I wrote:
> If I succeed at promoting cold fusion and it becomes generally used, I > shall play an important role in changing the world more than Marxism and > Capitalism combined. > That sounds like hyperbole, but I mean it. I think that Marxism and capitalism are both on their way out. As we have discussed here, I think robots and intelligent computers will compel us to adapt a new form of economy that is neither capitalist or communist. Capitalism began around the year 1500, gradually replacing feudalism. Communism began around 1850. Both are now in their twilight. I expect that by 2100 we will have a new economic system. Unlike every previous system it will not mainly depend on the exchange of human labor for goods and services. It remains to be seen what it will be like. I hope it will be better for everyone, and better for the ecology, but you never know how things will turn out. If cold fusion succeeds I expect it will last much longer than 500 years, and ultimately it will have a larger impact than capitalism had. If the human race survives for millions of years -- as I hope it will -- over the next few million years cold fusion should have roughly the same impact as the discovery of fire. Unless something better is discovered. People who have not read history have the notion that institutions such as capitalism, nation states, universities, corporations and so on have been part of society forever and they will always be with us. Actually, they are recent inventions and there is no reason to think they will continue centuries into the future. They will continue as long as people find them useful. - Jed
