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       solarpunk thoughts
       April 25th, 2019
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       cmccabe just posted [0] some thoughts on solarpunk as a cultural
       phenomenon, as a set of aesthetics surrounding shared goals for
       the future, and as a visual and literary style. It's worth the
       quick read. Go check it out, I'll wait here.
       
 (TXT) [0] cmccabe - solarpunk optimism 
       
       As it so often happens on gopher, his phlog set off a chain of
       thought in me that is tangential. It reminded me of a fantastic
       book from last year's reading list [1]:
       
 (HTM) [1] Trekonomics: The Economics of Star Trek
       
       In this surprisingly-great book, author Manu Saadia makes a case
       for the true vision of Star Trek future through the lens of the
       morals, values, and hard economics that underpin the series’ ideal
       society. It's a substantial work that deserves serious attention.
       
       The utopian future of Star Trek is optimistic and it manages to
       challenge us in many unique ways. It questions our need for
       financial incentives, the mores of competition vs honor, even the
       idea of humanity itself. It also reminds me of that endless
       conviction of Doctor Who that underpins everything [2]:
       
 (HTM) [2] Intellect and romance over brute force and cynicism!
       
       Solarpunk is just this. Yes, there's an artistic aesthetic.
       There's probably something to be claimed as original for
       a literary style as well. Ultimately, though, it is a response to
       the gritty, post-modern brutalism of cyberpunk. Instead of the
       wastelands of Detroit overrun by cyber-drugs [3], we see green
       pasture-lands infused with a shining beacon of optimism in the
       form of solar arrays and wind turbines.
       
 (HTM) [3] NUKE
       
       I can take or leave Earth Day. It's not a part of solarpunk as
       much as a Delorian topped with a "Mr. Fusion", or as much as a guy
       on gopher that powers his farm with a solar array and shares his
       water conservation stories on his phlog [4].
       
 (DIR) [4] melton
       
       It all gives me hope. Star Trek, Doctor Who, gopher,
       little-free-librarys [5], and all of you. Keep on being awesome.
       
 (DIR) [5] Little Free Library 1
 (DIR) [5] Little Free Library 2
 (DIR) [5] Little Free Library 3