dan-hankins@cup.portal.com (10/26/90)
[Moderator's note: I swiped a couple of messages about nanotech from the poli-sci list because I thought they'd be of interest. This is the one that started the discussion.] I think it's worth mentioning at this point that within the next half-century, the entire nature of economics will be changed by technology. Specifically, nanotechnology. Already, IBM researchers have manipulated individual atoms on a surface, and gene machines can build genetic strings a base pair at a time. The day approaches when every individual can produce all the basic necessities of life (and many of the luxuries), with only energy, raw materials, molecular assemblers and the right software. This technological revolution will make the Industrial Revolution look like a hiccup. The Industrial Revolution brought what once were considered luxury goods within the reach of the average consumer. The Nanotechnology Revolution will bring the means of production themselves within the reach of _every_ individual. Why work for someone else when you can make your own food, build your own house, clothe yourself, and build and power your own appliances with the energy available to you wherever you reside (i.e. sunlight and wind)? Only because you _like the work_. When each person can own his own means of productions, it becomes much harder to "economically oppress" him. If you refuse to sell him something, he just makes it himself. If you refuse to employ him, he makes his own basic necessities. This will eliminate or greatly reduce the perceived need for all government programs save providing a militia and a standing army. Welfare? Welfare is meant to pay for basic necessities - which the individual will be able to provide for himself. Social Security? What for? See welfare. Medicare? Not when the individual can program medical nanomachines that repair and maintain his body for him. He just needs the right software. Drug laws? They will be unenforcable when anyone can use a molecular assembler and the right software to manufacture any drug. And unnecessary, since the reason for the drug laws is that drugs remove the addict from the workforce so that he has to steal for his basic necessities and his habit. Theft will no longer be necessary, since he can make his own necessities, his own drugs, _and his own antidote_. Pollution control? Nanomachines will be able to eat pollutants and excrete, say, fertilizer. Deforestation? Why bother with natural wood when you can build superior artificial wood from carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen? In that coming world, barring political obstructionism, nearly everyone will be middle-class and healthy. The remaining forms of wealth will be land, raw materials, and information. Just remember that dirt and garbage and junk make excellent raw materials for assemblers, and information is an unlimited resource. On the other hand, the copyright and patent battles over nanotech software will be something to see. Dan Hankins dan-hankins@cup.portal.com dan-hankins@pro-realm.cts.com Freedom: I won't.