In our ever-evolving digital age, the internet has emerged as a transformative and indispensable tool that has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with the world. However, its impact extends far beyond convenience and connectivity. In this essay, we will explore a bold proposition: the internet is poised to become the very foundation of civilization itself, supplanting traditional structures and providing a remarkably affordable base layer for human society. As the internet’s influence expands and its capabilities grow, it has the potential to reshape the fundamental dynamics of civilization, offering unprecedented opportunities for widespread access, interconnectedness, and empowerment at an astonishingly low cost. Join us as we delve into the exciting prospects and implications of this emerging paradigm shift, where the internet becomes the bedrock of a new era of cheap civilization.
THE COST OF CIVILIZATION
The State has historically been an expensive entity, requiring significant resources to function and provide services to its citizens. In many cases, the State levies high taxes on its citizens in order to fund its various programs and initiatives.
For example, in ancient times, kingdoms would charge a tax rate of around 5%, which was considered a significant expense for the average person. Today, many modern States spend up to 50-60% of their citizens’ income on a wide variety of services, ranging from healthcare to education, infrastructure, and defense.
Furthermore, the State’s regulatory and taxation policies often lead to significant inflation and high costs for goods and services. This makes it difficult for many people to afford basic necessities, let alone access the luxuries of modern civilization.
In contrast, the internet has emerged as a much cheaper and more accessible alternative for people to access the benefits of civilization. While the cost of getting online can range from $20 to $150 per month, this is a fraction of what people typically pay in taxes and fees to the State.
Moreover, the internet provides access to a wide range of information, services, and products, which were once only available to a select few. Through online marketplaces, people can now buy and sell goods and services with anyone, anywhere in the world, breaking down barriers to trade and creating new opportunities for economic growth and innovation.
In this sense, the internet has the potential to provide access to civilization for all people, regardless of their social or economic status. By democratizing access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities, the internet can help to create a more equitable and just society, where people are empowered to pursue their dreams and achieve their fullest potential.
PARTS OF CIVILIZATION
What aspects of civilization can the internet replace?
Libraries:
Libraries have long been a cornerstone of civilization, serving as repositories of knowledge and culture. With the advent of the internet, vast digital libraries and online resources have emerged, providing unprecedented access to information. The internet has become a digital library, offering e-books, research databases, and archives accessible from anywhere, eliminating the limitations of physical space and expanding the reach of knowledge.
Money:
Money, as a fundamental aspect of civilization, has traditionally been controlled by the state. However, the rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin has disrupted this paradigm. The internet has facilitated the creation of digital currencies that operate independently of central authorities, enabling secure and decentralized transactions. As the internet’s influence on financial systems continues to grow, cryptocurrencies have the potential to redefine the concept of money, offering an alternative, cost-effective means of conducting transactions.
Education:
Education has historically been provided through formal institutions and often comes at a high cost. The internet is revolutionizing education by offering online platforms that provide accessible and affordable learning opportunities. With digital courses, virtual classrooms, and AI-powered adaptive learning, the internet has the potential to deliver high-quality education at a fraction of the traditional cost. This empowers individuals to pursue knowledge and skills on their own terms, irrespective of geographical barriers.
Contracts:
Contracts are vital for the functioning of societies, enabling agreements and dispute resolution. The internet is transforming contract processes by introducing smart contracts powered by blockchain technology. These self-executing contracts eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and increasing transparency. Decentralized voting mechanisms and AI can facilitate efficient and inexpensive dispute resolution, making contracts more accessible to a wider population.
Culture:
Culture is an essential aspect of civilization, representing the collective identity of a society. The internet has revolutionized the preservation and dissemination of culture, allowing individuals to connect with their heritage and engage with diverse cultural expressions globally. Social media platforms, online communities, and streaming services enable the sharing and celebration of cultural traditions, fostering a global exchange of ideas and artistic endeavors.
Infrastructure:
Infrastructure forms the backbone of civilization, encompassing transportation, communication, and utilities. The internet is driving innovations in infrastructure through technologies like autonomous vehicles, smart grids, and 5G networks. With the internet’s global connectivity, individuals can access infrastructure services anywhere, while advancements in autonomous systems promise more efficient and cost-effective solutions for transportation and logistics.
Jobs:
The internet has transformed the job market by enabling remote work and online platforms. It offers opportunities for freelancing, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration. With the internet, individuals can find employment opportunities from anywhere, breaking down geographical barriers and promoting equal access to jobs. The digital economy has created new avenues for economic participation, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Commerce:
Commerce has been a vital component of civilization, facilitating the exchange of goods and services. The internet has revolutionized commerce through e-commerce platforms, enabling individuals to buy and sell globally with ease. Companies like Amazon have transformed the way we shop, and emerging technologies like the Autonomous Matter Net promise to make global delivery more affordable and efficient, making commerce accessible to people worldwide.
