Staggering towards Modernism

[David Erskine]

Staggering towards Modernism

Modernism is a watershed in history. Modernism means allowing economic,
political and social policy to be guided by scientific understanding.

Advanced Modernism leads to an earthly version of the Elysian Fields, a
small, stable population sustained by an automated economy. It is now
possible to live like demigods. There are no serious technical obstacles
to such an arrangement, but formidable social obstacles.

We are currently trying to nurse everyone along towards an advanced
modernist state.

Early Modernism, starting about 1870, meant mechanical and electric aids
to everyday life. Most people adapted readily to these changes.

Later Modernism, starting about 1960, meant the possibility of automated
economies, and also the absurdity of indefinite growth of population and
economic activity.

Later Modernism also grows out of scientific understanding, so is no
different to early Modernism. But most people are unable to adapt to the
possibility of an automated economy, or to an economy which has to stop
growing. They are psychologically unable to accept the Elysian Fields
option.

We cannot nurse people along indefinitely. Why should people think that
they are entitled to live in a modernist state, regardless of aptitude?
Advanced modernist states in the future will have to select their
members, and be enclaves in an irrational, antimodernist world.

David Erskine