What is the peak of our civilization?Where do we go from here?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the current state and future trajectory of civilization in terms of development and standard of living. Participants discuss various factors influencing progress, including energy production, population dynamics, technological advancements, and quality of life improvements, while acknowledging potential political implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes that energy production will not be a long-term issue, suggesting that while transitions may be painful, there are sustainable ways to meet energy needs for centuries.
  • Another participant agrees with the notion that energy production will not be a limiting factor, citing significant decreases in solar panel costs as evidence of potential advancements in renewable energy.
  • Concerns are raised about population and food production crises, with one participant suggesting that certain regions will face major challenges until they develop and manage population growth effectively.
  • There is a belief that technological advancements are reaching maturity, with one participant arguing that future innovations will have less profound impacts on society compared to those of the 20th century.
  • One participant discusses the historical context of the industrial revolution and its role in shifting societal focus from mere survival to advancement, suggesting that this shift has plateaued.
  • Quality of life improvements are seen as having reached a limit, with one participant asserting that further advancements in areas like HVAC will primarily focus on cost reduction rather than significant enhancements in quality of life.
  • There is a perspective that the main challenge for the future will be achieving greater equality in living standards globally, with one participant noting that many in the developed world already have access to basic amenities that are still lacking in other regions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the notion that energy production will not pose a significant long-term issue. However, there are competing views regarding the implications of technological maturation and the future of quality of life improvements, as well as differing opinions on the challenges of achieving global equality.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the sustainability of energy sources and the trajectory of technological advancements remain unchallenged. The discussion reflects a variety of perspectives on the implications of historical developments and future challenges without resolving these complexities.

  • #31
Ryan_m_b said:
I think the project idea is just for motorways at this stage. The idea is one could join a motorway, get alerted of a nearby train and choose to join it. The truck can just drive up and down the length of the motorway a few times a day leading cars that join for a while and come off when their exit is coming up.

If they could figure a way to store very large charges on those trucks - to power hybrids or EV's on the train - that could be exciting.
 
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  • #32
WhoWee said:
If they could figure a way to store very large charges on those trucks - to power hybrids or EV's on the train - that could be exciting.
Definitely. It would also be interesting if this could be linked to some form of public transport. For instance, some form of simple car that is stored by the exits of motorways. People can then jump in the car that waits for the nearest train to arrive before entering the motorway automatically, joining the train and ride it to an exit of their choice.
 
  • #33
Ryan_m_b said:
Definitely. It would also be interesting if this could be linked to some form of public transport. For instance, some form of simple car that is stored by the exits of motorways. People can then jump in the car that waits for the nearest train to arrive before entering the motorway automatically, joining the train and ride it to an exit of their choice.

Little 3 wheeled pods that could be used around town perhaps?
 
  • #34
WhoWee said:
Little 3 wheeled pods that could be used around town perhaps?
Yeah something like that. Something small, simple and efficient.
 
  • #35
I think it is kind of an interesting contradiction, that technological advance and maturity will lead to increased industrial efficiency, but will also reduce demand for workers. The standard of living you would think should go up as the world is able to produce more at less cost, but it's actually not that simple. I think that a lack of work, and economic frustrations will probably inspire a new attempt at either Socialism, or Communism, or something similar.
 
  • #36
WhoWee said:
If they could figure a way to store very large charges on those trucks - to power hybrids or EV's on the train - that could be exciting.

Where are you thinking the extra electrical power will come from? Show me a country whose electricity supply infrastructure is not already stretched to its limit...
 
  • #37
cmb said:
Where are you thinking the extra electrical power will come from? Show me a country whose electricity supply infrastructure is not already stretched to its limit...

Given this is a futuristic view, I envision some type of nylon fibers sticking out from the side of the wall barriers to massage the smooth sides of the semi-trailers - also equipped with lightning rods - both designed to capture and store static charges to share with the train.
 

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