I recently played a game text-based strategy adventure called Seedship, by John Ayliff. Tells the story of space exploration to discover a “new earth”. I got the ending with a fairly high score, and discovered the level of human civilization that reached “post-singularity, post-scarcity utopia” which caught my attention.
What’s that?
Post-singularity, post-scarcity utopia is a theoretical concept that describes a society that has overcome scarcity and transcended current human limitations through technological progress.
In post-singularity civilization, the ability of world civilization to overcome the limit of singularity (system crisis) determines several important features of civilization in the phase of intensive post-singular development. This type of civilization can stimulate “strong communication capabilities”, which is a prerequisite for the formation of a “galactic cultural field”. Post-singular civilizations – carriers of cultural fields – are considered as potential partners in interstellar communications and as a potential future of our own.
On the other hand, post-scarcity is a theoretical economic situation in which most goods can be produced in very large quantities with minimal human labor, so that they are available to everyone at very low prices or even for free. Post-scarcity does not mean that scarcity has been eliminated for all goods and services, but that everyone can easily satisfy their basic needs for survival along with some significant proportion of their desires for goods and services.
In this utopia, futurists often emphasized advances in automated manufacturing technology, often including the idea of self-replicating machines, which could in theory produce almost any good in large quantities, given sufficient raw materials and energy.
More speculative forms of nanotechnology such as molecular assemblers or nanofactories, raise the possibility of devices that can automatically produce certain goods with the correct instructions and the necessary raw materials and energy.
Human Life
Indeed, at first this concept is still enough to make someone, including myself, need to rack their brains several times, but if you think about it, human life will feel more relaxed because all our basic life needs can be met more easily. In a post-scarcity utopian civilization, life will be very different from what we know today. The possible picture of human life in civilization is as follows:
- Abundance of Resources: In a post-scarcity society, most goods can be produced in very large quantities with little labor required. This means that everyone can easily fulfill their basic living needs along with most of their desires for goods and services.
- Advanced technology: Post-singularity civilizations are characterized by advanced technology far beyond our current capabilities. This can include everything from AI and automation to genetic engineering and cyborgization.
- Leisure and Personal Development: By reducing the required work time to a minimum, individuals will have more free time for artistic, scientific development and personal activities. This can lead to a society where people are free to pursue their passions and interests, leading to the flourishing of creativity and innovation.
- Social Structure: Social structures will likely be very different in a post-singularity, post-scarcity society. It is possible that humans can act as managers of the world, directing society and using AI tools to assist them in automating work and gaining insights.
- Interstellar communication: Post-singular civilizations – carriers of cultural fields – are considered as potential partners in interstellar communications and as our own potential future. This could open up new possibilities for outer space exploration and discovery.
What Is The Purpose Of Life If Everything Is Fulfilled?
The concept of purpose and its relationship to a life in which all needs are met abundantly is a deep and complex philosophical question. In a post-scarcity utopian scenario where basic needs are easily met, individuals will have the opportunity to explore and define their own goals in a more profound and personal way. Here are some thoughts from myself:
- Self-Actualization and Personal Growth: In the absence of a struggle for survival or pressure to meet basic needs, individuals can focus on self-discovery, personal growth, and realizing their full potential. This may involve pursuing artistic and intellectual interests, hobbies, or endeavors.
- Contribute to Society and Humanity: Even in a post-scarcity world, there are still social and global challenges to overcome, such as sustainability, mental health, education, space exploration, and more. Individuals may find purpose in contributing their skills, knowledge, and creativity to solving these challenges for the benefit of society and humanity.
- Empathy and Love: Helping others, practicing empathy, and cultivating compassion can serve a deep purpose. This may involve volunteering, mentoring, supporting marginalized communities, or advocating for social justice and equality.
- Exploration and Discovery: Humanity’s curiosity and desire to explore the unknown can lead individuals to seek purpose through scientific exploration, space exploration, understanding consciousness, and delving into the mysteries of the universe.
- Relationships and Connections: Building meaningful relationships with family, friends, and community can be an important source of purpose. Nurturing these relationships and making a positive impact on the lives of others can provide great satisfaction.
- Legacy and Long Term Impact: Efforts to leave a positive and lasting mark on the world, whether through philanthropy, scientific advancement, innovative technology, or inspiring future generations, can serve a purpose.
- Spiritual and Philosophical Pursuits: Explore one’s spirituality, ponder philosophical questions, or engage in practices mindfulness can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and life’s purpose.
Ultimately, purpose is a highly individual and ever-evolving concept. Even in a world where material needs are met, the search for meaning, fulfillment, and purpose continues to be a fundamental aspect of the human experience. In a post-singularity, post-scarcity civilization the human role focuses on each person desire/interest, socialize, and prepare for the future.
It’s important to introspect, explore interests, and connect with others to discover what gives meaning and purpose in life.
Reference
https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033345/https://www.jacobinmag.com/2011/12/four-futures/
Find more explanation about this topic on Wikipedia
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