Chapter I
Being
"Human Duality"
Visions of Utopia are as numerous as the number of people. Every
person has their own view of what Utopia, a heaven on earth, would be
like. While there is no unified view of Utopia, the various views can be
classified into some common groups. The range of these groups spans from
those who believe they have already found Utopia, to those who believe
humans can reach a state of pure energy, which is a realm beyond
Utopia.
All views of Utopia involve
change, which affects human systems and institutions. Such change will
only be facilitated by a fundamental reassessment of every human-made
system in light of its purpose and function. For example, enforcement of
the law should refocus its goal to truth finding, and eliminate the
institutionalized court room rules that perpetuate gamesmanship instead of
justice. Some people are blinded by emotion and/or self-serving beliefs
when it comes to changing institutions or systems they are connected with.
Institutions exist to serve humans. Humans do not exist to serve
institutions. The starting point of an honest evaluation of the systems
that serve Humanity is an understanding of who they serve, which involves
an understanding of the nature of humans.
Humans consist of a physical body which includes the brain. The
cells of the body and brain are interconnected by nerve fibers. These
nerve fibers carry nerve impulses from the brain to the body, and stimulus
from the sensory organs (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin) to the brain.
The body is nourished with food, and burns the same to create the energy
impulses that travel the nerves. Therefore, people are part of the duality
of the third dimension.
Three
dimensional objects (matter) are in essence trapped energy, and as such,
mass can be converted into energy, and energy can be converted into mass.
Einstein's theory of relativity summarizes this duality by stating that
matter and energy are not distinct, and they can be changed into each
other (energy is equivalent to mass times the velocity of light squared).
One example of this duality is photosynthesis. The sun emits energy in the
form of light and heat by burning up matter, and trees convert the sun
light back into matter in the form of their growth. A grown tree may then
be burned in a fireplace to release energy in the form of heat and light.
This circular duality between energy and matter is one of the elements of
the third dimension. The human mind is at the cusp of this duality. The
brain functions at the convergence between matter and energy, and uses
energy to create thought. The human body (mass) is the tangible physical
existence, and thought (energy impulses traveling in that mass) is the
intangible mental existence. The duality of mass and energy exist in man
as body and thought.
The body is a
vessel only. Once the brain stops functioning, there is a lack of energy
impulses, one is legally dead, and if on life support machines they are
disconnected because the body alone is not the person. One's being is
their conscious perception of themselves and their surroundings, which
perception comprises current sensory impulses in conjunction with accessed
knowledge from prior stored memories in the brain. In sum, the true
essence of being is mental existence through thought from
energy.
Chapter II
Paradox
"Sensory Filters"
The Human thought process is not a perfect mechanism. Human
sensory organs act as filters of knowledge, because they can only pass
along information that they have the ability to detect. That sensory
information is further restricted by the limits of the body's information
delivery systems, and the limits of the brain's faculty for perception of
information so delivered. Thought is affected by feelings and emotions
such as, love-hate, excited-bored, happy-sad, funny-serious,
euphoric-depressed, etc.. Thought can be affected by mental illness.
People have varying levels of intelligence, and intelligence can manifest
itself selectively as with idiot savants. Chemicals released by the body,
or ingested, can affect thought processes. As a result of evolutionary
survival mechanisms, personality traits and characteristics are influenced
by one's genetic composition (DNA). In sum, thought processes are complex
mechanisms. Humanity currently lacks complete knowledge of exactly how the
thought process works, and therefore lacks complete control over the
same.
Without a complete understanding
of thought processes, and methods to completely control the same, Humanity
can never have a true Utopia. Under current circumstances people can be
placed in a perfect environment, but there will still be hatred, jealousy,
and other manifestations of negative thoughts and actions. In short, a
perfect environment will not provide a perfect existence for an imperfect
being. It is a paradox for an imperfect being to seek a perfect existence
by seeking a perfect place. Therefore, Utopia is more than a place, it is
a state of being that fulfills both sides of human duality.
