Universe 25

Universe 25 was John Calhoun’s 1960s mouse utopia experiment providing unlimited food, water, and shelter. The colony collapsed from social breakdown–violence, withdrawal, reproductive failure–despite abundance. The case is often cited as evidence that plenty breeds decay.

Unscarcity reinterprets the experiment: the failure stemmed from purposelessness, overcrowding, and lack of escape or varied challenges. Human history shows abundance paired with meaningful projects (Renaissance, open-source) can spur flourishing. The Frontier and Cognitive Field aim to supply that meaning while the Foundation removes scarcity.

The reference serves as a cautionary tale: abundance alone is insufficient; societal design must provide autonomy, space, and purpose to prevent “beautiful ones” apathy.

References

• UnscarcityBook, chapter1
• John B. Calhoun, “Population Density and Social Pathology” (1973)
• Psychology Today, “Lessons from Universe 25” (2020)