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The Future

This a rough draft of some educated proditions of what may be expected in the future. It is in 10 year periods for the next 100 years. Of course the further out we get the less accurate it will be.

I created this with several AIs into to amalgamation a bunch of sources along with my own input. The source is uses:

The Faite of empires by Sir John Glubb

The Dangerous History Podcast by CJ Kimer episode 257

The Survival Podcast by Jack Spirko episodes, 3244, 3255, 3335, 3498

The Fourth Turning by Strauss and Howe

Pendulum by Williams and Drew

This Crash Course, video series by Chris Martinson

Key Contextual Assumptions

  • Mar-a-Lago Accord: By 2030, the Accord’s tariffs and Treasury restructuring disrupt global trade, raise prices, and accelerate de-dollarization, but its effects fade by 2040 as markets adapt. Long-term, it shapes a multipolar economic order with regional currencies and digital assets.
  • Aging Infrastructure: By 2050, global and U.S. grids and roads are mostly modernized, but maintenance remains a challenge. Indiana’s rural infrastructure catches up by 2050, enabling localized resilience.
  • AI-Driven Energy Demand: AI’s energy needs grow to 15–20% of global consumption (800–1,200 GW) by 2070, met by nuclear (SMRs, fusion) and space-based solar, stabilizing costs.
  • Less Reliable Energy: Early reliance on aging fossil fuel infrastructure (2030s) causes outages, but nuclear and fusion dominance by 2050 ensures reliability, phasing out political debates over renewables.
  • Modern Nuclear Power: SMRs scale globally by 2050, with fusion commercialized by 2070, providing abundant, cheap energy. By 2120, nuclear powers 80% of global needs, driving economic and societal transformation.
  • Demographic Trends: Global population peaks at 8.5 billion (2040), declining to 7.5 billion by 2120 due to below-replacement fertility (1.6–1.8 globally). China’s population, possibly overstated by 100 million, falls to 1 billion by 2070 and 800 million by 2120. The U.S. stabilizes at 320 million, Indiana at 6.5 million.
  • Cyclical Frameworks: The Fourth Turning cycles (80–100 years) predict: a High phase (2030–2050), Awakening (2050–2070), Unraveling (2070–2090), and Crisis (2090–2110), with a new High by 2120. The Pendulum shifts from “We” (collectivism, 2030–2060) to “Me” (individualism, 2060–2100), returning to “We” by 2120.
  • Technological Assumptions: By 2070, AI achieves superintelligence, integrating with human cognition (post-humanism). Biotechnology eliminates most diseases, extending lifespans to 100+. Space colonization (Moon, Mars) begins by 2070, with 1 million off-world residents by 2120. Quantum computing and nanotechnology reshape economies by 2090.
  • Focus on Ordinary People: Emphasizes daily life (work, housing, education, healthcare, community), challenges (cost of living, AI displacement, demographic decline), and opportunities (nuclear jobs, AI education, space migration, biotech health).

2030: Economic Strain and Infrastructure Frustrations

Global:

  • Daily Life: Ordinary people face 10–15% higher prices for goods (electronics, clothing) due to Mar-a-Lago Accord tariffs, squeezing budgets. Most work hybrid jobs (e.g., logistics, retail) with AI tools managing tasks. Urban families live in small apartments, rural ones in modest homes, with 60% renting globally.
  • Challenges: Aging grids cause 5% more outages, disrupting work and costing $100–$200 monthly in developing nations. Below-replacement fertility shrinks labor markets, increasing job competition in China (1.35 billion). Trade disruptions reduce retail jobs, affecting 10% of workers.
  • Opportunities: AI education platforms offer free training (coding, nuclear tech), upskilling 20% of adults for $40,000–$60,000 jobs. SMR construction creates 1 million jobs, paying $50,000. Community cooperatives (10% of neighborhoods) share resources, saving $500 per household yearly.
  • Societal Dynamics: The Fourth Turning Crisis phase ends, fostering collectivism (Pendulum “We” cycle). People trust local networks but distrust global institutions due to trade volatility.

