|> : [Re: Implicatations of a nanotech based economy]
In a world where "full" nanotech is available to everyone, there will be only three things of value: (1) Land (i.e., territory); (2) Energy; (3) Human capital, i.e., people. Land and energy will still have prices; mere bulk (atoms) will not.
Why should energy have a price if every month or less, Earth intercepts enough energy from our Sun to equal all the energy we have used since the dawn of history? Given that economics follows the law of supply and demand, and that humans are infinitely greedy (while supply, while large, is not), then atoms *will* have a price - about the same as current prices for dirt (2-6 cents/kilogram). Meanwhile, one kilowatt/hr should cost about the same as renting a square meter of land in the boonies for an hour. While not "too cheap to meter", the legal, marketing, and accounting costs will be much higher than the energy itself (building solar cells, distribution network if there is one).
You're forgetting the most important things of value (ie. things that people desire and will pay for):
4. Knowledge. Scientific understanding that will enable us to make
new things. Drexler pointed this out a number of times.
5. Wisdom. Understanding people and reality well enough to know
whether we *ought* to make a particular new thing, and in general,
what we *ought* to do to be happy.
6. Mental health. Denmark has the best social system in the world,
but it also has the highest suicide rate. See Bear's "Queen of Angels".
7. Love and Trust of Friends (this becomes especially obvious if you ever
want to do something outside the legal system).
8. A good lawyer (see #7, though it might be a good idea to kill them all).
9. Time and Freedom. Some slaves were able to buy their freedom, but even
today, you can buy more luxury time by buying TV dinners, getting a maid, etc.
And more time to cultivate friends (see #7).
10. Fame and Status. Some would-be stars sell their bodies, some
philanthropists publicize their gifts. If you have lots of friends
and mental health, this becomes less important.
Nanotech will not change the value of any of the above.
people will attempt to gain power over other people by fair means or foul. Pretty much just like now.
Yes, (as Ghandi put it) "because of the devils in my own heart." Power is FUN! Also, power gives a sense of security against the outer demons of the dark -- hunger, punishment, pain.
Until the seduction of power and the fear of pain is somehow ameliorated, people will try to gain power over other people. See #5, 6, and 7.