I'm going to state, unequivacally, that the modern telecom revolution's potential is primarily authoritarian, even totalitarian.
Conversation
Replying to
I wonder if we'll ever find a form of technological advancement that isn't, under present conditions.
1
Replying to
We need a simple kit where people can leave the Earth and survive and prosper elsewhere in a very very large galaxy. That is the "killer app" and no other. People must be able to leave. That helps, also, those who do not.
5
4
9
This is, essentially, the universe that forms the background for Jack Vance's science fiction work. Wild variety of often sub-optimal planetary societies, with a spaceport offering basic law and freedom to leave on each.
5
Specifically, that we either spread like locusts across the stars and, being the huge dickheads that we are, piss off everything and everyone out there.
Not to mention develop the power to keep to our old BS powermongering at a galactic scale.
Or...