January 9, 2002: Technology Advances - David Brin | Spacecraft Artifact - Jim Hughes
In the second half, science fiction author David Brin discusses his novel "Kiln People," set in a future where people copy themselves into temporary clay golems each morning to be in multiple places at once. Brin argues that Americans have always managed to have both freedom and security, and that the panic after September 11th threatens to create a false choice between the two. He credits the passengers of Flight 93 with demonstrating the power of citizen initiative over institutional doctrine.
Brin also shares his ideas about uplifting dolphins to intelligence and speech, the coming century of empowered amateurs, and why he believes intelligent life in the cosmos is rare based on two billion years of Earth history showing no evidence of prior alien colonization.
Key Moments
America as a diamond, not a pyramid: Brin tells Bell that ours is the first society shaped like a diamond rather than a pyramid - more middle class than poor - and that this should be on the flag, since it has nothing to do with the day-to-day agendas of either party.
False choice between freedom and security: Four months after 9/11, Brin attacks the post-attack pundit consensus that Americans must trade liberty for security or vice versa, calling it a stupid choice and insisting Americans always insist on safety, convenience, and freedom together.
Flight 93 was a doctrine failure, not a security failure: Brin argues only private individuals took effective action on 9/11. The hijackers carried legal items; the failure was the old hostage-cooperation doctrine. The passengers used cell phones, held a committee meeting and rewrote the doctrine in twenty minutes.
The century of amateurs: Brin predicts the 21st century will reverse the 20th's reliance on professionals: cheap technology and instant information will empower citizens to argue with their doctors, run their own disease support groups and become 'armed and empowered' with knowledge.
What harm does cloning actually do?: Bell asks Brin about scientists threatening to clone humans abroad if the U.S. bans it. Brin responds by reminding listeners one in a thousand humans is already a clone (an identical twin) and pushes back: be specific about the harm before you regulate.