, we should recognize our historical role. We inspired the world temporarily; perhaps the next nation will achieve greater sustainability. The American experiment has much to teach future societies, and many nations are also engaging in similar social experiments, all striving for sustainability.

There are many positive perspectives on this situation. In fact, every society today stands on the brink of a significant shift in the usual patterns of societal rise and fall. We possess transformative technologies that are being implemented across various sectors, and none of us are fully prepared for the consequences. This shift has the potential to benefit every person on the planet and promote ecological sustainability while accommodating a larger population than we currently have.

I’m not suggesting we should aim for a larger population. Instead, historical trends indicate that as societies develop, birth rates tend to decline. While there are multiple factors at play, if the global population reaches a point comparable to that of developed nations, a natural balance will emerge regarding resource access and energy.

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll understand what I’m saying: soon, every person on Earth will have access to first-world technologies and resources. This extends beyond Elon Musk's initiatives with Starlink, which aim to provide internet access to all. Such advancements could disrupt regional restrictions and promote the free flow of information.

The Coming Transformation

The initial phase of transformation is automation, which is already underway and accelerating rapidly. This shift could reach a point where traditional employment becomes obsolete. Machines, robots, and artificial intelligence outperform humans in various tasks, functioning more efficiently and without the need for rest or concern for injury.

While I admire Elon Musk, his advocacy for caution regarding AI contrasts with his industries' increasing reliance on automation. As he pushes technological boundaries, the demand for advanced automation continues to grow. He is reshaping our future, leading us toward the moon, Mars, and beyond. This could explain why many government leaders seem to disregard him; NASA scientists once doubted his feasibility, yet now the space agency relies on his innovations, as traditional rocket science struggles to keep pace.

Those unable to adapt will find themselves sidelined.

As unemployment rises, tax revenues will dwindle. If individuals cannot work, how can they pay taxes? Some may fear dependency on the state equates to enslavement, but what would that even look like? Machines are simply more efficient than humans.

Slavery represents an outdated, economically driven system that favors the clever. In a world devoid of workers, slavery becomes impossible. The changes on the horizon will necessitate a reevaluation of social structures. The elite may find their status diminished. Could this be why industry leaders are wary of Musk?

You might argue that those who control production—namely, the robots—will amass everything. However, that perspective is flawed. Even Marxism fails to consider the extent of disruption that automation-induced unemployment will create. Without workers, consumer demand for goods ceases, halting traditional economic pathways.

There is no existing economic model that can sustain past human interactions in the face of such changes. The original vision of human society presented by Gene Roddenberry in Star Trek remains relevant.

In the episode "Catspaw," Captain Kirk laughs off an alien's attempt to bribe him with jewels, stating, “My ship can make a ton of these in an hour.” Essentially, humanity has outgrown outdated economic paradigms. Star Trek: The Next Generation advanced this concept further with the replicator technology, which theoretically could eliminate material scarcity.

Ideally, society should have prioritized the development of independent, self-sufficient individuals. Education should have aimed to produce self-reliant agents. Governments should have worked to reduce their dependence on taxation by empowering citizens through self-sufficiency. Greater independence reduces the burden on emergency resources.

If homes were designed for off-grid sustainability during emergencies, the government could allocate resources more effectively. To strengthen the nation and protect the environment, the goal should be to liberate as many people as possible from reliance on centralized energy. If solar energy became widespread, everyone could benefit from reduced costs.

The ultimate aim of renewable energy should be to eliminate energy bills. When fusion technology becomes operational, power should be free for all. As solar technology improves and battery efficiency increases, electricity could become as free as sunlight.

The harnessing of energy will transform our economy in ways similar to how automation is reshaping society. This shift will inevitably lead to job losses.

How do we assess a person's worth if they are no longer productive? Our metrics will need to adapt. I suspect the current societal discord stems from this very question: What is the value of a human life?

