The Scary Present–The Wonderful Future
March 1, 2009 – 5:44 pmHere is economist Juan Enriquez’s recent presentation at TED, juxtaposes the scary world financial crisis against the backdrop of the optimism of the much longer term, involving far more profound changes in robotics, computers, biology and genetics than any of us can imagine.
He makes a number of very pointed points early in the video about our short-term need to drastically cut back government spending, something everyone here can fully identify with.
He also makes a number of points about our long-term prospects, based wholly on our accelerating technological revolution. Something, I and other Newt Gingrich-type pro-high tech conservatives can readily understand. For instance, I’ve been following development in nanotechnology ever since Eric Drexler published his paradigm-busting book, “Engines of Creation” some 20 years ago.
I’m introducing this video here to get conservatives to talk about the amazing things we Americans can achieve IF we survive the Obama socialist years. At some point, and I keep wishing it will get here faster, we will be freed of almost all government by the ability of everyone to used advanced nanotech systems to produce their own food, potable water, energy, and goods of all kinds.
Sounds kind of utopian, but it’s not. Hard headed inventors and scientists and economists like Juan Enriquez have spelled out how it can happen. Believe me, American conservatives, especially Gingrich conservatives and libertarian conservatives will really appreciate what’s coming in (my guesstimate) about ten to twenty years.
Bonus for conservatives: Lots of snarky jokes about government officials and lawyers. 
Another bonus: Check out the video within the video of the “bio-dog,” a robot running around outside on astonishingly life-like robot dog legs.
Moral of Enriquez’es story? Pay attention to the flames of the present, but don’t forget about the enormous potential of the future.
2 Responses to “The Scary Present–The Wonderful Future”
It is important I believe that we do just as you have done here. Despite the challenges (note we don’t tend to say “crisis” and “catastrophe”) we face with the all out collectivist assault from within, the future can be bright. Americans as a whole are a great people. With hard work and activism supporting and defending American Freedom we can take back government into sensible hands. Then the wonders noted above will prosper future generations.
By CPT on Mar 1, 2009