Are we ready?

[Oxygon]

In 1834, Walter Hunt built America's first sewing machine, which was also the first eye pointed needle sewing machine. He later lost interest in patenting his sewing machine, because he believed the invention would cause mass unemployment. Whether horse drawn carriage, typewriters or newspapers... thinks will change, they always do... sometimes they stay the same.

I often recite the old apple computer commercial quote:

Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. - Apple Inc.

History shows us human scientific hubris... Which shows me that even the "crazy guy" can be right every once in a while.

[TGM]

How much money does one need to live a comfortable life?

Not millions; in fact I use to spend a few minutes thinking what I would need to be comfortable in life. It isn't very much. Maybe US $3,000 per month. Double it to enjoy life more. Of course, each of us have practical ideas we think fills the numbers in to our liking.

We each give out much of ourselves everyday to those around us. Some money, some time, some love. That's how humans work.

It's only when greed and power intercepts our psyche that we go astray.

If one of us invented a working GM and provided it to most of the world for free, it still would not solve all of the world's problems. Oh, it would help a lot, but a panacea? I doubt it.

Regardless of the motive force, you still need generators to make power. The world will always revolve around electricity, thank you very much, Mr. Tesla. The great news about generators is they last a long time and would be a great equalizer if operated by a perpetual energy source like gravity.

I actually answered "no" above because I do not know how I would prevent those others that think I killed their livelihood from killing me. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but that's a human trait, too.

In any event, every day I get closer to revealing the secret to a working GM. Should I fulfill my present private goals and desires, I will release it to the public. If I fail to reach the point I want to be in this life, maybe I'll save the idea for a future life.

[Grimer]

I find life far more interesting the less money I have. It's more of a challenge like climbing Everest or sailing around the world.

There is an interesting science fiction book on this theme entitled:

The Midas Plague (The Galaxy Project)
by Frederik Pohl

"The more things you own, the more they own you." This novelette from Frederik Pohl takes that old saying to its logical conclusion. The "poor" in this society can't escape from a glut of consumer products. The "rich" are allowed to take only what they want and need. A threadbare coat is a symbol of great wealth and distinction. The question is, is there any way out?

[Grimer]

I would have answered YES to the poll bus the poll seems to be closed which is not surprising seeing that it was set up eleven years ago.

For one thing the diabolical trap of atomic power would be a dead duck.

[Andyb]

HOOray to that.

[primemignonite]

Grimer, you offered us this true gem "For one thing the diabolical trap of atomic power would be a dead duck."

Wel,l no such luck; it has not yet appeared and it is still.

We - all of us and our fellow creatures - ARE IN IT, and there is no way out.

The world media are busting their wicked guts to keep the true magnitude of the driven horror that is Fukushima, hidden from general cognizance. Well, they are assured of easy success for they have a willing crowd for it as it is a PERFECTED ART, that of general DENIAL of the discomfiting.

Of all the many follies perpetrated by Humankind, letting the Atomic Genie out of his bottle was THE WORST, for it is our death-in-progress right now, at this moment. Only a matter of time, and this from but one unit gone haywire! (Excepting for any escapees, the Japanese race is finished.)

In view of this situation, I do believe that even the most hardened, professional atheist monger class, will soon be saying their prayers to their Lord and Master that lives underneath, begging for it's sweet mercy. Ha! Self-worship and their beloved, famous ingratitude, IS to have it's eternal price.

James

[Grimer]

...

I often recite the old apple computer commercial quote:

Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. - Apple Inc.

History shows us human scientific hubris... Which shows me that even the "crazy guy" can be right every once in a while.

Thanks for that quote. I'll file it away for future reference.

If you read the papers on my zen website you will see that I must surely qualify.

I even managed to finish up my career with 2 months gardening leave on full pay as a result.