Comment on But also, the correct answer is Devil's Due
glorkon@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
The Star Trek universe is based on the premise that a peaceful, united mankind is acting as a benevolent, civilized partner and friend of all alien species.
But let’s be honest, we all know we would behave like the aliens from Independence Day - mercilessly conquering and harvesting alien worlds and spreading destruction across the universe.
But let’s be honest, we all know we would behave like the aliens from Independence Day - mercilessly conquering and harvesting alien worlds and spreading destruction across the universe.
This would be true, except that Star Trek assumes a truly post-scarcity world where nobody needs to harvest alien worlds. Hell, the capitalists (Ferengi) are depicted as ruthless and conniving (oftentimes outright cartoonish) villains most of the time.
the capitalists (Ferengi) are depicted as ruthless and conniving (oftentimes outright cartoonish) villains
And once again, reality lets out a “here we go again” sigh and says “fine… hold my beer.”
benfell@infosec.exchange 2 weeks ago
@glorkon @USSBurritoTruck
Star Trek also assumes a truly post-scarcity society in which capitalism plays, at most, a small part.
One of the problems we face in assessing human potential is that we pretty much only know of humans since the Neolithic, when authority and wealth became increasingly centralized. In the Star Trek universe, while authority remains hierarchical and highly centralized, economic inequality is somewhat diminished. These are different sets of social premises and the outcomes might vary.
glorkon@lemmy.world 2 weeks ago
Indeed, outcomes may vary. I remember growing up in West Berlin in the 1980s, surrounded by the GDR - a highly centralized and hierarchical society with diminished economic inequality. We frequently got time off school because the smog was so bad.
I’m very skeptical if a human society is possible which does not lead to over-exploitation of resources and recklessness towards discovered species on alien planets. I also doubt that the technology required for space travel could be developed in a sustainable manner in the first place.
I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of a Star Trek type society which was somehow able find a solution for this problem, but I fear it’s highly unlikely. Ultimately, we’re selfish apes. That’s why I find the Star Trek premise unrealistic.