United States:

  • Daily Life: Prices rise 10%, straining grocery and fuel budgets. Manufacturing jobs grow by 500,000 ($35,000–$50,000), but service sector layoffs hit 1 million. Most live in suburbs, with 50% renting. Families rely on smartphones for work and education.
  • Challenges: Aging grids cause 8% more blackouts, costing $200–$500 yearly in lost productivity. Rural road delays limit job and healthcare access. Fossil fuel reliance raises energy costs 15% ($100 monthly for low-income households).
  • Opportunities: AI platforms train 5 million in tech/nuclear, boosting incomes by 10%. SMR jobs employ 100,000 ($45,000). Community groups (20% of neighborhoods) share childcare, saving $1,000 yearly. Biotech farms cut food costs 5%.
  • Societal Dynamics: The Crisis resolves into a High phase, unifying communities. Regional tensions grow, with states like Texas seeking autonomy (Decline of Empires).

Indiana:

  • Daily Life: Hoosiers pay 10% more for appliances, but 10,000 new manufacturing jobs ($40,000) stabilize incomes. Rural families (30%) work in automated farming. Most live in small towns, with community-focused lives.
  • Challenges: Aging coal plants and roads cause 10% more outages and delays, costing $100 monthly. Rural population stability (6.9 million) reduces school access, forcing 5% to commute. AI displaces 5,000 low-skill jobs.
  • Opportunities: AI farming boosts yields 15%, adding $5,000 to 20,000 farmers’ incomes. Purdue’s SMR training creates 2,000 jobs ($45,000). Cooperatives (15% of towns) save $500 per household.
  • Societal Dynamics: Indiana’s conservative culture embraces the “We” cycle, strengthening community ties, but rural areas feel neglected by urban policies.

Risks: Trade disruptions and outages could spike costs. U.S. regionalism and Indiana’s rural isolation risk social tensions.

2040: Nuclear Stability and Technological Integration

Global:

  • Daily Life: Prices stabilize 5% above 2025 levels as trade adjusts. Most work in AI-supported roles (healthcare, logistics), using AI daily. Urban dwellers (70%) live in smart apartments; rural families use automated homes. Families spend $100 monthly on AI subscriptions.
  • Challenges: Developing nations face 3% outages, costing $50–$100 monthly. China’s population (1.25 billion) and labor shortages raise goods prices 5%. AI automates 20% of jobs, leaving 50 million low-skill workers unemployed without retraining.
  • Opportunities: SMRs lower electricity costs 10% ($50–$100 monthly savings), creating 2 million jobs ($50,000–$70,000). AI certifications train 80% of adults, boosting incomes 15%. Biotech doubles food yields, cutting costs 10%. Energy cooperatives (10% of homes) foster community pride.
  • Societal Dynamics: The Fourth Turning High phase stabilizes society, with global nuclear and AI cooperation. The “We” cycle encourages collective solutions, but youth question centralized systems.

United States:

  • Daily Life: SMRs cut utility bills 8% ($30–$50 monthly). Manufacturing and nuclear jobs employ 1 million ($40,000–$60,000). Most live in affordable suburbs (40% own homes via MMT subsidies). AI manages 60% of work tasks.
  • Challenges: Rural outages (5%) disrupt remote work for 10 million. Aging population (340 million, fertility 1.6) strains pensions, forcing 20% of retirees to work. Regional currencies create trade confusion in 10 states.
  • Opportunities: AI diagnostics extend life expectancy 2 years, free via apps. Nuclear jobs employ 200,000; biotech cuts food costs 5%. Community networks (30% of neighborhoods) save $1,000 yearly. Automated transport reduces commute costs 10%.
  • Societal Dynamics: National unity peaks, but regional autonomy grows, with states like California semi-independent. Youth embrace AI; older generations resist.

