(2003-01-14) Bruce Sterling Discussion

Bruce Sterling is doing a discussion on The WELL around his Tomorrow Now book. Lots of great Sterlingisms, like:

• I know it's modish to wring our hands over the idea that the USA has gone militarily bonkers, but the USA is only 6 percent of the planet's population. It may be that if the USA becomes sufficiently aberrant, everyone else will get their ducks in a row. At least, they'll have means, motive and opportunity. Then the USA can stop being the world's policeman. It can go back to being the world's tequila-addled pro-league bowler, or the world's acerbic, bipolar comedian - you know, something more inherently suited to the national character.

• I can tell you one thing for sure: there's no way a population of nine billion or so is gonna be sustained by preindustrial Asian goat-herding. Those goats have an environmental impact (Environmentalism) that is catastrophic. (Civilization, International Development)

• If schools were learning environments, all the smart kids would clear out in half an hour. Then they'd go home and demand attention from Mom and Dad. That just can't be allowed. (Educating Kids)