Marian Tupy on Superabundance, Innovation, and Doomerism
Nov 27, 2023
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Marian Tupy, an author and advocate for superabundance, joins Patrick Blumenthal to delve into groundbreaking ideas about innovation and the human condition. They explore whether we are truly in an Age of Superabundance and dissect the grip of doomerism among elites. Tupy critiques Malthusian fears and discusses the potential risks of underpopulation. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in solving global challenges and the importance of Enlightenment values in shaping our future. Expect an enlightening and optimistic outlook!
Superabundance highlights the phenomenon where resource growth outpaces population increase, challenging common beliefs about resource scarcity attributed to overpopulation.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of fostering positive views on family growth to combat antinatalism and ensure a vibrant, innovative society.
Deep dives
Understanding Superabundance
Superabundance refers to a scenario where the growth of resources outpaces population growth, leading to an increase in overall resource availability. This phenomenon contradicts the common belief that rising population results in resource scarcity. Historical data shows that since around 1850, resources have generally become abundant at rates exceeding population growth. For instance, if the population grows at 2% but resources increase at 3%, this scenario exemplifies superabundance.
Historical Drivers of Superabundance
The transition to superabundance can be traced back to significant historical events such as the Second Agricultural Revolution and the Industrial Revolution in Britain. These revolutions improved agricultural efficiency and made previously unattainable goods accessible to the masses. The ultimate causes of this productivity growth stem from cultural shifts emphasizing enlightenment values and increased political and economic liberties in Northwestern Europe. This newly fostered environment of freedom laid the groundwork for innovation and value creation by the populace.
The Misconception of Scarcity
Despite evidence supporting superabundance, misconceptions surrounding resource scarcity persist, often fueled by a finite view of the planet's atoms. Critics like Malthus have historically warned of overpopulation leading to resource exhaustion, failing to acknowledge humanity's unique ability to innovate and expand resource capabilities. Advances in agriculture, such as greater yields per acre and technologies like desalination, demonstrate how human knowledge can significantly enhance resource availability. The ability to combine and recombine existing resources further mitigates the worries of scarcity.
The Impact of Antinatalism and Future Generations
Concerns around environmental sustainability and resource consumption contribute to antinatalist sentiments, where individuals choose to have fewer children out of fear for the planet's future. This justifies a self-fulfilling prophecy, as declining birth rates may limit the pool of creative minds necessary for future innovations. Historical examples like China's one-child policy illustrate how controlling population growth can lead to economic and demographic challenges. Encouraging positive views of the future and family growth is essential to maintaining societal creativity and vitality.
Marian Tupy (@Marian_L_Tupy) joins Patrick Blumenthal (@PatrickJBlum) to discuss his book Superabundance, innovation, doomerism, and much more. Some highlights:
Do we already live in an Age of Superabundance?
Are the values of the Enlightenment getting stronger or weaker?
Why do we still have so many dormers?
Why is doomerism seemingly so embraced by elites?
The power of Malthusian ideas
Is underpopulation an existential risk?
Can technology save us from underpopulation?
What causes resource curses?
Will we have civilizational collapses in our lifetime?
How fragile is the world today?
Are we actually in a Great Stagnation?
The usefulness of Time Prices
Should we pause AI?
Which countries is Marian bullish/bearish on?
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