Language:
Language barriers have often hindered communication and cultural exchange. The internet has played a transformative role in overcoming these barriers. Translation tools and AI-powered language services make it possible to convert websites and communicate in multiple languages. Universal translators facilitate real-time language translation, enabling individuals to connect and understand each other regardless of linguistic differences, fostering a more interconnected and inclusive global society.
Health & Medicine:
Access to quality healthcare has been a crucial aspect of civilization. The internet is revolutionizing healthcare delivery through telemedicine, remote diagnostics, and online access to medical information. Telehealth platforms connect patients with healthcare providers, especially in underserved areas. AI-driven technologies, such as robotic-assisted surgeries and AI diagnostics, enhance medical procedures, expanding access to healthcare and improving patient
More parts of civilization are added everyday.
THE REVOLUTION HAS ALREADY BEGUN
The Internet has become a transformative pillar of civilization, offering solutions where the State has faltered or failed. In many parts of the world, it has stepped in to provide vital services and enable societal progress. For instance, in regions with limited infrastructure and access to education, the Internet has become a virtual classroom, granting individuals the opportunity to learn and acquire knowledge that was once inaccessible. In countries plagued by corruption and censorship, the Internet acts as a beacon of freedom, allowing citizens to express their opinions, organize movements, and hold those in power accountable. Additionally, e-commerce platforms have revolutionized economies, empowering entrepreneurs in developing nations to reach global markets and foster economic growth. In this way, the Internet has become the bedrock of civilization, offering a lifeline of information, connectivity, and opportunity to those underserved by traditional state institutions.
- Kenya’s Mobile Money Revolution: In Kenya, the internet-driven mobile money platforms like M-Pesa have transformed financial services, promoting inclusivity and economic growth.
- Estonia’s E-Government Success: Estonia leads in digital governance, leveraging the internet for efficient and transparent public services, reducing bureaucracy and fostering citizen engagement.
- Internet Connectivity in Rural India: The internet has bridged the educational and informational divide in rural India, empowering communities with digital literacy, improved healthcare access, and economic opportunities.
CIVILIZATION FOR ALL
The internet has the potential to democratize access to civilization for all people, regardless of their social or economic status. From free online courses to open-source software, the internet offers a wealth of resources that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere in the world, without the need for expensive subscriptions or licenses. This can help to level the playing field and create more opportunities for people to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The internet has the potential to become the tie that binds humanity together, creating a more connected, equitable, and prosperous global society. By breaking down traditional barriers and democratizing access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities, the internet can help to create a better future for all of us.
THE INTERNET: A FORCE OF EFFICIENCY AND ADVANCEMENT
The internet stands apart from its predecessors in its unparalleled efficiency and technological prowess. The Romans expanded civilization wherever they went, at a great cost of war and strife. The British followed suit, but likewise at tremendous expense. Electricity brought similar benefits, yet governments could impede progress and exact exorbitant fees to those attempting to build upon its grid.
The internet, however, continues to evolve and maximize efficiency as costs for computer chips decrease and competition thrives. This competition pervades all levels of the internet, from programming languages and datacenters to web pages and apps. This fierce competition simply fuels further development and innovation- the internet has spawned libraries of incredible proportions, created its own digital currency (Bitcoin), and provided a platform for education through schools and free public forums.
In just 20 years, internet technology has steadily evolved from dial-up connections at a mere 56K to lightning-fast fiber speeds of 1 gig, and now mobile networks capable of operating at 5G speeds. The internet has indeed taken the world by storm, as no other structure has before. It has transcended cultural and language barriers and has transcended geographical borders, creating a global community in which all can learn, share ideas, and express themselves freely.
With each passing year, the internet’s influence and abilities continue to expand, leaving room for a world of possibilities beyond our imagination. The internet is a feat of human ingenuity, offering a platform for growth, collaboration, and incredible efficiencies all around. As the internet continues to grow, civilization advances alongside it.
CIVILIZATION ANYWHERE
As the internet continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, the vision of civilization anywhere becomes increasingly tangible. This prospect of cheap civilization, enabled by the internet’s ubiquitous presence, represents a giant leap for humanity. It signifies a shift from traditional notions of physical boundaries and state-centric models of civilization. Embracing the boundless potential of the internet, we stand at the precipice of a new era, where individuals can transcend geographical limitations and forge communities rooted in connectivity, innovation, and shared values. The internet’s transformative power offers us the opportunity to reimagine civilization, opening doors to a future where the human spirit can thrive, unfettered by physical constraints. With this realization, let us embrace the vast possibilities that lie ahead and embark on this collective journey towards a truly interconnected world.