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Those things you talk about (unlimited food, land, etc.) are not the things that make people happy. Most people on this board have never had a problem filling their stomach or finding a place to live. Today's standards would seem like a utopia to people from a few centuries back, but people are not more happy because of it. We are competitive, we look at our neighbors and peers and want the same things or better. As long as there are differences in class in society there will always be people trying to go up the ladder. I'm don't believe this to be 'inherent evil' as you put it, it's just the way we are and it's what makes us do great things.
I'm so noncompetitive and thrilled with what fate has piled on me, it's sort of hilarious. I always surfed the sweet spot and been at the right place at the right time geographically, economically, socially and historically while being the ultimate slacker. A lot people say being satisfied is a curse. It doesn't feel that way to me. I'm happy.
First off, if there were no competition this planet would still be just a rock. You could give EVERYBODY their ideal utopia and it will be cool for awhile. But it wouldn't last...never has and never will. It's not in man's nature to settle for "what is".
in this world we're just beginning to understand the miracle of living. I was afraid before, but I'm not afraid anymore. do you know what that's worth?
Neuroscience has shown the underpinning of our mind is tied directly with status. All of your decisions are based on your correlation with status. Even the religious who endure pain and persecution in the here and now derive pleasure or joy in anticipation for the greatest reward. So what this means is that with your scenario, as long as someone feels they're not better than the other, they're going to fight, flight, or cry in the corner by becoming a waste of space. I guess it works with infinite land and infinite travel velocity. If you hate Ned Flanders, you could kill him, but that might be the ultimate utopian taboo, so instead, you're encouraged to relocate to somewhere where your status compliments other peoples perceived statuses. Even then though, despite conquering nature, you'd still have to deal with age and death. Loss of your loved ones can hurt to the point where you want to die. But at least you're content for the rest of time you're around.... I like the utopian view given in Aldous Huxley's Island. Seems the most realistic to attain except for the fact that someone outside your utopia will ruin it for you. Not that you'd care.
