What Future Society Will Alchemical Engineering Bring?
Modern alchemists have taken a new step forward. A startup in San Francisco has announced that it has developed a method to produce gold from mercury by applying nuclear fusion processes. How will our values and economy change if this technology becomes widespread?
1. Today’s News
Source:
https://www.ft.com/content/06f91e0d-3007-40bd-b785-86fef4890809
Summary:
- The San Francisco startup has announced a technology that produces gold from mercury.
- They claim to have improved fusion technology, enabling more efficient gold production than before.
- In addition to scientific possibilities, attention is being drawn to economic and social impacts.
2. Considering the Background
Gold has long been treated as a valuable substance and has played a central role in the economic system due to its scarcity. However, what will happen to its value if gold can be easily produced? What impact will this technological innovation have on our daily lives? As the fundamental “scarcity” of economics begins to waver, it is essential to maintain a solid perspective for the future.
3. What Will the Future Hold?
Hypothesis 1 (Neutral): A Future Where Gold Becomes Ordinary
If gold can be easily produced, its value will likely decrease first. Goods and services using gold will become commonplace, and gold will no longer be something special in our lives. In a world where scarcity is lost, we may be forced to find new value.
Hypothesis 2 (Optimistic): A Future of Significant Technological Advancement
This technology could be applied to other fields, possibly solving energy issues and leading to efficient resource use. For example, more efficient recycling and the development of new materials could advance, accelerating the realization of a sustainable society. Science and technology may become a new pillar of growth, making society as a whole richer.
Hypothesis 3 (Pessimistic): A Future Where Traditional Values Are Lost
On the other hand, the decrease in gold’s value could lead to economic turmoil. Industries that depended on gold may suffer severely, and the destabilization of traditional values could render society unstable. People may need to start seeking new values.
4. Tips for Us
Mindset Tips
- Reevaluate the value of things from multiple angles.
- Make choices considering the impacts of scientific and technological progress.
Small Practical Tips
- Be conscious of resource usage.
- Regularly gather and share information about technology and science.
5. What Would You Do?
- What values do you think will become important if this technology spreads?
- As society and the economy change, what do you cherish the most?
- What actions do you want to take towards the new era?
What kind of future have you envisioned? Please share it through social media or comments. Let’s create an opportunity to think about the future together.
