As I reflect on my experiences and observations, it strikes me how many individuals identify themselves as 'civilization builders' - visionaries who spend their time shaping compelling narratives of a future we could step into. Their goals are noble, to inspire a broad and passionate commitment to transforming the way our civilization functions. Yet, I find myself wondering if this approach is truly the most effective one.
It's not that people don't care about these visions; in fact, I believe the opposite is true. Many are keenly aware of the systemic failures we currently face, and there's no shortage of appetite for change. The issue is, we're often left wondering: what is the best way for us to invest our time, talents, and resources?
This brings me to the heart of my reflection: what should the global elite, the movers and shakers of our world, be focusing on? The answer, I would argue, is twofold.
Firstly, we need to build new cities. Cities that, from the very beginning, incorporate a regenerative, circular economic model into their very essence. By this, I mean an economic system where waste is minimized, resources are recycled, and natural systems are restored - in essence, a sustainable civilization. See: Why I’m So Optimistic About Startup Cities
Simultaneously, we need to help existing communities - be they small countries or cities - level up their own regenerative capacities. We should be facilitating their journey to a more sustainable future by aiding them to address their most pressing societal system issues.
Take Zanzibar, for instance. The island's internet systems leave much to be desired. If the world were to collaborate to address this issue, the benefits would ripple out across the entire community. And this is just one example - there are countless places around the globe where a targeted, concerted effort could make an enormous difference.
I've often thought about the wealth of global talent and money that lies untapped. How much more could we accomplish if these resources were harnessed in a more purposeful way? I believe that if we offered the global elite a concrete plan of action - a specific location to focus on and turn into a shining beacon of what the future could hold - their motivation to help would increase exponentially.
And through these focused efforts, we could demonstrate the rapid pace of civilization improvement possible when we pool our efforts and work in harmony. This is my vision for the global elite's role in our sustainable future - building new cities and uplifting existing ones, creating tangible, inspiring examples of what our civilization could, and should, become.
