We are entering the Age of Abundance. This is being proven by many different disciplines. All over the world, there are shifts taking place throughout society which are going to have profound impacts. Some are technological, others energetic. Blockchain and cryptocurrency are a couple of things at the center of this move.
The challenge we are facing is that even though we are moving towards an abundant age, we still still operate completely on the scarcity principle. I am not sure what the reason is but humanity lacks the ability to say enough. "More" tends to be our default mindset.
There are a lot of wonderful things that are starting to emerge. Because of advancements in technology, many things are becoming abundant. One of the areas I believe we will see a radical improvement is in energy. We are rapidly moving towards a day when energy, for the world, is either free or minimal cost. Over the past few years, the price of renewable energy dropped significantly in spite of battery prices still reasonable high. Over the decade, battery research should put that trend in alignment with what we witnessed in solar and wind.
This will drop the price of energy to near zero levels.
The problem with this is that mankind lacks the ability to exert control. Notice the advancements society made in the area of food production. In the Western world, food is relatively inexpensive and plentiful. And what happened? It made us fat and sick. We eat entirely too much stuff that is unhealthy for us.
Countries that are leading the charge into the "renewable" age consume more energy than is required for the level of production. In other words, there is little reason to conserve when not paying for it.
Is this what we are in for when we have free energy?
Of course, the question comes up why do we care? Renewable energy is plentiful and cannot be exhausted. We cannot use all the sun produces anyway.
That is true. However, one thing we should all know by now is that there are always unintended consequences from our actions. Therefore, while I cannot give you a reason why we should converve when energy is free, I also cannot give you are reason why we shouldn't. The truth is I (and everyone else) have no idea what fallout could result.
Don't get me wrong. Free energy will be of extreme benefit to humanity. We simply need to be mindful of the consequences that can come in other areas.
Overall, advanced societies tend to be gluttonous. When you look at the consumption on this planet, especially in the Western cultures, it is very disheartening. People feel entitled to have whatever they want regardless of the cost (and I am not talking in financial terms). In our quest for more, we have destroyed many aspects of this planet. As long as we are comfortable, we are not concerned about any of the costs beyond our checkbook.
At the same time, we are programmed to get "more". This is a problem of epidemic proportions. Enough is never enough. We see this among all classes of people. Only the poorest among us cannot engage in this disease. As long as one has money or credit, it is on. People do not care what something costs as long has one can have it. Throw it on the credit card and worry about it later. Budgets are not something people live within because they are restrictive.
Advertisers know this and they push our buttons. They know how to prey on our insecurities and fears. Feel bad about yourself, go shopping; buy our product to feel better. You deserve it. On and on it goes.
Sadly, we see this same mindset on here. Many are still engaging in that behavior. The fear that resides within us of not being enough means we have to get more. Gratitude is a powerful weapon in our lives yet few choose to apply it. Instead, we fall into the conditioning of looking at what our neighbor has with envy. If that person gets a new car, we want one too. Our relationships turn into a series of competitions where we try to one up each other. Whatever anyone else has we need to top that.
Hivians are a fortunate lot in that we are starting to pave the way for others who are going to follow. We are on one of the most powerful blockchains in existence with more activity than anywhere else. Through our interaction on here, we are starting to see what is going to happen in a world of anarchy; one without an established order. It is through this that we get to work our improving ourselves so as to lift all around us.
Every single improvement helps the entire ecosystem. A line of code in one application that moves it forward does the same for the entire ecosystem. The success of one application makes everything on here more valuable.
The same is true for individuals. When we help one person move the account forward, every person that individual upvotes is helped out to a greater degree. One person being more compassionate can help 10 people who read that comment. There is no telling where the tentacles of our actions on here can reach.
Of course, the flip side is also true. When we are selfish, greedy, and full of anger, that has an effect also. Withholding votes causes harm to those who follow us. Being degrading or attacking others harms the entire ecosystem. It is amazing how not being diligent can cause harm. One action can negate 6 months of relationship building. Trust is a fragile thing and when one goes against that trust, it is hard to get it back.
It is an ironic concept but in the Age of Abundance, moderation is key. When everything is available at the touch of an app, it is easy to be gluttonous. This behavior is totally self destructive. We see many who, no matter what they have, they want more. Given the resources, either cash or credit, they will get it too. Ultimately, they keep engaging in this pattern until something gives. This is part of the cycle that addicts face. This cycle does not only pertain to drugs or alcohol. Most of society is caught up in it one way or another.
Once again, if Hivians are intent upon uplifting humanity through the freedom of blockchain, it is imperative that we begin by lifting ourselves. A lot is going to be handed to us simply because we are here now. Over the next 5 years, the world is going to realize what blockchain is all about and the power it wields. Throughout history, there is one lesson that keeps appearing....with power come responsibility.
Being greedy, gluttonous, and acting like a pig is childish behavior. And children tend not to be responsible.
The place to change the world is starting back at me in the mirror every morning.
Am I up to the challenge?
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