In order to reach Utopia we must be able to perfect
not just our environment, but also ourselves. Like control of the
environment through technology, our ability to control thought processes
is a necessary piece of the Utopian puzzle. We need a "pair of docs" (two
doctors), one to fix our environment, and one to fix ourselves. Once we
can control and regulate negative thoughts, and obtain the ability to have
pure thought unrestrained by limitations, we will be free from the chains
of our imperfect state of being, and able to reach higher levels of being.
We will see the light instead of shadows.
In light of this basic understanding of what a human-being is, some
common perceptions of Utopia are assessed in the following
chapters.
Chapter
III
Already There
"Peace and
Love"
Some people believe Humanity
can have Utopia now. They believe Humanity has everything necessary for a
Utopia, and that humans just have to better utilize what they have now and
enjoy the same. The World Game Institute has prepared the most
comprehensive statement of this position and posted the same at
http://www.worldgame.org/wwwproject/index.shtml. The Institute has
identified various programs and policies that could provide for food,
water, shelter, health care, energy and education for every person in the
world, while eliminating all major environmental problems. Without a
solution, more than 800 million people will remain malnourished, large
segments of the population will continue to suffer from preventable
diseases, and over 40 million people will die each year from starvation or
preventable diseases. Additionally, plant and animal extinction,
deforestation, soil erosion, ozone depletion, and other major
environmental problems will continue. The combined total cost of
implementing corrective programs is 30% of the world's total annual
military expenditures, or 234 billion dollars. Society's bystanding at
this mass human slaughter because of improper use of available resources
constitutes complicity in murder. If one is not convinced of the
imperative need to solve such problems for humanitarian reasons, then it
should be noted that the resulting benefits of an overall enhanced quality
of life, increased global productivity, and environmental preservation,
clearly exceed the costs of these programs.
Being in tune with ourselves and nature, and wisely using our
current resources is an excellent start for having a better world. Life is
full of wonder and beauty and should be cherished and enjoyed by everyone.
However, Humanity can, and should, do better, such as finding cures for
all disease.
Chapter IV
Neighbors
"Utopian Communities"
Some Utopia seekers think Humanity's problems can be
solved by community level autonomy and self-rule. They believe each
community should be free to set its own standards and rules and that there
should be a community for each different type of belief and preference
that exists. Each community would establish its own rules of conduct and
behavior, allowing any conduct and behavior preferred, and prohibiting any
conduct and behavior disliked. Subsequently, each person can pick a
community to live in which matches their vision of an ideal community. For
instance, one community may be vegetarian only with legalized drugs;
another may be a community of open sexual relations with no family
structure recognized; or a community may be of families only with a
particular religious belief; etc.. Each person could live the style of
life they personally choose, and could do so in an environment where other
lifestyles that they believe are offensive are not allowed. Like exclusive
social clubs, there could be exclusive communities of people with common
behavioral standards. If one desires variety of beliefs then there would
be a community to accommodate such like minded people. Whatever ones
desires, preferences, and beliefs, there would be a community for such
like minded people. Of course for those who want to live alone, so be
it.
Other people believe a Utopia
civilization can be achieved by having a community that is properly
structured and operated. Numerous attempts, both past and present, have
been undertaken to build Utopian communities. These are noble, well
intentioned efforts, that may bring a happier than otherwise attainable
life to their residents, but none have achieved their goal, because Utopia
is more than a place, it is a state of being. These communities seek the
solution to all human problems through a perfect living environment, which
is just one side of the Utopian equation. The solution to human
imperfection must also be found in order to have Utopia.
