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[–] 50 points 11 months ago (7 children)

Post scarcity is kind of an odd man out here. The idea predates tech broism by a solid half century, and informs a lot of contemporary leftist theory. There is nothing inherently wrong with using utopian thinking as a guiding principle for iterative policy. I'd argue that anything which doesn't do that is cynicism.

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  • [–] 30 points 11 months ago (4 children)

    It occurs to me that I'd argue we're heading towards a forced scarcity society rather than post scarcity. That's the only way they can make sure we don't get a Star Trek type future if/when we figure out fusion power. Hell, we've already basically been able to feed everyone for ages.

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  • [+] 18 points 11 months ago (2 children)
  • [–] 4 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

    forced vs post scarcity

    tbh i'm happy whenever someone at least acknowledges the tension between these two facets.

    anyway my actual point, imo the "too many humans" propaganda is part of the forced scarcity lobby. there's perhaps too many humans to live as wastefully as we are, so why wouldn't reducing waste be our #1-3 top priorities?

    but waste is more 'profitable' (in short term), so we go all in - while pretending Us Living & Others Not-Living is a moral obligation on our part wtflol

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