I challenge you to shape the course of ‘The Accelerating Twenties’ in 2024
The 2020s are proving to be a Golden opportunity for innovators around the world to rapidly advance frontier tech and new ways of living that could be the foundation for a new global renaissance.
Welcome to what will soon be the fifth year of The Accelerating Twenties, a decade that has already been defined by transformative change. This era, shimmering on the horizon of our collective future, holds a promise – the promise of breaking free from stagnation and crafting a world that reflects our highest aspirations and values.
The top tech meme of 2024? e/acc
The tech world has been abuzz with the concept of e/acc - effective accelerationism. But it's more than a trendy buzzword; it's a clarion call to action. For too long, we've witnessed the decay of institutions, the slow erosion of progress in the face of bureaucracy and outdated systems.
The stifling of crypto innovation due to unclear or unwarranted regulations by the SEC and other American three letter agencies, the sluggish pace of biotech advancements hindered by the FDA's stringent approval processes, the bureaucratic obstacles delaying the deployment of nuclear energy, and the cumbersome zoning laws and red tape that have choked the development of affordable housing—all exemplify how outdated systems and excessive bureaucracy are impeding crucial progress across various sectors.
But here's the truth: we don't have to be passive observers to this decline. We can be architects of a new dawn.
We stand at a crossroads, where the path of acceleration beckons us forward. The technologies at our disposal – from nuclear energy to water desalination, from biotech to AI, from blockchains to industrial scale 3D printing tech – are not just tools. They are keys to unlocking a future where living a flourishing life isn't just a privilege for the few but an accessible reality for the many.
We can accelerate our way out of social and political stagnation
To do this, we need to funnel the wealth generated by advancements in the world of bits into innovators advancing all these foundational tech fields, as well as into courageous reformers of the social and political institutions created decades or hundreds of years ago that have held us back.
Beyond reform, the Accelerating Twenties give us a chance to build new villages, new cities, new ways of relating and collaborating. Social and political innovation must walk hand in hand with technological innovation.
What world do we want to accelerate towards? And who should be empowered to do so?
This call to accelerate isn't just an American narrative. It's a global imperative. The Accelerating Twenties must not be monopolized by any single nation (or corporation). The ethos of this decade should be to create a tide that raises all boats.
Vitalik Buterin, the founder of Ethereum and Zuzalu, last month emphasized the urgency of ensuring that technological progress and its benefits are not concentrated in a few hands but dispersed democratically and equitably across the globe. His vision of building defensive, democratic, decentralized, differential technologies (d/acc) resonates deeply with this new era's ethos.
The beauty of this decade lies in its fluidity and unpredictability. It challenges our expectations, constantly evolving in ways that we can scarcely imagine. Each one of us holds the power to influence the direction of this technological acceleration. The decisions we make today – about the kind of technology we prioritize, the values we embed into our innovations – will shape the world of tomorrow.
Do we envision a future that prioritizes privacy and community-centric values? A pluralistic, decentralized world where individuals can thrive without the overbearing influence of centralized authorities? Or will we tread a path where our world is dominated by AI-powered surveillance systems, controlling and monitoring our every move?
The Accelerating Twenties are not just a period of rapid technological advancement; they are a canvas for our collective imagination.
This is a unique opportunity to redefine the future, to ensure that the technologies we accelerate align with our deepest values. Whether it's championing privacy, community, decentralization, or any other principle, the time to act is now.
As we stand on the brink of this exciting decade, let's embrace the spirit of responsible acceleration with open arms and a clear vision.
What happens if the d/acc scene takes off?
If the d/acc scene takes off, in the coming decades you will see…
New cities whose health outcomes rival any current blue zone, and whose innovations rival those coming from San Francisco
Far more communities around the world that are safe, thriving, and free from dependence on the U.S., China, or any global superpower
Millions more people around the world getting access to treatment that helps them live significantly longer and healthier lives
Conclusion: Seize your opportunity to shape the Accelerating Twenties
Are you also excited to accelerate toward something like a Golden Age for humanity?
In 2024…
If you care deeply about your country’s future, do what you can to support the development of innovations that help your country’s people flourish.
If you are a developer, your skills are crucial in building decentralized, democratic, open source technologies under the d/acc framework.
If you are a student, use your fresh perspective and learning to question and innovate within the d/acc movement.
If you're involved in Progress Studies, apply your focus on historical insights and societal progress to guide ethical and sustainable technological advancement.
If you are an environmental activist, bring your passion for sustainability to ensure technology develops in harmony with nature.
If you are a business leader, integrate d/acc principles to create value that transcends profits, benefiting society at large.
If you are a healthcare professional, your insights can shape technologies that prioritize human well-being and equitable access.
If you are an artist or a creative, use your vision to imagine and communicate a future where technology amplifies human potential and creativity.
If you are a community builder, use your ability to connect, communicate, and coordinate to build playgrounds for d/acc aligned builders to innovate together.
And if you were at all inspired by what you read here, subscribe to this Substack so you can hear more about all things d/acc. I’m planning some big things with some amazing accelerationists in 2024.
Each of you, in your unique roles, is integral to shaping the Accelerating Twenties.
I’ll elaborate on what I’ll personally be doing beyond writing about accelerationism in 2024 in my next Substack post.
The future is ours to define. Let’s make it one that reflects our highest ideals.
“It's a global imperative.”
Welcome back, Beloved! 🙌🏽😎💗🙏🏽