The world of tomorrow

Global Tech Trajectories and National Optimism

• Several comments contrast US “trailing edge” pessimism with more tech-optimistic cultures in East Asia (Shenzhen, Seoul, Taipei, etc.), though others note deep disillusionment and ultra-low fertility there too.
• Debate over whether the US is losing manufacturing capacity (smartphones, electrical gear, cars) versus remaining strong in areas like EVs, rockets, chips, cloud, and software.
• Examples mentioned: Tesla/SpaceX, Nvidia/AMD, Purism’s US-made phone, remaining US electrical equipment firms; also the absence of major US consumer drone makers.

Inequality, Oligarchy, and Political Capture

• Many frame the current era as dominated by a “corporate class”/oligarchy capturing most gains from innovation, with media and politics aligned to protect them.
• Others argue capitalism and corporate wealth have dramatically reduced global poverty and starvation, citing fertilizer and agricultural policy as key, while disputing exaggerated “billions died from communism” claims.
• Strong skepticism that future tech gains (2030–2050) will be broadly shared; expectation that existing elites will capture them. Some see eventual structural collapse or AI-driven loss of human control as likely resets.

Revolution, Agency, and Control

• Some insist mass uprisings (violent or non-violent work stoppages) are always possible; others counter that economic incentives, surveillance, propaganda, and automation make modern revolution extremely hard.
• There’s tension over voter responsibility vs. media/party capture, especially around recent US elections and foreign policy (notably Gaza).

Loss of Futuristic “Glamour” and Cultural Narratives

• Commenters note a shift from optimistic sci‑fi (Star Trek TNG, Tomorrowland) to darker, more cynical futures (Alien, cyberpunk, Black Mirror).
• The “future” feels ordinary, bureaucratic, or controlled rather than wondrous; tech like smartphones and social media is seen as both empowering and addictive/alienating.

Quality of Life, Housing, and Gratitude

• Arguments over whether people are “freer and richer than ever” versus crushed by cost of living, especially housing.
• Some blame NIMBYism and property-tax structures; others propose land-value taxation to discourage speculation and encourage development.
• Multiple comments point to dramatic declines in extreme global poverty, while others stress rising dependence on corporate systems and loss of meaning.
• A subthread emphasizes the hedonic treadmill and advocates intentional gratitude—recognizing how astonishing “ordinary” conveniences (hot water, internet, food security) already are.