Chapter 1: Embracing Our Future

I envision a world where humanity has evolved through two significant eras. The first phase saw us living in harmony with nature, akin to other species. The second phase, however, finds us in conflict with our environment, squandering our heritage and pushing ourselves toward disaster. Fortunately, the shift toward Project Human v3.0 is already beginning.

Las Islas Ballestas, Peru © Anthony Fieldman 2017

Like many, I am deeply troubled by certain destructive tendencies that seem to cut across cultures and eras. These behaviors lead us to harm each other and our environment, despite having the resources to choose differently. I refer to our unfortunate inclination toward competition, conflict, violence, and the degradation of people and our planet—all justified by constructs of nationhood, culture, religion, and the dominant force of all: economics.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way.

As a species, we possess the potential to thrive—both individually and collectively—without causing harm. Our creativity and industriousness enable us to create what has not yet existed and utilize our resources for nearly limitless purposes. We can cultivate food in urban settings, generate protein from the air, and harness solar energy as our primary power source. For instance, we can construct homes using 3D printing technologies at a cost equivalent to five months of average rent in the U.S., allowing ownership within five years at a minimal monthly payment.

These are just the fundamentals. We can restore deserts, end homelessness, clean our oceans, and tackle infectious diseases as scientific advancements continue. We can even challenge the damaging effects of capitalism on both human and environmental communities, as exemplified by Mondragon—a successful cooperative in Spain that has thrived since the Franco era, demonstrating that a different economic model is viable and beneficial.

For further insights, you can read my perspective on Mondragon and The Relationship Economy in The Startup.

While none of these ideas is fully realized yet, each offers a glimpse into what is possible today. With the rapid emergence of innovative solutions, I can only imagine the remarkable world we will create in the coming years, which we will likely take for granted in our lifetimes.

My daughter, atop a 300-foot Redwood © Anthony Fieldman 2020

Chapter 2: A World of Possibilities

In my moments of reflection, I allow myself to dream of a future that is not only achievable but also necessary. In this envisioned world…

… fresh produce is cultivated in our communities, eliminating hunger and food-related health issues, a topic I explored in Death and Diet and The Case for the Vertical Farm.

… homes are manufactured at costs comparable to that of a car, supported by social initiatives that promote independent living for all, effectively ending homelessness.

… medical science evolves to counteract diseases as they arise, enabling us to unlock the full potential of human capability by addressing both physical and mental health issues at their biological roots.

… our behaviors are guided by the seventh-generation principle, prioritizing long-term well-being over short-term gains.

… collective well-being takes precedence over individual interests, as illustrated by Mondragon and the concept of common wealth.

… ecosystems flourish anew, achieving a harmonious balance with Project Human, as I discussed in Rebalancing the Earth is Dead Simple.

… nature fuels all human endeavors without depleting its resources, mirroring the way it sustains all life on Earth.

… nations recognize the interconnectedness of the Butterfly Effect, evolving beyond artificial constructs into a unified global community, reflecting our shared digital, environmental, and economic realities.

… we return to a mindset of friendship and collaboration instead of competition, breaking free from toxic narratives that suggest conflict is necessary.

… we understand the inherently deflationary nature of human progress, where the costs of essential goods consistently decrease over time. As highlighted by Jeff Booth in The Price of Tomorrow, advancements in AI and robotics may soon lower the cost of living to zero, making basic necessities accessible to all without the constraints of competitive capitalism.

Recognizing these truths and adapting our behaviors accordingly can unlock our innate potential to pursue our individual purposes, as we each define them.

To elaborate on this last point, it’s essential to acknowledge that every person on Earth seeks purpose. Our universal drivers—love, belonging, and purpose—form what I call The Light Triad. Regarding purpose, we often find ourselves asking: - “Why are we here?” - “What is my purpose?” - “How should I spend my life?” - “What do I love and wish to pursue more deeply?”

These questions resonate with all of us. Critics may argue that providing resources for free will lead to complacency, suggesting that humans will become idle. However, the reality is quite the opposite: without a sense of purpose, we feel incomplete, even in the presence of love and belonging. Humans thrive on identifying and engaging in meaningful accomplishments—not merely to meet our basic needs, but to fulfill our existence.