Tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have grandiose plans for space colonies and artificial intelligence, but experts argue these visions are delusional and rooted in flawed assumptions. Douglas Rushkoff, a media and tech critic, explains that these billionaires plan to escape the world after they've destroyed it, fueled by a toxic mix of techno-solutionism and escapist fantasies.
Rushkoff recounts his experience with billionaires in the desert, where they asked him how to survive "The Event," an anticipated apocalyptic catastrophe. Their plan involves bunkers and escape strategies, revealing a disturbing lack of concern for the planet's well-being. These tech moguls believe they can insulate themselves from the damage they've created, using technology to transcend the material world.
Their ideology, dubbed "The Mindset," combines atheistic scientism, digital code bias, and a fear of women, nature, and indigenous people. This mindset prioritizes individual success over collective well-being, reflecting a broader societal problem where tech billionaires disregard scientific facts and expert opinions.
Musk's vision for Mars colonization and Bezos' Blue Origin project exemplify this approach. While Musk's SpaceX has achieved impressive feats, its dominance in NASA contracts may be cemented by Musk's close ties to Donald Trump. Meanwhile, Bezos' Blue Origin is working to catch up, with a successful launch of its New Glenn rocket.
Critics argue that these space exploration efforts are driven by a desire to escape the consequences of climate change and societal collapse, rather than addressing the root problems. Rushkoff advocates for a different approach, focusing on collective action, circular economics, and community resilience to build a sustainable future.