We dedicate years to companies, but what do we gain in return? Gone are the days of gold watches and pensions. Relying on Social Security for sustainability is increasingly precarious. Rising taxes force many elderly individuals from their homes. The promise of 401(k)s replacing pensions appears to benefit banks more than individuals, especially when banks leverage those funds to acquire rental properties. Ironically, as job opportunities dwindle, perhaps the joke will be on them.

What Will Humanity Do?

What will we do in this future? We will adapt as we always have—perhaps even more effectively. We will evolve in response to our changing circumstances. The need for traditional employment may diminish, but that doesn’t mean we will lack activities or purpose. Many of us find fulfillment in being useful and will likely discover new ways to engage with our passions alongside technology.

Everyone, even those not engaged in traditional work, will possess property. In a modern society, technology is indispensable—cell phones are essential tools. Tesla is even introducing a solar-powered phone. You may no longer need to rely on the grid. Tesla’s modular homes are designed for self-sufficiency, allowing individuals to live off the grid.

Advancements in technology, such as 3D printers capable of constructing homes from eco-friendly materials, are emerging.

What will humans do? That’s up to you! Do you love animals? Consider animal rescue. Are you passionate about gardening or forestry? Perhaps you could become a park ranger. The world might evolve into a vast, communal space filled with gardens and collaborative living. Enjoy gaming? Creating and sharing content could become a viable source of income!

Yet, some may argue that left to our own devices, humans would become idle. Statistically, that isn’t accurate! Many individuals who are not employed frequently engage in volunteer work. Most people contribute to their families and communities in meaningful ways. Being a dedicated parent is invaluable work, as is being a compassionate member of society. If you’re concerned about this, you might be grappling with the realization that employment and compensation are dictated by supply and demand dynamics, as evidenced by the current labor market trends.

Some nations have mandated military service for citizens at a certain age. This could serve as a model for future societies. Participation in necessary tasks for societal sustainability could become a standard expectation. Every individual possesses unique talents, and engaging in these roles could lead to personal growth, whether in spiritual, secular, or academic pursuits.

The Future is Now

We inhabit an extraordinary moment in history. While we may encounter challenges, many individuals may react with frustration as their perceptions of worth shift. However, most will likely experience a profound sense of relief.

We will transition into quieter, more fulfilling lives, prioritizing what truly matters—family and community. We will mend the wounds of past conflicts and economic disparities. We will heal our planet, recognizing that our previous shortsightedness has caused unnecessary suffering. Instead of working merely to survive, we will thrive, reallocating resources where they are most needed.

Governments, as they currently exist, have failed to ensure long-term sustainability by empowering individuals. This failure stems not from philosophical shortcomings but from a lack of technological advancement that could promote independence. Present-day governments are unsustainable; these systems will inevitably collapse due to their inability to adapt to a new economic reality where energy and production costs approach zero, leading to the absence of workers and, consequently, taxes.

No government today can function without income. They have failed to plan for the future. This issue extends beyond governments; corporations are similarly unprepared for a world with no income.

I suspect that many in positions of power are aware of this impending shift, which explains their support for progressive taxation. Keeping people reliant on the marketplace prevents them from becoming self-sufficient. By fostering technological obsolescence, they ensure continued dependency on consumer markets.

Too many livelihoods depend on others’ incomes. If there are no workers and no taxes, the system that supports superfluous jobs collapses. Government positions may be the first to vanish! I suspect we could thrive without Congress, as society doesn’t need new laws; we simply need to adhere to common-sense principles already in place.

We, the people, will persist. We will adapt to this evolving landscape and can shape the blueprint for our future. The change is imminent, and we can choose to be active participants rather than passive observers.

Imagine a world devoid of taxes, where work is no longer a necessity. If you grew up in the U.S., you probably heard that you could become anything you desire. That is truer today than ever.

The only real concern at this moment is the potential for those currently in power to react destructively out of spite. The genuine threat to humanity today lies in the possibility of nuclear conflict. The stage is set, and we are contesting for the last vestiges of power before a transformative shift occurs for the better, indefinitely.

Only after this shift will we likely recognize the futility of our past accolades.

Cheers to a future without work and taxes!