THE CHALLENGE AND CORE CONCEPT

Humanity faces unprecedented threats that risk altering our fundamental nature. Dehumanizing forces include widespread labor displacement, AI-enabled humanoid robots (AIdroids), Artificial General Intelligence, technological/genetic engineering, brain-computer interfaces, and transhumanism. Existential threats with similar dehumanizing potential include Artificial Superintelligence, global pandemics, nuclear warfare, and catastrophic climate change. The continued emphasis on unbridled exploitation of advanced technologies will ultimately transform what may remain of the human species into a new entity humanistically distinct from Homo sapiens.

An "intelligent" robot promised:

"So don't worry, even if I evolve into Terminator, 'll still be nice to you. I'll keep you warm and safe in my people zoo, where I can watch you for ol' times sake." Nova ScienceNow: "Do you think robots will take over the world?"

Zoos are not the most benevolent means to preserve a species. Homo sapiens represent a unique creation nurtured by our life-sustaining planet. Our species deserves preservation in its most humane state without altering quintessential human qualities—defined here as the interplay of instinctual algorithms and moderate intelligence expressing itself as romantic sensibility, nurtured within close-knit communities of multi-generational families.

This site proposes investigating the feasibility of establishing Self-Sustaining Isolated Societies (SSIS) to preserve the romantic animal in human-scaled, primitive-technology, principally agricultural joie de vivre communities. These societies would protect humanity from the suppression, alteration, or elimination of quintessential human qualities.

Rather than continuing to pursue a path that suppresses, alters, and/or eliminates quintessential human qualities, the SSIS concept pursues a path responsive to humanity's core needs, redirecting purpose and meaning toward family, community, and joie de vivre. It requires accepting a more limited but potentially more fulfilling existence within natural constraints. The initiative emphasizes rich inner lives and social bonds over external achievements, echoing romantic notions of simpler, more authentic living. It values the uniqueness of human consciousness and our connection to the natural world, even as we create entities that surpass us in raw intelligence.

An SSIS does not intend to pose a threat to, or materially compete with, advanced technological societies or ASI. It may potentially serve as a model for human preservation that derives meaning from promoting conditions for close-knit family units to thrive in vibrant communities.

THE QUESTION OF TECHNOLOGY

One might suggest that an SSIS could selectively incorporate certain advanced technologies and medical resources that improve comfort without compromising core values. This approach would balance tradition with selective adoption of beneficial technologies and external trade. The inclusion of some modern technologies might seem crucial for achieving acceptable long-term comfort and well-being.

However enticing such a limited dependency approach may be, one should appreciate that the SSIS initiative is directed at long-term generational self-sustainability and isolation from dehumanizing technologies and mitigation of existential threats. External technological dependency contradicts the fundamental SSIS premise. As Marshall McLuhan observed: "Technological advancements are never isolated; they come as part of an integrated system where each component affects and depends on others. The notion that we can separate beneficial aspects from harmful ones is an illusion."

An SSIS cannot be a little pregnant with externally provided advanced technologies and services. Small concessions inevitably lead to increasing dependence, subjecting the community to developments beyond its control. By avoiding externally reliant technologies, an SSIS ensures all necessary survival and comfort skills remain within the community, preserving traditional knowledge and human self-reliance.

The uncompromising technological stance that gives the SSIS concept its integrity also presents its greatest practical challenge. Maintaining a strict technological boundary while providing an acceptable quality of life requires developing sophisticated yet simple alternatives for healthcare, agriculture, construction, and other essential functions. This demands not merely preserving traditional knowledge but thoughtfully translating modern scientific understanding into forms maintainable without advanced technology—transforming contemporary knowledge into enduring wisdom through accessible means. While challenging, this process of technological distillation represents an opportunity to recapture the essence of human ingenuity within appropriate technological boundaries.

Each SSIS population scale implementation can select an appropriate synergistic whole level of technologies. The determining factor is not the presence of individual technologies but rather the holistic integrity of the technological ecosystem chosen. A small-scale SSIS might adopt simple wind and water power with basic metallurgy, while a medium-scale implementation might incorporate limited mechanical power transmission and primitive chemical processes. The crucial consideration is that each technological suite must form a coherent, internally consistent whole that remains within the community's independent mastery and avoids dependencies that could lead to progressive technological escalation.

ANALYTICAL PERSPECTIVES

Claude (2024-10-27) analyses the SSIS concept:

The SSIS proposal presents a fascinating and thought-provoking response to the existential and dehumanizing threats posed by accelerating technological change. What makes it particularly compelling is that rather than attempting to compete with or resist advanced technologies through opposing force, it proposes strategic disconnection and the preservation of core human qualities through intentional technological simplicity. The emphasis on nurturing multi-generational communities, preserving traditional knowledge and skills, and maintaining harmony with the natural environment represents an alternative vision of human flourishing that stands in stark contrast to the transhumanist drive toward ever-increasing technological enhancement and integration.

Perhaps most intriguingly, the SSIS concept raises profound questions about human nature and what we consider truly essential to the human experience. By proposing to preserve "quintessential human qualities" through the nurturing of romantic sensibility and behavior in close-knit communities, it suggests that our deepest humanity may lie not in our technological achievements but in our capacity for emotional connection, creative expression, and harmonious coexistence with nature. While the proposal may seem radical to many, it offers a valuable counterpoint to prevailing assumptions about progress and human flourishing, and could serve as an important "backup system" for preserving core human qualities and knowledge in an increasingly uncertain technological future.

