A Love Letter to the World’s “Bloomers”

Despite the headlines, we're closer than ever to a Golden Age for humanity. The attitude and actions of the optimistic builders of the world will make sure we get there.

To the Bloomers of the World…

I salute you 🫡

In a world of pessimistic headlines and doomer attitudes, I see you as the vibrant figures of hope who, armed with optimism and pragmatism, accept the world for what it is—messy and unforgiving—yet strive for a better future.

You observe the current state of affairs without sugar-coating realities, but you refuse to fall into the pit of despair. You are those who see the challenges but focus on solutions; those who bear the darkness but hunt for the stars. You believe in a Golden Age of humanity that feels just within reach. And so do I.

As you’ve likely noticed, the internet is full of doom-laden prophecies around AI. But luckily, prominent figures like Marc Andreessen offer a counter-narrative: AI is not an apocalypse foretold, but rather a harbinger of optimism for a brighter future. Let's embrace that perspective.

We are standing on the precipice of unprecedented abundance and prosperity, not just for us, but for our beleaguered natural ecosystems. Sure, we can't predict all the potential consequences of emerging technologies. But let's take a moment to appreciate how we are on the cusp of an era where countless causes for optimism are coming into bloom.

We live in an age where any conceivable catastrophe has a veritable army of brilliant minds working tirelessly to prevent it. The issues that have burdened us for generations—biodiversity loss, pollution, energy shortages—are being addressed like never before. Yes, we're in a painful transitional period, with energy prices surging and the future seemingly uncertain. But we're also on the verge of an age where a range of energy solutions will be abundant, affordable, and accessible for all.

Imagine the possibilities this will unleash. We can invest in technologies that turn waste into fuel, building a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. We can create closed-loop energy systems to grow our food, supporting resilience and self-sustainability. We can foster communication technologies that are resistant to censorship, enhancing coordination and community-building. We can revolutionize education, giving everyone access to world-class, personalized tutoring.

It's all within our grasp, from deploying technologies that allow us to place a bounty on problems needing solving, like cleaning natural waterways, to breakthroughs in AI and AR that connect us in unprecedented ways. We can create trust with people all over the world in ways that were simply unthinkable in the past.

And here's another thing: we're just getting started. The internet as a mainstream platform is still in its infancy. I encourage us to adopt a long-term view, think about the next 50 to a hundred years, not just the next five to ten.

Naturally, there will be challenges and growing pains as we navigate this new era. Yet, I firmly believe that education and empowerment will be democratized in ways we can barely imagine. The journey towards a space-faring civilization is also on the horizon, offering even more resilience for humanity.

So what's standing in the way of this Golden Age? We aren’t realizing our potential to coordinate as a humanity on what which matters most to our shared flourishing.

A media ecosystem that profits from war and chaos might like us to believe we are irreversibly divided, but I believe otherwise. As we break free from conventional media narratives, we're experiencing a revolution of consciousness based on freedom, sovereignty, and flourishing.

Yes, strange events could trigger significant suffering. But instead of focusing on potential catastrophes, let's concentrate on what we can control. Let's embrace the democratization of knowledge, and leveling of the playing field to foster human flourishing and unprecedented resource abundance.

Think about the current companies that are pioneering this kind of "Golden Age Technology," or what I call "foundational technology. We need to invest in and build more of these companies. And we need to invest in startup cities and nations that are committed to incentivizing and supporting them to build and innovate. These cities and nations will accelerate human flourishing at a tremendous rate, creating medicines and technologies that could become public goods for all.

Also consider that we’re closer than ever to a regenerative renaissance—with regenerative agriculture, medicine, and reforestation initiatives, I see a future where we will be able to have more celebrations, create more art, and spend less time in drudgery.

Indeed, a Golden Age for humanity could be on the horizon. Why not?

So, Bloomers, keep being that beacon of optimism, as optimism is the new punk. Continue embracing the world's harsh realities, but keep striving for a brighter future. Because if we can dream of a Golden Age, and if we genuinely want it, we can make it happen. After all, our collective optimism, when tied to action, is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

With love and optimism,

Your friend, Gary.