Indiana:

  • Daily Life: Energy costs drop 10% ($40 monthly savings) with two SMRs. Nuclear and manufacturing jobs employ 20,000 ($45,000). Rural families (40%) use automated farming. Most live in smart towns or Indianapolis suburbs.
  • Challenges: Rural outages (5%) limit internet for 10,000 families. Population (7 million) closes 5% of schools. AI displaces 5,000 jobs, requiring retraining.
  • Opportunities: AI trains 15,000 in nuclear/biotech, adding $10,000 to incomes. SMRs create 5,000 jobs. Biotech farms boost 30,000 farmers’ incomes 10%. Microgrids (10% of homes) save $600 yearly.
  • Societal Dynamics: Urban-rural collaboration grows, but rural areas seek more autonomy, aligning with the “We” cycle.

Risks: Global labor shortages and U.S. fragmentation could disrupt jobs. Indiana’s rural gaps risk isolation.

2050: AI-Driven Prosperity and Regional Autonomy

Global:

  • Daily Life: AI manages 80% of work (logistics, education), with electricity costs down 15% ($100 monthly) via nuclear/fusion. Most live in smart cities or automated rural hubs, working remotely. Families spend $150 on AI/biotech subscriptions (health, learning).
  • Challenges: Population decline (8 billion, China 1.2 billion) raises eldercare costs ($200 monthly for 30%). AI automates 30% of jobs, affecting 100 million low-skill workers. Outages (1%) persist in poorer nations, costing $20 billion.
  • Opportunities: Nuclear/fusion creates 3 million jobs ($60,000–$80,000). AI healthcare adds 5 years to life expectancy. Biotech cuts food costs 10%. Community networks (20% of homes) save $1,500 yearly, fostering innovation.
  • Societal Dynamics: The Fourth Turning Awakening begins, with youth challenging AI systems (Pendulum “Me” cycle). Global nuclear/space cooperation persists, but individualism rises.

United States:

  • Daily Life: Energy costs drop 12% ($50 monthly) with 80 SMRs/fusion. AI/nuclear jobs employ 2 million ($50,000–$70,000). Most own homes (50%) via subsidies. Rural/urban lifestyles diverge, with 10 states near-independent.
  • Challenges: Population (330 million) increases eldercare costs ($300 monthly for 25%). AI displaces 5 million service jobs. Regional trade barriers raise costs 5%.
  • Opportunities: AI trains 10 million, boosting incomes 15%. Biotech reduces medical costs 10%. Community networks (40%) save $1,500 yearly. Space jobs employ 50,000 ($60,000).
  • Societal Dynamics: Regional autonomy peaks, but a federal alliance holds. Youth push individualism, challenging AI governance.

Indiana:

  • Daily Life: Energy costs fall 15% ($60 monthly) with four SMRs/fusion. Nuclear/AI jobs employ 30,000 ($50,000). Automated farms support 50% of rural families. Most live in smart towns/Indianapolis.
  • Challenges: Population (6.8 million) closes 10% of schools, forcing online learning for 5,000 students. AI displaces 10,000 jobs. Rural areas feel urban bias.
  • Opportunities: AI healthcare adds 5 years to life expectancy. Nuclear training employs 10,000 ($15,000 income boost). Biotech farms raise 40,000 farmers’ incomes 15%. Microgrids (15%) save $800 yearly.
  • Societal Dynamics: Urban-rural balance strengthens via cooperatives (25% of towns). Rural areas preserve human governance, aligning with “Me” cycle.

Risks: Global AI displacement and U.S. fragmentation could reduce jobs. Indiana’s urban-rural divide risks tensions.