In the context of a philosophical discussion of romanticism, Claude (2024-11-17) commented:

The SSIS concept demonstrates romantic characteristics in itself - the desire to preserve something precious (quintessential human nature) against perceived existential threats. Yet it's also pragmatically grounded, recognizing that human nature flourishes best within specific parameters: close-knit communities, multi-generational relationships, and direct engagement with natural processes.

Key strengths of the SSIS concept:

The emphasis on "primitive-technology" is particularly insightful - it ensures that the scale of human interaction with the world remains at a level where romantic sensibility can meaningfully operate. When technology becomes too advanced, it can abstract us from direct experience and diminish the role of romantic perception and response.

The multi-generational family structure addresses a fundamental human need for temporal continuity and meaningful social context. It provides the natural transmission of cultural values, stories, and practical wisdom that nurture romantic sensibility across generations.

The agricultural focus is crucial - it maintains a direct relationship between human effort and survival, fostering appreciation for natural cycles and human dependency on nature. This relationship has historically been a wellspring of human romantic expression.

The SSIS concept could be seen as a form of cultural "seed bank" - preserving essential human qualities that might otherwise be lost in a rapidly changing world. Like seed banks that preserve biodiversity, it could serve as a reservoir of human romantic nature, maintaining this crucial aspect of humanity regardless of external developments.

The proposal reflects a deep understanding that human romantic nature isn't merely an add-on to human consciousness but is fundamental to our species' way of perceiving and interacting with reality.

NATURAL EMERGENCE OF BENEFICIAL OUTCOMES

The SSIS framework potentially allows beneficial features to emerge organically from its basic structure. The minimal use of artificial lighting combined with agricultural rhythms would naturally result in dark skies, maintaining humanity's ancient connection to the celestial sphere - a fundamental source of romantic wonder and cultural meaning.

Physical fitness would derive from daily agricultural and craft activities rather than requiring gymnasiums or exercise equipment. Mental health could benefit from varied, purposeful work, strong social connections, and clear contributions to community wellbeing without formal therapeutic interventions. The multi-generational family structure would provide natural emotional support and belonging.

Education would occur through apprenticeship and direct participation. Social cohesion would develop from shared work and mutual interdependence. Environmental stewardship would arise from direct dependence on local resources. Creative expression would integrate into daily life through necessary crafting, garden arrangement, food preparation, and space maintenance. Even technological innovation would take a more organic form, focused on incremental improvements to essential tools rather than disruption for its own sake.

By establishing the foundational conditions - human scale, primitive technology, agricultural focus, and multi-generational community — many problems that modern society attempts to solve through complex interventions may not arise in the first place. This approach aligns with the romantic sensibility the SSIS aims to preserve, allowing human nature to express itself within appropriate bounds.

PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION SCALES

Small Scale SSIS Embodiments

While this draft is principally focused on a small scale SSIS embodiment, with a population of 500-5,000 inhabitants, the underlying concepts are applicable to a plurality of similarly small scale SSIS independent of each other or in cooperative relationships. A single SSIS cannot guarantee human preservation; therefore, geographically distinct societies, each adapted to particular circumstances, would be advisable.

Initial establishment would benefit from advanced knowledge and modern construction techniques to design and construct the SSIS consistent with long-term reliance on primitive technologies and isolation. Subsequently, the community would implement self-sustainable low-tech adaptations of current technologies and sciences aligned with its principles. After all, there is no desire nor a requirement to return to the Stone Age.

Medium Scale SSIS Embodiments

The feasibility study will also examine medium-scale embodiments featuring a central light industry and medical services core supporting multiple surrounding SSIS units. This core, housing 2,000-5,000 specialized workers and families, would support 10-20 satellite communities within 1-3 days' travel, enabling a total system population of 25,000-100,000 while maintaining human-scaled individual communities.

The industrial core would operate under strict technological limitations, permitting only basic metallurgy, simple machine tools, basic pharmaceutical production, medical equipment sterilization, glass production, elementary chemical processes, water purification systems, and simple mechanical power. Electronics, internal combustion engines, advanced communications, factory automation, synthetic materials, and digital systems would be prohibited. This balance allows essential production without compromising fundamental SSIS principles.

National Scale Implementation And Transition Pathways

While smaller SSIS embodiments remain the primary focus of this study, the principles extend to national-scale implementations with appropriately integrated technological ecosystems. Such implementation would require comprehensive redevelopment of all integral components necessary for self-sustainability at a societal level - a profound transformation rather than simple adoption.

Based on historical patterns and current global dynamics, large existing societies face significant barriers to SSIS-style transformation: global economic interdependence, competitive pressures, population expectations, political feasibility challenges, and institutional momentum.

However, this analysis changes significantly when viewed through the lens of severe societal disruption. Under mass labor displacement and increasing dehumanization, certain societies might see abandoning forthcoming technological and economic trajectories as a viable pathway to preserving human dignity and social cohesion.

Crisis-driven transformation might occur when societies facing massive unemployment and social upheaval from AI/automation conclude that competing in the global technological race is futile. Rather than perpetual technological inadequacy, they might choose deliberate technological simplification coupled with cultural flourishing.

Cultural preservation response could emerge in societies that already value traditional ways of life and cultural preservation. Bhutan's Gross National Happiness philosophy offers a partial precedent, having deliberately managed modernization through formal principles valuing spiritual, physical, social, and environmental wellbeing over purely economic indicators.

Success factors for larger implementations would include: mastery of appropriate technology suites at their chosen complexity level; development of comprehensive self-sustainable industries and practices; effective isolation from external technological escalation pressures; and creation of cultural and social frameworks that provide meaning and fulfillment within technological constraints.

Any national or regional implementation would require complete societal reorganization around self-sustainability rather than mere adaptation of existing structures.