1
 |
RiKD  United States. Jun 15 2026 05:09. Posts 9947 | | |
There is no doubt in my mind that it is revolution or death. What can be done?
* Philosophy for desire
* Dyson Swarm for energy
* Deep ecology for Earth (and the galaxy)
The philosophy may be the hardest part so I will save that for last.
Dyson Swarm for energy
A Dyson Swarm is a theoretical megastructure consisting of billions of independent satellites and solar collectors orbiting a star to capture its energy output. It would be the pinnacle of a Kardashev II civilization.
Kardashev I is extracting energy from the planet. It is a major noob play.
Kardashev II is extracting energy from the sun.
Kardashev III is extracting energy from the galaxy.
There is no Dyson Swarm without advanced technology in many areas. Primarily, we would have to learn how to mine asteroids. Asteroids are high in iron and nickel which are the primary components of steel and stainless steel. I will get more into deep ecology later but the idea is that nature is good in itself and should not just be thought of as a means to an end for humans. In my view, there is a big difference between mining "dead" asteroids and ravaging the rain forests. Of course, science might come to pass that mining asteroids on a scale of constructing a Dyson Swarm somehow fucks with the galactic ecology. Until then I am all about let's go for it.
There are also the setbacks of who owns the Dyson Swarm. If Elon Musk and Spacex have a monopoly on the endeavour I don't feel as comfortable. Same if the USA government or China government are Dyson Swarm oligarchies.
If you can find more holes or improvements I'm certainly open to hearing them.
Deep Ecology for Earth (and the galaxy)
Here is where it gets tricky. Mass expansion in space and deep ecology on Earth I don't know how the two co-exist. Hypercapitalism may get us the Dyson Swarm but it may ravage the planet and it could also have a negative effect on humanity. Who gets to live on a pristine Earth? It's quite a balancing act. I think the motive is what matters but that is tricky too. Expand for survival or The Good Life or even just scientific curiousity but let's not make it Imperialism 2.0. It's one of my critisisms for Kardashev III. I thought I was vehemently against Kardashev III because of The Dark Forest Theory. The Dark Forest Theory basically states that the universe is a dark forest full of hunters and you never want to show yourself. A massive interstellar civilization across galaxies is kind of like a giant blinking sign "We are here." However, in a free society how can I as one person deny curiousity or avoiding extinction. I could see where having a 3 star civilization is hedging against catastrophe but personally I don't see myself going on any of these expeditions even if it meant saving my life. I'd rather meditate on a beach in Hawaii. Basically, I am in favor of moving all mining (and industry) to space that makes sense. Then, the question arises are their limits? Do we mine Europa or Io for example?
Philosophy (and art) for desire
We can learn a lot from the philosophers and the artist in regards to how to live a life without scarcity. Who gets to live in Hawaii? Will Hawaii even be above the ocean? The global South is still probably fucked. Even with revolution we can't overturn the harm done to the planet. What about hierarchy and oppression? What are people going to do all day? We have like 5 billion more years of Kardashev II with this sun?
So, it's a major balancing act and a lot can go wrong but I propose we move to l337 Kardashev II (Dyson Swarm) as fast as possible and then HODL for a while until we can figure out the next best steps. Hopefully, that is possible without totally ruining the planet, AI taking a bad turn, authoritarian regimes taking over, wars, whatever else there is. I think l337 Kardashev II is a better shot than eco-socialism sitting on Kardashev I. The key will be restraint at l337 Kardashev II. All the conquerers will be out in full force trying to expand to new frontiers (markets) and I think that would be incredibly irresponsible.
|
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Jun 15 2026 05:22. Posts 9947 | | |
I think my biggest question is:
Is l337 Kardashev II actually better than a l337 Eco-socialism?
There is probably something in the middle that can work or rather a Kardashev II without a Dyson Swarm. A Kardashev II with Eco-socialism. |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Jun 15 2026 05:25. Posts 9947 | | |
Is a "dead" asteroid belt really dead?
Do we have the right to fuck up the asteroid belt and other moons and planets? |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Jun 15 2026 05:26. Posts 9947 | | |
Is hierarchy and oppression among humans inevitable? |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Jun 15 2026 05:27. Posts 9947 | | |
Who is "we" in this essay?
The engineering is probably easier than the politics. |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Jun 15 2026 05:34. Posts 9947 | | |
Can a society become godlike in capability without becoming godlike in domination?
Can we have the power of Alexander with the soul of Diogenes? |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Jun 15 2026 05:37. Posts 9947 | | |
What value system survives when a civilization gains Kardashev II level capacity? |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Jun 15 2026 05:39. Posts 9947 | | |
It all still comes down to hierarchy and oppression. How do we design a civilization where increasing power does not automatically convert into domination? |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Jun 16 2026 18:01. Posts 9947 | | |
I've been thinking about this mini-essay. There is always the shiny ball of Sci-Fi but at the core I am trying to answer this:
What does it mean to live well, and how do we do so without dominating each other or the world around us? |
|
|
1
| |
Please seek professional help |
|
| | Last edit: 18/06/2026 04:51 |
|
|
1
| |
iono rikd needs more resources that will help him get outta a funk or something iono though gl rikd
im too tired to read all that stuff rikd but u do u n just acquire more resources  |
| |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Today 01:56. Posts 9947 | | |
| | On June 18 2026 03:51 qu4nTum-fLuX wrote:
Please seek professional help |
u |
|
|
1
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Today 02:01. Posts 9947 | | |
The drums on this Vegyn track are so dope. |
|
|
1
|
RiKD United States. Today 02:25. Posts 9947 | | |
What does it mean to live well, and how do we do so without dominating each other or the world around us? |
|
|
1
| |
| | On June 21 2026 01:01 RiKD wrote:
Show nested quote +
On June 19 2026 18:17 newgeinnings wrote:
iono rikd needs more resources that will help him get outta a funk or something iono though gl rikd
im too tired to read all that stuff rikd but u do u n just acquire more resources |
It's more than resources. Maybe I'm in a funk but I'm also funky. It's important to distinguish that.
|
you are pretty funny , but first resources n I understand it may be more than just resources but control what you can control n let it play out.
|
| |
|
|
1
| |
| | On June 21 2026 01:25 RiKD wrote:
What does it mean to live well, and how do we do so without dominating each other or the world around us? |
thats a good question, when people learn to share I guess simple answer but to give a long answer hmmm |
| |
|
|
1
| |
I remember when Baal posted some funny meme about superman and energy so when the world has enough cheap energy and resources for all I hope we will share |
| |
|
|
|
Contact Users: 1700 Active, 0 Logged in - Time: 12:24
,
,
,
,