Episode 39: Wayne Benner on RICH economy, Timothy Leary, Terra II, and more
Nov 23, 2024
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Wayne Benner, co-transmitter of Terra II with Timothy Leary and author of 'Seven Shadows,' discusses the visionary Terra II project and its creative collaborations amidst incarceration. He reflects on Timothy Leary's influence on societal views of LSD and authority. Benner also addresses automation's impact on employment, advocating for innovative economic models and guaranteed income. The conversation veers into rethinking politics in a tech-driven world and highlights the importance of communication and collaboration in fostering transformative ideas.
Wayne Benner's collaboration with Timothy Leary during his imprisonment inspired the development of 'Terra II,' exploring innovative concepts like space migration and life extension.
The 'cornucopia economy' proposed by Benner aims to alleviate automation-induced job displacement by financially rewarding automation solutions while supporting affected workers with wage subsidies.
Benner envisions a future where technological advancements enhance quality of life, empowering an educated populace to pursue creative endeavors and challenge conventional societal structures.
Deep dives
Collaboration with Timothy Leary
Wayne Benner discusses his collaboration with Timothy Leary, which began during Leary's time in prison. He played a crucial role in mediating between various factions that sought to align with Leary, ensuring his safety. Their initial conversations led to the development of 'Terra 2,' where they explored Leary's ideas on space migration and life extension, representing an evolution of thought beyond the original message in 'Starseed.' The synergy between Benner's insights and Leary's intellect created a fertile ground for innovative concepts.
The Concept of a Cornucopia Economy
Benner articulates the concept of a 'cornucopia economy,' which aims to address the challenges posed by increasing automation and job displacement. He advocates for a system where individuals proposing automation solutions are rewarded financially, while displaced workers receive significant wage subsidies. This model aims to redistribute wealth and empower communities, allowing displaced workers to relocate and adapt to new job markets. Although Benner is skeptical about the success of his proposal, he hopes it will inspire others to conceive alternative solutions.
The Impact of Automation and AI
Benner emphasizes the inevitability of technological advancement, particularly automation and artificial intelligence, and its potential to displace jobs. He argues that businesses must adapt to ensure customer participation remains viable in the economy, as consumer need will persist despite the decline of traditional jobs. His outlined approach involves incentivizing companies to automate responsibly, thus improving productivity and quality of life for consumers. This proactive response is essential for addressing societal issues stemming from job loss due to technological progress.
The Vision for Society's Future
The conversation delves into a vision for a transformed society where technological advancements facilitate a higher quality of life. Benner believes that as people gain financial security through the cornucopia economy, they will engage more in creative and fulfilling pursuits. An educated and enriched populace is expected to shift the overarching socio-political landscape, potentially leading to a reduced need for conventional government structures. This future envisions individuals being empowered to embrace alternative philosophies beyond the conventional narratives of society.
Ties with Influential Figures
Benner reflects on his interactions with prominent figures like Robert Anton Wilson and Timothy Leary, which have profoundly shaped his worldview. He regards Wilson’s intellectual contributions as a driving force behind creative and critical thought, while Leary's methodologies provided a framework for exploring human potential. Their collective ideas underscore the importance of communication in stimulating innovative thought and societal transformation. The blend of their philosophies inspires Benner to advocate for a future where increased awareness leads to personal and collective liberation.
In this episode, Mike Gathers chats with Terra II co-transmitter Wayne Benner about the RICH economy, Timothy Leary, Terra II, and more in Episode 39 of the Hilaritas Podcast.
Terra II …A Way Out:
http://www.hilaritaspress.com/portfolio-item/terra-ii/
High Times article about Terra II:
https://hightimes.com/culture/timothy-leary-terra-ii/
An article about the RICH Economy at Center for a Stateless Society:
https://c4ss.org/content/54156
Wayne Benner's autobiography:
https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Shadows-L-Wayne-Benner/dp/1468049771
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Hilaritas Press Podcast:
http://www.hilaritaspress.com/podcasts/
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Host Mike Gathers:
https://linktr.ee/mgathers23
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Producer/Engineer Richard Rasa:
http://www.pelorian.com/rasa.html
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