Preamble: A Civilization Worthy of Its Tools
Read the full Preamble in the Unscarcity book.
The Preamble opens with a paradox: we have the tools for abundance, but our operating system is broken. It introduces the core tension of the book and the questions that follow.
Questions Addressed
- Why are we arriving at the future before we’re ready for it?
- What happens when automation eliminates jobs while companies post record profits?
- What does the convergence of AI, robotics, and fusion energy mean for civilization?
- What are the two possible futures (“Star Wars” vs. “Star Trek”)?
- Why is doing nothing not a neutral choice?
Related Topics
- Employment Statistics 2025 — The layoff wave and AI displacement data
- Labor Cliff 2025-2030 — 30% of work hours automated by 2030
- Humanoid Robots 2025 — Tesla Optimus, Figure 02, 1X Neo at $499/month
- Fusion Timeline 2024-2030 — From breakeven to commercial delivery
- Musk’s Universal High Income — UBI vs. UHI distinction
- Three Scenarios Analysis — The possible futures explored
Characters Introduced
- Maria Delgado — Detroit house cleaner facing automation
- Adewale Okonkwo — Lagos remote worker displaced by AI
