And lastly, leaving you all with this essay by #DuskinWayne. The key takeaway I got from this is that wanting to achieve success isn't limited to capitalistic / selfish pursuits -- it can be utilized to create #ABetterWorld for everyone and the planet. (Note -- I don't agree with everything Duskin Wayne says, but I found it interesting in terms of thinking about 'what is human nature'?)
#StabilizedWorld: Social Welfare vs. Independent Pursuit of Success
Published 2025
"Imagine a future where technology has solved many of the world’s biggest problems, creating a society that is more stable and equitable. MIT’s Fourth Scenario, the 'Stabilized World,' envisions a society where basic needs—like healthcare, education, and income—are guaranteed for everyone. With the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, labor has been redefined, allowing people to focus on what truly matters to them. In this world, the question becomes: Is happiness found in the security of a welfare state, or in the personal achievements that come from pursuing one’s own version of success? According to the scenario, this societal stability follows a period of collapse that is predicted to occur between 2030 and 2060, as we face #EnvironmentalCrises and economic #disparity.
"In this future, social welfare isn’t just a safety net but a foundational element of society. No longer do individuals need to fear falling into poverty or being excluded from opportunities. With a guaranteed basic income and universal access to essential services, people are free to explore their passions, whether that’s launching a startup, creating art, or dedicating time to personal development. This system allows for creativity and innovation to flourish, but it also raises a fundamental question: What drives happiness—personal success or the stability that comes from being part of a secure, #collective society?
"Although basic needs are met for everyone, the desire to achieve more, whether in wealth, status, or recognition, doesn’t disappear. In fact, many would argue that the pursuit of success is what gives life meaning, even in a world where the basics are assured. While the 'Stabilized World' provides a cushion, individuals are still encouraged to push boundaries, create, and innovate. But here, success is not solely defined by financial #wealth or #fame. It is the result of personal effort, #creativity, and contribution to society’s #GreaterGood. The tension between achieving for oneself and achieving for the collective good creates a nuanced approach to happiness — one that blends personal fulfillment with a sense of responsibility to the whole.
"This balancing act is particularly evident in the realms of education and entrepreneurship. In a world where the pressure to survive has been lifted, more people are free to pursue their dreams and develop new ideas. But does this individual drive to succeed come at the cost of social cohesion? In this future, innovation and entrepreneurship are celebrated, but they must be seen in the context of societal well-being. As people rise to success, they are encouraged to think about how their achievements can improve the lives of others. The concept of wealth shifts, moving away from mere accumulation to the idea of access — being able to live a life that goes beyond survival to one of exploration, joy, and meaningful contribution.
"Ultimately, the 'Stabilized World' scenario presents a society where personal ambition and collective stability coexist. As people work to achieve their own goals, they do so in a framework that ensures the well-being of all. This makes us ask: Is true happiness found in the wealth we accumulate or in the security we offer one another? The pursuit of success is no longer just about individual triumph; it’s about how we can innovate, create, and live in ways that benefit everyone. In this future, we learn that the intersection of personal ambition and social welfare isn’t a battle to be won but a balance to be struck, with both paths leading to a richer, more fulfilling life for all."
Link to article (includes references):
https://www.duskinwayne.com/arts-and-culture-blogs/stabilized-world-social-welfare-vs-independent-pursuit-of-success
#SolarPunkSunday #SW #LtG #LimitsToGrowth #SolarPunk #GuaranteedIncomeForAll #UsingTechnologyForGood