Chapter V
Spirituality
"Supernatural"
Some claim that an unseen force or level of existence will
provide instant nirvana and/or solve all human problems. There are a
multitude of different types of such claims. All one has to do to have the
alleged benefit of any such claim is join a group, accept certain beliefs,
buy informational tapes or books, and/or pay to attend seminars. In
exchange for personal and financial commitments, one will allegedly be
shown how to live at some higher level and/or use the power of that higher
plane of existence. The only higher power at work here is the manipulation
of people for the green god better known as money. None of these claims
are scientifically verifiable, and as such they are a bunch of mumbo
jumbo. There is no unseen magic that will solve all human
problems.
The only true spirit humans
have access to is the human spirit, which is the power from human
attributes and qualities. That power is no mystery, but simply the ability
to conceptualize something, and the desire and will to make the same a
reality. Humanity must use this spirit to learn all that it can about
itself and it's environment, in order to discover how to control and
regulate the same for the highest quality of life possible. Humanity is
continually enhancing it's abilities, such as the power of creation
through cloning, genetic engineering, test tube babies, etc.. The ability
to create is just one of the godlike abilities Humanity is obtaining, and
through such abilities Humanity is evolving toward a godlike existence. In
the beginning there was man, and created he the concept of god. Humans are
becoming what they dreamed of.
Chapter VI
Futurists
"Environmental Mastery"
The most common Utopian belief is that Humanity will
reach Utopia by acquiring powerful technological abilities, while human
physiology and characteristics remain essentially the same. Nanotechnology
is the most revolutionary of currently conceived future technological
abilities. Nanotechnology is simply molecular manufacturing. A nanometer
is one billionth of a meter, so nanomachines would exist at an
infinitesimal scale. All matter (gases, liquids, and solid objects) is
composed of molecules, and molecules are just specific combinations of
atoms. Atoms are composed of electrons, protons, and neutrons. Molecular
assemblers, microscopic machines, would build molecules by putting atoms
together. Just give this machine any type of matter, such as water, and it
can rearrange the atomic pieces to make anything else, such as an apple,
or gold. These nanomachines can even make copies of themselves, so that
once one is built, Humanity can have all the nanomachines it wants. Every
home could have a machine, consisting of a very large quantity of these
microscopic nanomachines, to provide for all material needs. For example,
if you want a glass of orange juice simply tell the machine and it can use
water from a water line connection to make a glass filled with orange
juice. When you are finished drinking the juice, just put the glass in the
machine, and the machine will turn the glass back into clean water and
send the water down the drain. People will never have to shop again. New
clothes, caviar, lobster, no problem, just tell the machine to make
whatever is wanted. These nanomachines will build miniature
super-computers, and robots of any desired size. People will not have to
work because these robots, computers and machines, will be able to perform
any task that needs to be done, or is desired to be done. However, if one
desires to work, these production methods can be used to create any work
environment one desires. Material poverty will be eliminated. Money, a
medium of exchange for material goods and services, will become obsolete,
because every individual can have all of their material needs and desires
fulfilled by this unlimited production capability. Taxes are no longer
necessary. Nanomachines can patrol the human body killing viruses,
deleting any cancerous growths, and regenerating damaged cells so that one
never ages or gets sick. Pollution will not result from this molecular
manufacturing process, and these nanomachines can be unleashed to clean up
any preexisting pollution. There is no need to harvest trees, or other
natural resources, because nanomachines can make anything desired. Animals
will not have to be raised for slaughter to feed humans or provide
clothes, because nanomachines can make anything desired. This unlimited
production system just needs matter and energy to function These machines
can make solar panels and energy storage devices so efficient that the
energy from the sun will be the only power ever needed. The only other
thing needed to run the machines is some type of matter, which can be air,
water, dirt, or anything else that is plentiful. Fantastic engineering
feats are possible, such as see-through domes over cities to eliminate
weather concerns, and an extensive water piping system to eliminate
drought and floods. Extraordinary amusement parks and entertainment
centers could be built with this technology. Space exploration and
colonization would be easily feasible with this technology. Whole planets
can be encased in a protective see-through shield and a vacation paradise
or living space can be created on them.
