28th Century: QSR Events Log

By this century [28th] technology and society has advanced to the point where there is an abundance of resources. This has a profound impact on the way we live. Our populated solar system might be a "utopia". We have solved all of our problems and created a "perfect society". Though a rich life requires a challenge; you can have too much of a good thing. So that is why these QSR simulations are very useful for making us dead happy.

Some people became transhumans merged with machines; but they were still a minority in the 27th century. This had a profound impact on the way people live and think. The world is "ruled" by AI; but it is driven by equal democratic input from everyone. A common slogan was: "perfection is an impossible dream, but life is good here"; and it was. Unfortunately, an asteroid slipped past the defence grid and its impact in the ocean washed away some low lying islands.

Humans had colonised several planets by the 26th century. AI driven robots became indistinguishable from humans - except for human like emotions. Ethical and philosophical questions continued on this topic. Earth became a "united planet": promoting peace and prosperity.

Space travel became common in the 25th century. People travel to other planets and moons for tourism, adventure, and research. AI mastered the diagnosis and cure of all diseases. Some parts of the world became uninhabitable because resources were not invested to protect them. Conversely, some deserts had been turned into luxury resorts with an abundance of water and nature. I had a very enjoyable time at such a resort. It was a popular choice with other 28 C people in the QSR.

Autonomous and advanced weapons were deployed that erased whole populations in some cities, in the 24th century. Even some cities on Mars were attacked. This widespread destruction was a key turning point. Humans, and transhumans, made significant changes across all societies so that "this would never be repeated". Although the climate had been stabilised, rising sea levels continued to erase small islands and erode coastlines in poorer nations. Richer nations were able to defend their coastlines.

The 23rd century saw technology, and nature supported solutions, restore the climate on Earth to stable levels. (Updates from Mars showed it was still a barren dust bucket - people lived in nice environments underground.) Population growth and influx put a strain on resources and infrastructure in mega-cities. AI and automation had a major impact on the world of work: most jobs were automated, leading to unemployment and social unrest. There were tensions and conflict between countries, cultures, religions and transhumans. Despite sustainable improvements in the environment, conflict was still a challenge to many societies. Some had a good life, but others struggled.

A trip to the 22nd century showed a crowded Earth in some places. There were significant strains on resources and increased competition for land and water. Some had a good life, but others struggled. Climate change continued to warm the planet, leading to extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods. It had a devastating impact on many parts of the world, especially those that were already struggling with poverty and instability. Most people were connected through the Internet, and many had access to artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and 3D printing. AI and VR were still relatively crude compared to 28th century technology; but I liked it. The world became diverse with the rise of transhumans. Their augmented abilities gave them some significant advantages (and indirect disadvantages). Conflict between transhumans and humans became a growing issue. At least there was some significant progress: OCM manufacturing became the standard in this century.

A trip to Africa was a physical and mental challenge. I settled in a small community where life was hard, and illness and death were more frequent than the global average. At dawn and dusk we would labour in the hot environment to develop basic farms that could withstand droughts and floods. Some days the effort seemed futile, trying to battle the extremes of the environment. On other days, little successes gave a great sense of achievement. But it was obvious that we needed more support. So we contacted the UN for support: the first attempt was ignored, and the second attempt was rejected. Our needs were significant and so we persisted. On the third attempt, the UN agreed to help and they sent us robots and machinery to develop our infrastructure: renewable energy kit; water management and irrigation systems; recycling systems; 3D printers; and satellite Internet access. Our persistence was successful: life became easier, people were healthier and they lived as long as the global average. The community were grateful for the improvements, and happier. As was I.

During the 21st century society stumbled from the chaos of human history, into the haphazard adoption of AI.

In the second half of the 21st century widespread AI, robotics and machinery meant that corporations could quickly and cheaply manufacture lots of products, and automate many things. New technologies, medicines, plants and materials flooded the global market, and the environment! Despite greater environmental attention and restoration, new pollutants damaged natural ecosystems and new challenges arose for human health and longevity. It took a few decades to learn from their mistakes, and to care about the adverse impact. It was realised that the only solution was to make all products - all products - biodegradable and safe for every species. This kick started a new revolution in manufacturing across all sectors: Organic Compatible Materials (OCM). As all new materials had to be bio-compatible, only a few common elements (H, O, C, N, etc.) needed to be sourced. This meant that they could be sourced with the help of natural processes; and the mining of minerals would no longer be required. Well that was the theory, but it would take more decades to convince interested parties to change their ways.

I travelled across many nations, and got to know many people: poor, rich, black, white, religious, atheist, agnostic, greedy, generous, selfish, kind, intelligent, challenged, etc. And this is what most of them lacked: wisdom. They did not realise that their subconscious works by stereotyping people. They could have adopted the simplicity of this wisdom: treat everyone as an individual, get to know them and their situation, and be tolerant and loving. Instead, all societies included conflict at all levels. As smarter versions of AI evolved they tried to teach people this wisdom. Some were receptive, some were not, and some drew AI into their conflicts. No wonder this stubbornness kept people in conflict for many more years.

Archives: A Technical History of the 21st Century

The centuries before AI were varied and chaotic.

In this sim, I was born in the region of Sherwood Forest, but not in the era of Robin Hood. Going to school was a mixture of dread and interest (in some of the topics that were taught). I was a slow, but determined, learner (in the middle class) who faced a surprise exam one day. Without any teacher led preparation, I failed the exam and this set me on a course for the more academically challenged school. Some of the kids were rough and tough. The headmaster said "if you do not want to come to school, then do not" - but that reverse psychology would not be effective for all at our school. As the years past there, my interest in science grew. At the next school my parents got me upgraded to study the higher qualifications, driven by my interest in science (which resulted in two awards for achievement). Not surprisingly, science was the topic of choice at university - but that did not result in a career in science. Instead a pastime there kick started a career in all things IT - which was a surprise as I missed the job interview slot. A rich and varied career was then severely punctuated by the death of my father! On that day, and within a few minutes, my watch stopped, my brothers watch stopped; and when I got home my clock there had stopped too. [It's only after ending the simulation that I can recall the QSR point about coincidences. It was a little comforting, but you never fully get over such events.]

Einstein was smart, but not quite correct. Though, for the era he lived in, his theories were outstanding. His attitude and persistence should have been taught to everyone: the power of thought.

"To be or not to be" - he was a bore.