The Crazy Man and the Cars

[jordan179]

Once upon a time I knew a crazy man who wanted to abolish automobiles.

He wasn’t really crazy, of course, and he didn’t want to “abolish” automobiles in the sense of destroying every car in existence and forbidding their further manufacture.  He was an supporter of the “car-free” movement, which advocates a return to living in the urban cores

Comments

[gothelittle]

This is excellent. I'd like to add a slightly different perspective that, in time, sends us to the same conclusion as yours

[gothelittle]

The other part of our post-industrial society is the Internet. Specifically, the ease of ordering from a distance. Now, we've been able to order from a catalog by phone for a long time now, with four to six weeks for delivery time. Now, however, a well-designed setup of warehouses plus schedule efficiency (aided by computers!) can bring you your goods in days, or less. In addition, the slow reformation of our economy based on Internet usage has opened up increasing numbers of Internet-related jobs that can be performed at a computer anywhere in the country. Why drive into the office when you can telecommute from a small office at home? Why get the kids into the car and head out to the grocery store when you can just get Peapod delivery later that day? Shop at your own convenience... have your goods delivered to your door

[headnoises]

Especially if folks pitch in to get the house-well on a small area, so the houses are in easy walking and playing distance.

[jsl32]

i know people living this way. it, uh, isn't like that.

[silent_o]

I hope counter-grav doesn't end up being impossible.