I'm going to state, unequivacally, that the modern telecom revolution's potential is primarily authoritarian, even totalitarian.
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I wonder if we'll ever find a form of technological advancement that isn't, under present conditions.
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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.
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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.
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But the former is a very unlikely event even if we get to more than one solar system, and the latter is (IMO) a necessary risk.

