Secluded Gods
I imagine a future where we make our own worlds, and live like Digital Deities.
For most of human history this power has rested in the hands of writers who fashioned universes for us to inhabit. More recently, directors and video game creators have done the same. But, this ability will be widespread and easy one day. The world builders of the future will create using technology. What was once the purview of the pen will pass to all people with a few clicks. Our worlds will be full of Sims-like creations in possession of their own consciousness, whose lives pivot on our whims. We will be Gods of our own little domains.
What would we fill our worlds with? Would we, if finally given the chance, build something like our own world except without the problems ours has? That seems noble, and poetic. More likely though, the power will corrupt given enough time — it usually does, after all.
What of our fellow humans — would we even see them, or would they be too preoccupied with the utter domination (or day-to-day maintenance, as the case may be) now at their fingertips? Or perhaps a new pantheon is in store for the inhabitants of these simulations, for better or worse. For some, a monotheistic reality where the creator and ruler is greedy for their adoration. For others, a group of Gods (i.e. their friends who have shared admin permissions) to be worshipped.
It’s hard to imagine the physical world having much allure at this point. With the exception of some rebellious anti-technology feral futuristic hippies, we would sit like secluded Gods. All powerful, all alone.
Why do we create to begin with? Isn’t it in order to express a depth hidden inside, images imprisoned but obtained through actual presence in the world amongst people, feeling caught up in a system or cycle of fear - denial - suppression - pain - anger,… Is that not how art becomes significant? I don’t think it is mere imagination flapping wings freely. It is imagination informed by life that speaks to a heart in search of answers, purpose, meaning,… That is what makes creative expression vivid. If we were to strip away such essence, the canvas might be filled with imaginative scenes, but those would still lack substance. We could argue that the modern approach would result in alienation, thus leading to fear and the (possible) cycle mentioned above which could eventually lead to an artistic expression that will be epoch-making. That might be so, but it will still depend on the individual and their ability to stop creating something just because it is easily accessible and take a deep dive within facing apparitions hidden behind the curtains of mundane activities. In my opinion, regardless of the era we live in, only those who are brave enough to look inside and step outside the norm (whatever that norm might be), can create something that lives for centuries.
Is it hard to imagine the physical world having much allure at his point for humanity in general or for yourself? Do you mean that your ties to the physical world thriugh your flesh prison makes things dull, or that society isn't grounded enough? Why, in the name of all that is good and holy... would we want to become digital deities?
I am very interested in this issue and the reasons you might have behind these notions.