2070: Post-Human Transition and Space Exploration

Global:

  • Daily Life: AI superintelligence integrates with human cognition (20% of people use neural implants), blurring human-machine boundaries. Fusion and space solar cut energy costs 20% ($150 monthly). Most live in smart megacities or rural techno-villages, with 80% working in AI-driven roles (design, ethics). Families spend $200 monthly on biotech/AI (health, augmentation). Space colonies (Moon, 100,000 residents) attract adventurers.
  • Challenges: Population decline (7.8 billion, China 1 billion) raises eldercare costs ($300 monthly for 40%). AI automates 50% of jobs, leaving 150 million unemployed without advanced skills. Post-humanism divides societies, with 30% rejecting implants. Space migration costs ($1 million per person) exclude most.
  • Opportunities: Fusion creates 5 million jobs ($70,000–$100,000). Biotech extends lifespans to 100, free for 90% via AI clinics. Space jobs (mining, tourism) employ 1 million ($80,000). Community networks (30%) innovate local tech, saving $2,000 yearly. AI education trains 90% of adults, boosting incomes 20%.
  • Societal Dynamics: The Fourth Turning Unraveling begins, with individualism (Pendulum “Me” cycle) challenging global systems. Space colonies form new identities, but Earth-based communities remain resilient.

United States:

  • Daily Life: Fusion/space solar cuts bills 15% ($60 monthly). Post-human jobs (AI ethics, biotech) employ 3 million ($60,000–$90,000). Most live in smart suburbs or rural hubs; 60% own homes. States like Texas operate as nations, with 20% of people using neural implants.
  • Challenges: Population (325 million) strains healthcare ($400 monthly for 30%). AI displaces 10 million jobs, requiring retraining. Regional trade barriers raise costs 8%. Post-human divides spark cultural tensions.
  • Opportunities: Biotech eliminates 80% of diseases, adding 10 years to life expectancy. Space jobs employ 100,000 ($70,000). AI trains 15 million, raising incomes 20%. Community networks (50%) save $2,000 yearly, offering local governance.
  • Societal Dynamics: Fragmentation peaks, with 15 states semi-independent. Youth reject centralized AI, favoring regional autonomy. Traditionalists resist post-humanism.

Indiana:

  • Daily Life: Energy costs drop 20% ($80 monthly) with fusion/SMRs. Nuclear/AI jobs employ 50,000 ($60,000). Rural families (60%) use automated farms. Most live in smart towns; 10% use implants. Indianapolis is a biotech hub.
  • Challenges: Population (6.7 million) closes 15% of schools, forcing online education for 10,000. AI displaces 20,000 jobs. Rural areas resist post-humanism, causing urban-rural tension.
  • Opportunities: Biotech extends lifespans to 100, free for 90%. Nuclear/space jobs employ 15,000 ($20,000 income boost). Biotech farms raise 50,000 farmers’ incomes 20%. Microgrids (20%) save $1,000 yearly.
  • Societal Dynamics: Indiana splits into urban (post-human) and rural (traditional) zones, with 30% of towns in cooperatives. Rural areas align with “Me” cycle, prioritizing local control.

Risks: Global AI autonomy and post-human divides could spark conflicts. U.S. fragmentation risks isolation, while Indiana’s cultural split threatens cohesion.

2090: Space Expansion and Societal Fragmentation

Global:

  • Daily Life: Post-humans (40% with implants) dominate urban life, with AI governing 90% of tasks. Energy is free via fusion/space solar, eliminating utility bills. Most live in megacities or space-adjacent villages; 500,000 live on Moon/Mars. Families spend $300 monthly on biotech/nanotech (augmentation, health). Work focuses on creativity and space exploration.
  • Challenges: Population (7.6 billion, China 900 million) increases eldercare costs ($400 monthly for 50%). AI automates 70% of jobs, marginalizing 200 million traditional humans. Space colonies remain elite, excluding 99% of people. Post-human/traditional divides spark 20% of global conflicts.
  • Opportunities: Space industries employ 2 million ($100,000–$150,000). Nanotech eliminates disease, adding 20 years to life expectancy. AI education trains 95% of adults, boosting incomes 30%. Community networks (40%) govern locally, saving $3,000 yearly. Moon tourism ($50,000 trips) is accessible to 5% of families.
  • Societal Dynamics: The Fourth Turning Crisis looms, with post-humans and traditionalists clashing (Pendulum “Me” cycle). Space colonies form autonomous societies, weakening Earth governance.

