This board is dominated by pessimism. Strange for a place dedicated to the future.
I recently received an email from RayK touting a book:
Abundance — The Future Is Better Than You Think.
Man, I can’t wait it until it’s out. A positive message! A refreshing change from the downers around here.
Until it’s out the following article will have to do:
The Coming Tech-led Boom: Three breakthroughs are poised to transform this century as much as telephony and electricity did the last
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203471004577140413041646048.html#mod=djemWMP_t
The author maintains that we are at the beginning of three transformative high-level ‘technologies’ that will lead to boom times, rising standards of living and vast wealth. (No, the authors are not talking singularity). The first is broadly grouped as Information Technology. Basically, massive, small computers will allow unlimited possibilities and result in incredible breakthroughs. Next is “Smart Manufacturing”. Manufacturing in the 20th Century essentially exploited Ford’s factory line, but new techniques and materials will allow anyone to be a manufacturer.
Finally, the authors list communication technology – essentially social media in its broadest sense. I personally would roll this into information technology, but I guess they wanted three (I would have listed a transformative energy source like LENR). Their point here is mostly political, in that the Internet and social media make life difficult for repressive régimes.
The authors then revel in the fact that the gestalt in America, among other assets, is perfect for this brave new world. In short, our future is so bright we need sunglasses.
Die pessimists!
