Selectively Juggling

This question really piqued my interest, especially appealing to my sociopolitical side. My vision includes the following: It is the antithesis of an Orwellian 1984-type landscape. Instead, I’d strive to create a proverbial utopia. A dystopian utopia. Trigger warning – Highly naive and possible too saccharine sweet. Be warned!

A future city where difference is woven into the very fabric of society. A city where poverty and homelessness do not exist, nor obscene wealth and income disparity. In a city where the annals of history are revered, people have learnt vicariously from the myriad of past mistakes, the violence, the suppression and oppression. A society that has evolved well beyond the cruel shackles of capitalism, no longer enslaving all, where money no longer exists, let alone wields so much power and influence over people’s actions. As mentioned, there is freedom from hunger, poverty and homelessness. There is a collective understanding of the ‘greater good’ and a genuine connection to self, others and the land and waters. Humankind has evolved to a place in its development where they no longer require external constructs such as divisive religions and social structures. Instead, each is driven by an internal moral compass built on compassion and understanding.

There are collectively agreed systems in place where everyone contributes to the best of their abilities. There is no ego; people are simply people, accepted for who they are, not what they do or can give. An old man’s ability as a storyteller is deemed as valuable as a young man’s ability to carve stone. And regardless of ability, everyone has something valuable to offer, regardless of disability, age and capability. Each person representing an important piece of the overall jigsaw puzzle.

The city has self-sustainable food and water supplies using environmentally friendly and consciously aware systems of production. Where the earth is cared for and revered as a provider, not just a mere ‘host body’. People have shifted their mindsets of ‘land ownership and possessions’ to understanding they are merely custodians of the land and need to protect it, heal it and ensure it is handed to future generations. Humanity has moved beyond the cancel culture and mass-waste fast fashion ideology. It is now underpinned with values of sustainability, connectedness and respect, including respect for all living beings, regardless of their position in life’s food chain. Society works with Mother Nature and the earth, not against it. Yet, it does this with an open-mind, based on a secular science world view.

Housing has changed. No more concrete jungle-type scenarios; it is now built using more environmentally durable yet sustainable means. It is highly intuitive, organic living. No larger-than-life mini-mansions, people embraced the lessons from the past and how consumerism exacted a massive toll on all. The built environment has adapted to the natural environment, improving climate change, modulating weather patterns and reducing major weather events. New technologies were created to starve off the reliance on fossil fuels. Clever energy adaptions adorn every human-built surface, like the energy-creating solar paint. There are no overhead powerlines or underground mains, and each home, each building is more than capable of generating and harnessing renewable free energy. When it rains, it is captured using innovative catchment systems. The water helps replenish human needs, meet the needs of all other living creatures, and nourish the vast green spaces. Streetscapes are lined with trees, which help to provide shade and beauty. The city plan is punctuated with a patchwork of vegetable and fruit gardens, each teeming with contented people, happy to garden and produce invaluable resources. Birds and bees once threatened with near extinction abound in plenty; their presence is revered and celebrated by all. Humanity is mindful of the crucial need to keep nature in harmony and balance.

The enlightened society celebrates art and music, with musicians and artists free to shine their unique visions, colours and light. Poets share their latest musings and sculptors’ work to adorn the cityscape. There is a celebration of these creative differences. As society is no longer held victim to the vast cogs of capitalism, there is no need for metropolises where millions commute daily. Instead, towns are smaller and organically dispersed. Everyone has access to education and training, to mentors willing to impart their knowledge and experience. Science is viewed respectfully, as is the translation and transference of knowledge between people. There are no Elon Musk or Rupert Murdoch-type pariahs, no right-wing racist evangelicals espousing hate. None of that, period! Their legacies long buried beneath rubble.

Society has evolved, respecting that the mere construction of the ‘other’ often leads to violence and oppression. Hence, everyone, regardless, has worth and purpose. Socially constructed concepts of ‘difference’ do not exist. Science and technology have embraced the power of nature and together created a system of keeping everyone well, mentally and physically. There are plenty of health-giving plants and technology working seamlessly, side by side. No company holds any patents, charging exorbitant fees. There is none of that. Period! In fact, society has undergone multiple paradigm shifts, and as a result, there is no living memory of anything other than universal healthcare, and the power of nature.

The cities, towns and communities exist in harmony. The flat-level hierarchical structures help to negate any power struggles. As in ancient times, communities come together to discuss, debate, laugh and share. So, too, new cities and communities have open spaces where people discuss, debate, question, celebrate and innovate. There is a hybrid of new technology and a mix of the old. Society has openly embedded some ancient philosophies and ideals into its core. There is very little violence or aggression. There is little ignorance, as people are completely aware of their rights, responsibilities, roles, rewards and interconnectedness. People have agency, ownership and empowerment. They know that society’s success depends on their ability to function well together, to come together for the greater good.