But, said Mr. Saadia, a post-scarcity economy is actually far more within reach than the technological advances for which “Star Trek” is better known. Warp driv

But, said Mr. Saadia, a post-scarcity economy is actually far more within reach than the technological advances for which “Star Trek” is better known. Warp drive isn’t coming any time soon, if ever, he explained, but wealthy retirees today already live an essentially post-money existence, “traveling and exploring and deepening their understanding of the world and being generally happy.” They acknowledge that the technology won't be there, but a post-scarcity economy might. I don't see how that could be possible without some of the technology in Star Trek, though. At a bare minimum, we would need to switch completely away from fossil fuels to an abundant/renewable, clean energy source, find a sustainable way to provide food, clean water, and shelter to everyone, and have universal healthcare at no cost to any individual. To accomplish any one of those without the level of technology seen in Star Trek seems like a stretch.