I believe the most dangerous and forward looking concept that Bucky ever proposed was that of Earth Incorporated. Where each "Earthian" is a shareholder in the enterprise that is Earth.
As our current society is more and more influenced by less and less regulated corporate giants, that are mobile, invisible, and in some corners militarized, we the humans need to make decisions regarding the future of our planetary society. What happens when robots replace workers wholesale? Robots don't buy consumer goods! What happens when your economic tax base is reduced because you have allowed the corporations to pay less than a living wage? What happens when a product is produced that 1 million of them are plugged in all at once, the power grid goes down?
I believe that shortsightedness of the old school profit motive is running out. We as a single race, regardless of prior beliefs, prejudicies and outmoded priorities must look where the road we are on is leading. Will it be Utopia or Oblivion?
Thanks Kirby, for giving my rant relevance. I need to remember to just give energy and focus to what I desire to see and what is irrelevant will fall away. Thanks to you I will remember to tune into the good.
Here in the Silicon Forest, we're looking at a knowledge based
economy, yet we're also known as an open source capital
(Christian Science Monitor called us that), suggesting there's
no inherent contradiction between creating wealth, and sharing
it openly. On the other hand, we're also digging in around
various proprietary enterprises (lots of trade secrets), so I
suppose it's a matter of peaceful coexistence.
In either case, "freeing the scholar to return to his studies"
is a good slogan (one of Bucky's), minus the emphasis on "he",
as in computer science (I'd say the core discipline in these
parts, in all its ramifications), women rule (though you might
not suspect it, given guys with big egos).
In any case, Fuller's model of giving families a living through
learning per 'Education Automation' is likely the way to go.
Paul Allen Foundation donated a big amount to our Saturday
Academy, so that kids who couldn't normally afford a computer
science education....
Anyway, gotta go.
Kirby
You're comment suggests a concern based on our ability to continue to provide more with less, which is exactly what Bucky said happens due to technolgy. As individuals we are responsible to first become educated and then to take action. The opportunities that exist today are enormous and the future business success stories will come from the 'green' and sustainable sector rather than the greed and 'short term gain' philosophy. In my field of health and nutrition people are building global businesses that have an enormous positive impact on individuals, families and communities and is totally aligned with Bucky's principals of working together and focusing on what needs to be done rather than how much I can make. The money follows and flows for ever when you have added real value.
Alex Sprunt
Founder and CEO, Your Healthy Planet.Com
Imagine 5 million healthy and sustainable businesses clubs and organisations all working together ... imagine the difference that will make. Go to < http://www.yourhealthyplanet.com > and subscribe.