Utopian Sci-Fi
Long-time reddit observer, but first-time post as my new and intentional "real" Reddit identity. As you can see, this topic is apparently important enough to me that I would base my entire handle around it, so let's get into it...
I fundamentally believe, based on the way I see consciousness, that humanity is likely not the norm as far as a social, technologically advancing species is concerned.
Rather, I believe that the default "way" for consciousness to function is to direct as much collective energy and resources as possible toward a utopian civilization. A civilization where this apex species' technology progresses toward ecological harmony and even optimizes its environment in a way that evolution cannot capture.
I envision a (non-human) type of synergetic, symbiotic, biotechnologic utopia with a level of beauty, peace, and balance so well-designed and maintained that the species becomes a post-scarcity society. It would likely employ arcologies as a living solution, nuclear fusion or renewable energy, and like I said would even enhance its own planet's biodiversity.
There is even an electric guitar loop track I made just based on such a society or planet; it's called "Acculoromulon" by Valley Wings, and you can play it almost anywhere you stream your music.
While I have always been more of a futurist than a sci-fi fan, from my limited research there are nearly zero sci-fi movies or stories in general which follow the lives of characters in a utopia such as this. If you have any in mind, comment them here.
Regardless of what I believe or who agrees with me, I just really don't think the human default way we "EXPLORE-DOMINATE-SUBJUGATE-KILL-COLONIZE-REPEAT" is the inherent way consciousness propogates in an environment. It seems to me most intelligent species would automatically want to maximize the health and balance of their home planet, integrating their technology with the environment rather than using it simply to dominate everything they touch.
Finally, I recognize there are many philosophical viewpoints about what a utopia can be, whether it is fundamentally possible, and how this impacts a species' decision-making as it weighs becoming a spacefaring, multi-planetary species. Perhaps this discussion ultimately leads itself toward the idea that most species focus on homeworld development and utopia, never wanting to fly away and dominate other worlds, and maybe we can discuss this as one of many possible solutions to the Fermi Paradox...
Thank you for reading.
-RTH