A Vision for Human Flourishing

The idea of human flourishing is typically only mentioned in the context of the individual. There is almost no high-level conversation explicitly focused on achieving radical, society-wide transformations designed to supercharge human flourishing. As a result, day-to-day life is stuck in a rut. Technology continues to advance, and humanist values continue to spread. But this progress rarely translates into making life more conducive to wide-scale flourishing.

We do not have to settle for the world we inherited from our parents. Just like we would not accept the transportation technology of the 1800s, we should not compulsorily accept archaic attitudes toward work, education, possessions, and leisure. The world up to this moment was not built for humanity truly to flourish. By looking to insights from philosophers, futurists, and science fiction writers, we can do better.

Becoming a Digital Cosmopolitan

Being a cosmopolitan--a citizen of the world--isn’t about being wealthy. But it is about being connected. Today, that means having digital keys. Not merely for unlocking physical doors, but virtual doors as well.

People often shy away from discussing how digital platforms impact our identity and social standing. This is a mistake. By reframing our place in the world in terms of digital cosmopolitanism, we can radically change how we interact in digital spaces and how we view our status in the world.

Technology and the 21st Century Decadence Movement

In his 1884 novel "Against Nature", Joris-Karl Huysmans describes a character who retreats from the real world and dedicates his time to creating and appreciating synthetic sensations. His life’s objective is to reach a higher plane of experience by shunning everything natural, wallowing solely in manufactured sensations.

This novel kick-started a literary and artistic movement centered around decadence, defined as turning away from Naturalism and embracing all things artificial and urban. Notable figures of the movement included Oscar Wilde and Paul Valéry.

Today, the widespread adoption of digital technology has led to a second iteration of this 19th century movement. By viewing modernity through this lens, we are given license to be excited and empowered by technology. Virtual reality and other technologies may seem new, but at a fundamental level, this is not the first time we have embarked on the project of intentionally turning away from nature.

Preparing for the Transhuman Future

We're well on our way to achieving the promises of transhumanism. If science and technology continue to advance, it's possible people alive today will see the end of aging and will begin to merge their minds with the digital realm. As a society, and as individuals, we are nowhere near prepared for these possibilities.

To avoid a wide range of dystopian scenarios, we not only need to implement necessary regulations and practical safeguards, we also need to begin restructuring the economy and our personal lives.