A Vision for Superabundance: Creating a Flourishing Future
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Chapter 1: The Current State of Our World
It's no secret, dear readers, that the current global landscape is troubled: wages have stagnated for five decades, purchasing power is diminishing due to corporate-driven inflation, and we are witnessing the gradual erosion of private ownership as billionaire elites initiate their so-called "great reset" towards a new form of serfdom. Land and resources are increasingly concentrated in private hands, leaving individuals burdened with over $300 trillion in debt. Housing costs are surging, with states encouraging families to live in their vehicles while military personnel are directed to seek assistance from homeless charities. Many nations are facing widespread mental health crises.
Moreover, we are entering a new phase of climate disaster, with alarming statistics: the vast majority of ancient forests have vanished, 85% of soil nutrients have depleted, and 80% of global fish populations are gone. Our water and air are contaminated, the planet is heating at an alarming rate, and microplastics have been found in newborns, placentas, and even remote mountain ranges. We are on the brink of a resource collapse.
What are the corporate "solutions"? They include detrimental, health-compromising plant-based diets pushed by venture capital, real estate scams, cryptocurrency schemes, societal green-shaming, and suggestions for the masses to consume insects. Yet, it doesn't have to remain this way.
What is superabundance, then?
Superabundance is the outcome of striving for socio-environmental and economic sustainability, aiming for the broadest and longest-lasting well-being possible. It embodies three core tenets: Socio—what nurtures our society instead of dividing it; Enviro—what preserves our ecosystem instead of depleting it; Economic—what redistributes wealth among the most individuals.
Superabundance, described by the Post Growth Institute as "a good life for all within ecological limits," would manifest in various forms: no interest and minimal debt, a stable currency free from inflation, wages that align with living costs, affordable homeownership, equitable rental options for those unable to buy, an abundance of wildlife and natural spaces, and a complete transition to renewable energy sources.
Isn't it appealing to envision a world where individuals earn three times their current wages, own homes for a fraction of their rental costs, and where wealth isn't funneled into the hands of anti-democratic elites? It's entirely within our reach.
The pressing question is: How can we achieve this vision?
Chapter 2: The Formula for Superabundance
Fortunately, there exists a blueprint for superabundance:
Superabundance = Nature + Democratized Technology + Democratized Investment - Economic Exploitation - Population
Let's break this down further.
Section 2.1: Embracing Nature
Despite what the tech elites might suggest, nature remains the fundamental source of all wealth on Earth. Even innovations like Bitcoin and NFTs cannot exist without the natural resources required for their production. As a biological species, our wealth is derived from our ecosystems, and we must act as responsible stewards, ensuring that we enhance the planet rather than exploit it. This foundational step is crucial for fostering superabundance.
Section 2.2: Advocating for Democratized Technology
While science and technology have brought about significant advancements—extending life expectancy and combating diseases—they have also led to increased health issues, mental strain, and widespread job displacement due to automation. It's vital that technology serves humanity and our planet. To achieve this, we may need to nationalize monopolistic tech enterprises or impose substantial taxes on automation to ensure the benefits are shared equitably.
Section 2.3: Redefining Investment
Those who resist the idea of equitable wealth distribution often overlook that real value is generated by workers. Fortunately, it is feasible to construct a prosperous society without relying on taxation or corrupt corporate practices. By adopting innovative models, communities can harness immense value for their citizens without governmental or corporate exploitation.
Section 2.4: Combatting Economic Exploitation
The primary role of democratic governance is to shield citizens from various threats, particularly from corporate interests. Through a process called Via Negativa, we can remove the elements of society that hinder superabundance. By shedding the burdens of exploitative practices, we can redirect our focus towards fostering contributions rather than extractions. This might involve outright banning rent-seeking practices.
To illustrate, here’s a definition of rent-seeking:
"Rent-seeking is the effort to increase one's share of existing wealth without creating new wealth, leading to reduced economic efficiency and heightened inequality."
Imagine living in a world devoid of rent-seeking, where financial elites aren't siphoning off interest, landlords aren't profiting from perpetual rent, and corporations aren't monopolizing essential goods. Although the idea of eliminating such exploitative practices may frighten those who benefit from them, it would significantly uplift those who contribute positively to society.
There are three main strategies to eliminate rent-seeking:
- Following revolutionary paths that allow the disenfranchised to take action.
- Criminalizing rent-seeking and imposing severe penalties.
- Taxing rent-seeking practices out of existence.
It's crucial to recognize that if governments fail to implement the latter two options, the public may resort to the first.
Section 2.5: Addressing Population Challenges
We must confront the uncomfortable truth regarding overpopulation: without artificial processes, the Earth can sustainably support fewer than three billion people. With limited resources, we cannot accommodate the current or projected populations without compromising quality of life. The aim should be to provide the highest quality of life for future generations rather than maximizing numbers for their own sake.
Chapter 3: A Bright Future Awaits
Imagine a world characterized by pro-human technology, free from economic exploitation, and populated by far fewer individuals—all thriving like millionaires. While it's easy to feel despondent about the current state of affairs, we are presented with unparalleled opportunities to effect positive change.
Consider this: while a candle may seem insignificant during daylight, it shines brightly in darkness, drawing others toward it. We currently inhabit a challenging and turbulent era, yet never before have we had such potential to influence the common good.
We must reignite our collective vision for a brighter future. Let your light shine!
Superabundance is not just a dream; it's an attainable reality. It begins with the belief that tomorrow is indeed worth fighting for.
Jared A. Brock is an award-winning biographer and PBS documentarian, as well as the founder of the futurist blog Surviving Tomorrow. His insights challenge the prevailing corporatist narratives and have been featured in major publications, including Esquire and TIME Magazine.
The first video, "Countering Doom with Superabundance," features Marian Tupy discussing how embracing superabundance can counteract the pessimism surrounding current global issues.
In the second video, "Superabundance" with Marian Tupy, he delves deeper into the potential of superabundance to reshape our future for the better.