In sum, through some combination of machines, robots, computers,
and/or other technologies, Humanity will have the ability to provide for
all material needs and desires, and Humanity can thereby make and/or
create any environment desired. Humanity will be able to build perfect
places.
Chapter
VII
Evolution
"Mental
Mastery"
Humanity will develop
methods to control and regulate feelings and emotions, increase
intelligence, and eliminate mental illness. People will have a mental
heaven through mind-shaping. People will have healthy minds free from any
mental agony such as depression, because all mental illness will be cured.
Humans will discover how to access and unleash the full capabilities and
power of the brain, and thereby reach levels of intelligence and thought
that takes the essence of being to an unimaginably complete state of
existence. Humanity will be able to achieve control of the brain so one
can elect to have any feeling or emotion desired, or elect to avoid any
feeling or emotion. One will be able to have pure thought unaffected by
feelings or emotions, and unrestrained by sensory or other limitations.
Such mind-shaping methods may involve the use of chemicals and/or genetic
engineering to enhance the pleasure pathways of the brain, and block
negative feedback pathways. This would result is a perpetual state of
happiness, pleasure, and joy. Boredom, anger and other negative feelings
and emotions will no longer plague man. People will be happy about being
in a state of happiness, a perpetual love of everything. Each individual
will have the capability to completely control their thoughts, and thereby
be the god of their own universe, the king of their mental sphere of
existence.
Additionally, Humanity will
develop sensory devices to enhance mental abilities, and virtual reality
systems for unlimited mental experiences. The virtual reality systems will
allow people to experience anything desired, and it will be and feel as if
it actually happened. For example, instead of reading a novel, one can
live the story in a three dimensional perception that can not be
distinguished from reality. Through virtual systems one can experience
anything they can conceptualize. Everyone would have their own unlimited
mental amusement park, and the experiences can be interactive with other
humans. Total freedom exists in such a world where one's virtual actions
cannot cause harm or damage to anything real. For example, one could go on
a mental safari and have the experience of bagging big game, yet cause no
harm. There are no limits or rules in virtual land. In such a place, even
the sky is not the limit because one can fly like an eagle if they so
desire. The sensory devices will allow people to experience a plethora of
new perceptions, and reach levels of ecstasy and other feelings beyond
current human ability. Such sensory devices can heighten and enhance any
feeling or perception. Some of the new feelings achieved may even make the
orgasmic feeling seem dull by comparison. In fact the enhanced and
expanded sensational experiences may be so blissful that people will give
up the hassle of maintaining a body as a vessel, and have their brain
downloaded into a computer or have their brain placed in some form of a
virtual sensory nutrient tank for perpetual existence at the heightened
level of perception. There is some empirical evidence of such a
desirability from studies which show lab rats will forgo even food in
order to sustain electric stimulation of the pleasure area of their
brain.
A key caveat of mind-shaping is
that society should not be able to require or restrict any such
capabilities, and that the individual should have complete personal choice
and control over what, if any, mind-shaping they will undergo.
In sum, through some method or
combination of methods, Humanity will have the ability to provide for all
mental needs and desires. Humans will be able to achieve full mental
satisfaction through utilization of maximum intellectual capabilities, the
curing of all mental illness, elimination of the negative side of human
nature, and virtual sensory devices. Such full mental satisfaction will
have profound positive impacts on current paradigms. For example, drug
abuse, crime, and war may become obsolete, because mentally satisfied
people have no need or desire to engage in such activities; and/or this
higher level of increased conscious-being may usher in an era of peaceful
coexistence where the need for social rules dissipates; and/or etc..
However, the full scope of any such impacts is beyond the limit of
Humanity's current level of knowledge.
Chapter
VIII
Perfect
Picture
"?"
