We Need A New World’s Fair To Show Us The Benefits Of An Abundance Agenda

 

Innovation is the key to progress, economic growth, and better living standards. Unfortunately, many people today worry that innovation in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, nuclear energy, and other areas will do more harm than good. This is a problem, since a citizenry that is overwhelmingly skeptical of new technology makes it harder to convince policymakers to take the hands-off regulatory approach needed to bring it to fruition. People often fear what they do not understand, so optimists must show them, up close and personal, the wonders of innovation and how new technology will help everyone live longer, more fulfilling lives. A new world’s fair would show us what is possible if we embrace the idea of abundance rather than self-imposed scarcity.

In the past, a world’s fair was a huge event that was a combination carnival, science exposition, concert, lecture series, and consumer products show. In an essay, Cameron Wiese of The World’s Fair Company—an organization committed to putting on a new World’s Fair—reminds us of their wonder:

“For months, you've watched as cranes and trucks transformed Flushing Meadows into the world of tomorrow. Now, flicking your ticket with impatient fingers, you step through the turnstiles of the New York World's Fair. You stand awestruck by the Unisphere and the epic NASA rockets, the Beatles' "Help!" plays live in the distance, and the scent of freshly griddled Belgian Waffles ignites your appetite....

...Once upon a time, world’s fairs were regular events held to introduce new innovations to consumers and inspire people about the future. From 1851 through 1934 there were 14 world’s fairs largely focused on new technology held in cities across the world including London, New York, Barcelona, Paris, Prague, St. Louis, Chicago, and San Francisco.

And they were hugely popular: The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, which celebrated the 400-year anniversary of Columbus landing in the Americas, had 27.5 million attendees over its six-month run, or about 40% of the entire U.S. population. Notable guests included Helen Keller, Alexander Graham Bell, and Indian philosopher and Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda.

Now, it is time to do it again...MORE