Emancipation

“Your feelings, your desire, your truth matters! Only you can know the true depths your emotions. Do not, ever, let anyone tell you different.

Fukuyama should never have recanted his theory that History is over. It has ended. There is nothing left to contest. Our social and cultural life has progressed beyond a world held back religions and institutions, which once held us to some higher authority. We are our own authority. Free to make our own rules, living our best life, we do not answer to anyone!”

“One of my favourite quotes is from my next guest who recently tweeted,

Friedrich Nietzsche was so close… god isn’t dead. We are still evolving!”

“Many of you who follow my channel are already mentioning this scientific libertine in the same breath as Dawkins and Hawking, but today, I’m going further.

“I have no hesitation in opening this interview by saying that you, Dr Sloan Anders, are the heir apparent to Darwin!”

“If I were focussed on the past, I would certainly accept your compliment.” Anders replied without expression.

“But you are not?”

“Of course not. The present is now ours and already too much time is wasted. I cannot wait for a slow erosion to change what is needed.” Anders leaned forward into the camera, embers forming in eyes dark as coal.

“We have to move faster, right?”

“It is the only answer. The tectonic shifts are in play. We do not need an agreed set of values. Our freedom, our future, is bound to having the courage to leave behind, those who are not ready to make the leap at light speed!”

“Is this where you apply your 10-15 Theory?”

“Yes.” Anders was almost bored again.

“So how does this theory make society take the next evolutionary step?”

“Most, if not all modern societies accept that choice is a right. You are the master of your own body, your own destiny. How we choose to live and die is now in our own hands.

“So, when we are no longer in control of our own cognitive function, when there is no pleasure or fulfilment, what then, is of any value?

“Most leaders in any field will tell you that major impact is only achieved in 10 to 15 years at most. Anything beyond that is either hubris or decay and waste. This theory removes that waste and decay.”

“How would it work?”

“Not would, will!” Anders’ impatience always at the forefront of any dialogue.

“Okay. How will you implement your theory in practical terms?”

“Mandatory retirement age of 55, across any major digital economy. Any person past that age will have three choices. Accept universal income with the benefits of sustainable living and renewable resources. Move to a designated regional location and be free to fend for themselves. Finally, if they are not enthused about the prospect of ageing, they can donate their best resource to maintaining a sustainable planet, with a voluntary exit program.” Anders’ voice was magnetic.

“You have written that only an advancement in evolution can solve climate change, reduce poverty and improve the chances of ending war and bloodshed. How can a natural process do this over time?”

“Humanity must become the agent of evolutionary development. For too long our so-called elders have plundered our environment. Our generation should not have to pay with our future. The Boomers have spent our resources in advance and like a CEO passed their prime, their 10 to 15 years of impact is long past. At best, they have 10 to 15 years before they vacate the planet naturally.

“Considering the damage already done, we cannot afford to resource their greed anymore. It is time to reallocate the resources we need to educate the young and push through an agenda that will meet the global targets of reducing climate change and poverty.” Anders paused for a moment to let a question in.

“Your critics say that your theory is not scientific, just communism reborn?”

“They are not worth the oxygen we breathe. They apply everything to economic wealth, so they assume I seek a re-distribution of wealth.

“We are past that point. If we want a future on this planet, we must reallocate the need for life. Resources and future resources must be controlled by the under 55 generation. Most importantly this must include the resource of power. We do not trust those who are under 18 or even 21 with the vote. We should not trust those over 55 with authority over our future.” Anders gestured with a fist, thumb slightly raised, to emphasize each point.

“Dr Anders, you are 34 yourself, what would you do under this theory, when you turn 55?”

“Without question, I would donate myself to the voluntary exit program. If I have not achieved my best life by then, it is better to let the next generation thrive, than stall the inevitable and be a drain on our precious resources.” The fervent belief was obvious in Anders’ face. There was no future beyond the next 20 years.

“Your opponents are already mounting a vicious and hurtful campaign against you. Do you think that your theory will become reality?”

“I have 73 million followers over all major social media platforms, across every populated continent. You have somewhere upwards of 67 million viewers. I think we have traction.” Contagious optimism dripped from the reply.

“I have to ask. How does this translate into change within each nation?”

“Simple. Politics flows downstream from culture.” Anders dismissive.

“So, you do use old sayings?”

“Is that funny? I tell you this… It is no longer a mere stream that is flowing. The tidal wave of cultural change is upon us. We have won all of the important victories. Euthanasia, Abortion, Individual Choice as a Human Right. All that remains is the resurrection of the environment and the regulation of incorrect thinking.

“The pillars of my theory have long dominated our institutions. You opened this interview with a reminder to your followers that they can live their own truth. I am just accelerating the process, where we as humans control our time, through choices that also improve sustainability and reduce the cost of an ageing populations. The bonus is that we get to silence those voices who have spent the last 50 plus years exploiting our resources with little or no thought for our generation’s future, or any who may be lucky enough to follow.

“That is not to say that over that same period, public figures and politicians have not tried to convince the Boomers and Gen-X to some extent that they need to use the planet more sustainably. It is just that they have failed.” Anders looked at his watch.

“Final question. How do you introduce population control and reprioritisation of resources to those under 55?”

“Firstly, I use the term population sustainability, rather than control. As a libertine, my aim is always to give choice. I would never want it legislated anywhere that a voluntary exit program is mandatory.

“As to how we introduce this theory into the political realm. We are already there. Over 50,000 of my online followers are members of a range of progressive parties in Europe, the UK, the USA and Australia. Through their persistence, two governments and eleven opposition parties are taking a version of mandatory early retirement and voluntary exit, or sustainable exit policies to their next election cycles.

“Some of them are not perfect, but when the first 2 or 3 bills are legislated, it is inevitable that others will follow. In a further reference to your introduction, I think you are not right yet, but you will be.” Anders sharing wisdom.

“How so?”

“History has not yet ended, but our history of societal oppression and construct will soon end. Then the true power of individual freedom will be released. It is the unlimited liberty of identity, balanced by a sustainable population that will deliver the next stage of humanity’s evolution.” As always Anders finished with an authoritative narrative.

“Dr Anders, thank you so much for joining us on the FU.”

“Of course. A pleasure.”

“Thanks, viewers, for tuning in again to another episode. It is great to see all the super supportive messages in the feed. As always, stay sustainable stay safe and we’ll see you online next time. The Future is You people!”

*************

Ash Walton pulled the headphones off and pumped both fists in the air. What a show! The stats showed 58 million views. Communication is power!

A voice from downstairs broke through the euphoric haze.

“Ash, have you finished your podcast? Breakfast is ready. I made your favourite, waffles with berries and natural yoghurt.”

Ah, good old Rita. What a way to top an outstanding interview.

“Nice one Rita, You’re the best! Can you bring a plate up with a coffee? I need to respond to my viewers.”

Downstairs, Rita smiled tiredly. She had tried in her own way to look after Ash, but there is only so much authority you hold when you are paid to be here. At heart Rita thought Ash was a nice kid, very smart. There in lay the problem, at 25, Ash was still a kid, living in a bubble, made by parents who were never around.

Rita picked up the tray and moved carefully up the stairs. Her knee was sore today, and she would be 62 next month. Maybe in a year or two, she could retire.