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Towards a more Elvish vision of technology

  • Two magics: "Human" (power, control) & "Elvish" (understanding, harmony).
  • "Human" magic (technology) seeks world-amputation, minimizing dependence, but destroys the world.
  • "Elvish" magic seeks self-amputation, maximizing understanding, becoming one with the world.
  • Mortals pursue power over death, creating more death. Immortals pursue understanding, dissolving the self.
  • For Humans, advanced tech is magic; for Elves, it's nature. Elves let nature do its magic.
  • Rebalance magic: "Elvish" questions help reframe problems, resources become agents, information is an output.
  • Shift to "Elvish" tech: outcome is a process, resources are agents, information is an output.
  • Reimagining magic is needed, or we'll face world-amputation.
  • As we evolve, our magic must too.
  • The first step to immortality is acting as if we already were.

Original published: July 3, 2021