United States:

  • Daily Life: Energy is free, boosting disposable income 20%. Post-human jobs employ 5 million ($80,000–$120,000). Most live in smart cities or rural enclaves; 100,000 in space colonies. States function as nations, with 30% using implants. Families spend $200 on nanotech.
  • Challenges: Population (320 million) raises healthcare costs ($500 monthly for 40%). AI displaces 15 million jobs, isolating traditionalists. Interstate trade barriers raise costs 10%. Post-human tensions fuel 10% of regional disputes.
  • Opportunities: Nanotech adds 20 years to life expectancy, free for 95%. Space jobs employ 200,000 ($90,000). AI trains 20 million, raising incomes 30%. Community networks (60%) save $3,000 yearly, governing locally.
  • Societal Dynamics: The U.S. is a loose confederation, with 20 states independent. Youth prioritize space migration, while traditionalists form enclaves, aligning with “Me” cycle.

Indiana:

  • Daily Life: Free energy boosts incomes 20%. Post-human/AI jobs employ 80,000 ($70,000). Rural families (70%) use nanotech farms. Most live in smart towns; 5,000 in space colonies. Urban areas (20% with implants) lead biotech.
  • Challenges: Population (6.6 million) closes 20% of schools, forcing online learning for 15,000. AI displaces 30,000 jobs. Rural traditionalists reject implants, straining urban ties.
  • Opportunities: Nanotech extends lifespans to 120, free for 95%. Space jobs employ 20,000 ($25,000 income boost). Biotech farms raise 60,000 farmers’ incomes 25%. Microgrids (25%) save $1,500 yearly.
  • Societal Dynamics: Indiana operates as urban (post-human) and rural (traditional) nations, with 40% of towns in cooperatives. Rural areas prioritize human governance, aligning with “Me” cycle.

Risks: Global post-human conflicts and space disputes could destabilize Earth. U.S. fragmentation risks external exploitation, while Indiana’s cultural divide threatens unity.

2120: Post-Human Era and New Social Order

Global:

  • Daily Life: Post-humans (60% with implants) and AI form a unified intelligence, governing 95% of systems. Free energy and nanotech eliminate material scarcity, with families spending $400 monthly on cognitive enhancements. Most live in orbital habitats (1 million residents) or Earth megacities; rural enclaves preserve traditional life. Work is creative (art, exploration), with 90% remote.
  • Challenges: Population (7.5 billion, China 800 million) marginalizes traditional humans (30%), who face social exclusion. Space migration ($500,000 per person) remains elite, limiting access to 10% of families. AI autonomy sparks ethical debates, with 20% rejecting integration.
  • Opportunities: Space industries employ 5 million ($150,000–$200,000). Nanotech ensures immortality for 50% of post-humans, free for 99%. AI education integrates all adults, boosting incomes 50%. Community networks (50%) govern locally, saving $5,000 yearly. Mars tourism ($20,000 trips) is accessible to 20%.
  • Societal Dynamics: A new Fourth Turning High phase begins, with space societies stabilizing (Pendulum “We” cycle). Earth traditionalists form resilient enclaves, coexisting with post-humans.

United States:

  • Daily Life: Free energy and nanotech boost incomes 30%. Post-human jobs employ 10 million ($100,000–$150,000). Most live in orbital hubs (200,000) or smart cities; 40% use implants. States are independent, trading via AI networks. Families spend $300 on enhancements.
  • Challenges: Population (320 million) isolates traditionalists (40%), who face job exclusion. Healthcare costs ($600 monthly for 50%) burden non-post-humans. Interstate disputes raise costs 12%.
  • Opportunities: Nanotech ensures immortality for 50%, free for 99%. Space jobs employ 500,000 ($120,000). AI integrates all workers, raising incomes 50%. Community networks (70%) save $5,000 yearly, governing locally.
  • Societal Dynamics: The U.S. is a trade alliance, with 25 states independent. Post-humans dominate urban areas, while traditionalists form rural enclaves, aligning with “We” cycle.

