Survival of the Richest: escape fantasies of the tech elite

Description

The tech elite have a plan to survive the apocalypse- they want to leave us all behind. Five mysterious billionaires summoned Douglas Rushkoff to a desert resort for a private talk. The topic? How to survive The Event- the societal catastrophe they know is coming. Rushkoff came to understand that these men were under the influence of The Mindset, a Silicon Valley-style certainty that they can break the laws of physics, economics, and morality to escape a disaster of their own making - as long as they have enough money and the right technology. In Survival of the Richest, Rushkoff traces the origins of The Mindset in science and technology through its current expression in missions to Mars, island bunkers, and the Metaverse. This mind-blowing work of social analysis shows us how to transcend the landscape The Mindset created - a world alive with algorithms and intelligences actively rewarding our most selfish tendencies - and rediscover community, mutual aid, and human interdependency. Instead of changing the people, he argues, we can change the program. 'Douglas Rushkoff has always been a singular observer and thinker. Embedded near the epicentres of the digital revolution from its hopeful outlaw start through the oppressive mega-corporate current condition, he has never flinched along the way from honestly delivering fresh, radical, humane critiques of the emerging world. There are plenty of books decrying the horrors of 21st century monopoly capitalism and inequality, and the existential threats posed by technology and hellbent growth, but none quite like Survival of the Richest. Rushkoff is essential - not just a passionate visionary on the side of the angels, but the rare one who can write.' -Kurt Andersen, author of Evil Geniuses 'Douglas Rushkoff's disguise as an 'influential futurist' has enabled him to serve as a mole on behalf of our species in the lair of the wannabe-posthuman. His report is both fierce and amazed in the face of capitalism's delusions; I for one am sharpening my pitchfork.' -Jonathan Lethem 'Douglas Rushkoff's keen eye as a seasoned media analyst, combined with his flair and wit as a writer and a performer, shine in this book ... How is it possible that people who have powerfully shaped our society and economy and have reaped enormous financial rewards in the process are doing everything possible to escape the world they've created? ... This should give us all pause - if they want to escape their creations, why give them the power to rule our lives in the first place?' -Marina Gorbis, Executive Director of the Institute for the Future

Douglas Rushkoff is professor of media theory and digital economics at Queens/CUNY. Named one of the world's ten most influential intellectuals by MIT, he hosts the Team Human podcast and has written many award-winning books. He lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.