Our ability
to control our environment and ourselves will increase and through some
combination of such abilities each individual will be able to live in
their vision of heaven. This picture of Utopia is the ability of each
person to live in their own picture of Utopia. A heaven on earth, where
everyone lives as they desire. In order to satisfy all people Utopia
cannot be a one size fits all environment, but must be a multitude of
different environments concept. A true Utopia must be everything to
everyone, and as such must contain the five basic elements set forth in
the first book of this trilogy. As to the element of complete knowledge,
humanity will eventually obtain a complete understanding of how it and
everything in its proximate environment works, and learn methods to
control and regulate the same. Once the complete knowledge element is
obtained, any other element can be satisfied. As to the element of
everlasting life, humanity will eventually learn how to eliminate death
and illness. As to the element of all good and no evil, evil will be
eliminated because humanity will learn how to discard its negative side.
As to the infinite provision element, humanity will develop unlimited
production capabilities to provide for all material needs and desires, and
methods will be discovered to satisfy all mental needs and desires.
Excluding the as of yet unknown impact
of future full mental satisfaction capabilities on the individual-society
paradigm, the fifth element, a perfect balance between the individual and
society, is the most problematic. Utopia is a true freedom concept. True
freedom includes not only the right of free choice, but also the ability
to exercise the right of free choice. True freedom permeates all aspects
of life, and is more comprehensive than any current philosophy of freedom.
Such freedom must include environmental mastery that will allow one
freedom from having to work to provide for material needs, freedom from
illness and disease, and freedom from death which is the ultimate
restriction on life. Such freedom must include mental mastery that will
free people from anguish, sadness and other negative mental experiences,
and allow people to break the chains of sensory and intellectual
limitations. However, when interacting with other humans the freedom to do
as you please also includes the right of others not to be offended by your
actions and vice versa. One way to satisfy all parties when balancing the
right of individual freedom against the right of people not to be annoyed,
injured, or offended by actions of others, is to allow any activity, but
restrict where the activity may be engaged in. Clearly one should have
total freedom inside their own home. When one wants to interact with other
humans, in a real setting, they should be able to select the environment
that has the rules they prefer. Instead of standard rules for all public
places, society could establish different rules for different places so
that each person can go to the type of public place where there are rules
of conduct and behavior that suits their preference. There could be a
varying mixture of rules of conduct for different public places which
results in at least one easily accessible place to satisfy any particular
type of mixture of desired public behavior. For example, nudists who like
to swill beer, smoke stogies, curse, and listen to loud rock bands, should
have a public place to go to that suits their desires, and people who are
offended by such behavior would know to avoid that place. Under such a
system there is total freedom, except for the harm to life prohibition,
and except for some restrictions on where some conduct may be engaged in.
Actually, even a harm to life desire can be fulfilled, either through
virtual reality, or with lifelike robotic forms. All needs and desires can
be fulfilled, there are just some restrictions on where it may be done.
Chapter IX
Energy
"Beyond Utopia"
Humanity may discover a way to exist as pure energy, a form
of pure thought. It is in this place beyond Utopia, Entopia, where the
need for any restrictions becomes obsolete. This theoretical highest level
of existence is beyond the scope of anything humans can currently
experience. Such a state of being should allow for unlimited mental
ability, where one would experience omnipotence. In such a state of
existence, there are no boundaries of essence, and no restrictions on
being. In such a pure state of being there are no problems, worries, or
negative concerns. Such a state of being would be a type of ultimate
content peaceful completeness. If humanity can reach such a state, it will
have checkmated nature.
Chapter X
Conclusion
"Seek and Ye Shall Find"
The future is an unknown quantity, and as such can
only be speculated about. Utopia could be some form of one of the above
methods, some other method beyond Humanity's current ability of
perception, or some combination thereof. What is known, is that the
present state of the world is not the best Humanity can do, and neither
was the past. We must press forward to find our best. There are no limits
to future abilities, just limits to what we can do now. We simply must
keep shining the light of knowledge on the darkness of ignorance, until we
find our best. If we continue on such a path, at some point in the future,
Humanity will bridge the gap between reality and
Utopia.
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