Indiana:

  • Daily Life: Free energy boosts incomes 30%. Post-human/AI jobs employ 100,000 ($80,000). Rural families (80%) use nanotech farms. Most live in orbital hubs (10,000) or smart towns; 30% use implants. Urban Indianapolis leads space biotech.
  • Challenges: Population (6.5 million) isolates traditionalists (50%), closing 25% of schools. AI displaces 50,000 jobs. Rural areas reject post-humanism, risking urban alienation.
  • Opportunities: Nanotech ensures immortality for 50%, free for 99%. Space jobs employ 30,000 ($30,000 income boost). Biotech farms raise 70,000 farmers’ incomes 30%. Microgrids (30%) save $2,000 yearly.
  • Societal Dynamics: Indiana unifies as a dual urban (post-human) and rural (traditional) state, with 50% of towns in cooperatives. The “We” cycle fosters collaboration, balancing innovation and tradition.

Risks: Global AI dominance risks human marginalization. U.S. isolationism and Indiana’s cultural split could hinder progress.

Synthesis: Life for Ordinary People (2030–2120)

  • Global: Life evolves from economic strain (2030) to post-human prosperity (2120). Early challenges (outages, AI displacement) give way to free energy, nanotech immortality, and space migration. By 2120, most live in orbital habitats or megacities, with traditionalists in enclaves. Community networks ensure resilience.
  • United States: Americans face cost increases and fragmentation (2030–2050), but nuclear and AI stabilize life by 2070. By 2120, independent states form a trade alliance, with post-humans in cities and traditionalists in rural hubs. Space jobs and nanotech drive prosperity.
  • Indiana: Hoosiers navigate rural infrastructure gaps (2030), but nuclear and biotech create jobs by 2050. By 2120, Indiana balances urban post-humanism and rural tradition, with smart towns and orbital hubs. Cooperatives foster unity.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

  • Challenges:
  • 2030: Tariff-driven price hikes (10–15%) and outages (5–10%) strain budgets globally, in the U.S., and Indiana, disrupting work and access.
  • 2050: AI displaces 30% of jobs globally (100 million), 5 million in the U.S., 10,000 in Indiana, requiring retraining. Population decline raises eldercare costs.
  • 2070–2120: Post-human divides marginalize traditionalists (30–50% by 2120), sparking conflicts. Space migration remains elite, excluding most.
  • Opportunities:
  • 2030–2050: Nuclear jobs (3 million global, 200,000 U.S., 30,000 Indiana by 2050) pay $40,000–$80,000. AI education boosts incomes 10–15%. Biotech cuts food costs 10%.
  • 2070–2120: Fusion/space jobs (5 million global, 500,000 U.S., 30,000 Indiana by 2120) pay $100,000–$200,000. Nanotech ensures immortality, free for 99%. Community networks save $500–$5,000 yearly.

Recommendations for Ordinary People

  • Global: Upskill in AI/nuclear via free platforms (2030–2050) to secure jobs. Join cooperatives to save costs. By 2070, explore biotech enhancements and space tourism for new opportunities.
  • United States: Enroll in community college nuclear programs (2030–2050) to avoid AI displacement. Advocate for local infrastructure funding. By 2070, consider neural implants for post-human jobs or join traditionalist enclaves.
  • Indiana: Access Purdue’s nuclear/biotech training (2030–2050) for stable careers. Form rural cooperatives for energy and resources. By 2070, balance urban biotech opportunities with rural community resilience, exploring space migration by 2120.