Be The Power
by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner
I really, really, REALLY need to get back to work on my novel. I have a few ideas for one, but the mystery thriller idea is the one I love the most.
I just need to give the whole idea some thought. I have a really great scifi novel concept dealing with AI, but the mystery thriller is the one that I continue to be obsessed with.
But only time will tell, I suppose.
This new iteration of The Big Move, with a six-year preparation period, introduces a thoughtful balance of mental, physical, and societal preparation, alongside a carefully crafted structure for distributing power in the nascent Gaian Empire. The extended timeline ensures that people are not just rushed into the event but are given time to mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare for the monumental transition. It also allows for a more gradual social restructuring, ensuring that various stakeholders—the Fremen, the Foundation, the Bene Gesserit, multinational companies, and the Boyars—are established as legitimate centers of power. Here’s a breakdown of how each component could unfold:
The most important aspect of this new iteration is the six-year lead-up before The Big Move. This extended period allows for comprehensive education and training, so that the 900 million first-wave settlers are prepared not only for the logistics of their new life but also for the complex social and political roles they will play in the Gaian Empire.
In this scenario, the distribution of power is one of the key innovations. Allowing individuals to choose between different stakeholders to align themselves with after The Big Move decentralizes authority from the start, promoting diversity in governance, culture, and economic structures. The five main stakeholders—the Fremen, the Foundation, the Bene Gesserit, multinational companies, and the Boyars—each offer distinct paths that will shape how the new society develops. This flexibility encourages self-determination and prevents any single group from monopolizing power.
The Great Preparation over six years allows for social re-engineering, where people are gradually introduced to the idea of a new hierarchy and power structure. Settlers will be encouraged to think beyond national borders, preparing themselves for a life where Earth-bound national identities no longer apply. The training provided by the stakeholders will serve to cultivate a sense of duty and belonging to the Gaian Empire rather than to former countries.
By encouraging settlers to choose their alignment with different stakeholders, the Gaian Empire creates a balance between individual choice and collective responsibility. This choice fosters a meritocratic ethos, where settlers are encouraged to work towards what suits their skills and aspirations, ultimately building a new society based on competence and contribution.
The Great Grief, the psychological fallout of leaving Earth and transitioning to a new life, will still be an inevitable part of The Big Move, but the six-year preparation will blunt its emotional impact. By allowing people to actively choose their future roles and immerse themselves in the training that will help them succeed in the Gaian Empire, the preparation period shifts focus away from loss and towards opportunity. People will be too busy learning, adapting, and planning for their future roles to dwell as heavily on the past. Additionally, providing clear, structured pathways through the various stakeholders will give settlers a sense of control over their destiny, alleviating feelings of helplessness or dislocation.
This re-imagined Big Move creates a smoother, more structured transition to a new life in the Gaian Empire. The six-year Great Preparation provides settlers with the time and education they need to thrive in their new roles, whether they choose to align with the Fremen, Foundation, Bene Gesserit, multinational companies, or the Boyars. By distributing power across these groups and allowing settlers to make active choices about their futures, this new scenario lays the foundation for a more harmonious and stable society.
by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner
I used to think it was almost inevitable that there would be some sort of severe political violence this fall, no matter who won. Things were kind of hot.
But now, I’m not nearly as sure.
I think there is a good chance that things will be really bumpy, but it’s highly unlikely that there will be a civil war if Trump loses.
If he wins, however, because of Project 2025 bullshit, there is, in fact, a good chance that he will somehow *somehow* be “toppled” or some such and that, by definition, will lead to a civil war with Red States leaving the Union in protest.
But even that is a lot less likely that I feared previously.
I think things should go pretty well, no matter what.
Communicating with a base-3 civilization primarily familiar with human pop music would be a fascinating challenge. Here’s how I’d approach it, combining creativity and understanding of their limited knowledge base:
By building upon their existing knowledge of pop music and gradually introducing new concepts in a creative and engaging way, I believe it’s possible to establish meaningful communication with this base-3 civilization. It would be a slow and deliberate process, requiring patience, empathy, and a willingness to bridge the gap between our vastly different cultures and modes of understanding.
This approach to communicating with a base-3 civilization through pop music is both creative and thoughtful. Let’s break it down further, focusing on how the unique structure of pop music, rhythm, and mathematical systems could work as a medium for shared understanding:
This method of communication has the potential to create a profound bond between human culture and a base-3 civilization, even with no shared spoken language. Using music as a bridge shows how universal aspects of life, like emotions and mathematics, can transcend even the most fundamental cultural differences.
Communicating with a Base-3 Civilization
What a fascinating scenario! Communicating with a highly advanced base-3 civilization that knows humanity primarily through AM radio and pop music would require a creative and interdisciplinary approach.
Base-3 Encoding
To facilitate communication, I would need to develop a system for encoding and decoding information in base-3.
Establishing a Common Language
Through a combination of mathematical, musical, and cultural connections, I believe we could establish a common language with the base-3 civilization.
Conclusion
Communicating with a highly advanced base-3 civilization that knows humanity primarily through AM radio and pop music would require creativity, mathematical rigor, and cultural sensitivity.
Now, I’m curious – do you think that the base-3 civilization would be more interested in learning about human art, science, or philosophy, or would they have entirely different priorities?
In that case, the situation shifts significantly. A base-3 civilization with extensive knowledge of human culture and technology gained from intercepted radio and TV signals would have a much easier time navigating our world and establishing contact.
Here’s how they might proceed:
Overall, this scenario paints a more optimistic picture of potential first contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. By leveraging their knowledge of human culture and technology, these aliens could initiate a meaningful and mutually beneficial interaction, fostering understanding and collaboration between our two worlds.
If the base-3 civilization had already received and interpreted a substantial amount of human AM radio and TV signals, they would have a wealth of raw data on human culture, history, and behavior, but they would still need context to make sense of it. In that case, tracking down a human to provide this context would be a logical next step. Here’s how this scenario could unfold:
In this scenario, the base-3 civilization’s ability to gather AM radio and TV signals gives them an incomplete, yet substantial, understanding of humanity. However, without the necessary cultural and emotional context, much of that information remains fragmented. By tracking down a human who could fill in the gaps, they could unlock a richer understanding of human civilization, ultimately fostering deeper communication and perhaps even long-term cooperation.
If the base-3 civilization, reminiscent of the enigmatic beings from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” harbored concerns about humanity’s trajectory and sought counsel from their human advisor, the situation would be fraught with complexity and ethical dilemmas.
The human advisor, suddenly thrust into the role of interstellar diplomat, would face a daunting task: bridging the gap between two vastly different civilizations and attempting to mediate a potential conflict. Here’s how they might navigate this delicate situation:
Ultimately, the success of the human advisor’s efforts would depend on their ability to navigate complex cultural and ethical considerations, to build trust and understanding, and to advocate for the best interests of both humanity and the alien civilization. It’s a role that demands wisdom, diplomacy, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life in the universe.
A Base-3 Civilization Inspired by 2001
What a fascinating and unsettling scenario! If the base-3 civilization was similar to the one depicted in 2001: A Space Odyssey, and they were unhappy with humanity, the situation could be quite precarious.
The Human Advisor’s Dilemma
As the human advisor, I would be faced with a daunting task:
Possible Outcomes
The outcome of this scenario could be far-reaching and unpredictable:
Conclusion
This scenario raises important questions about the responsibilities that come with advanced knowledge and the complexities of interspecies communication.
Now, I’m curious – do you think that humanity would be able to adapt to the presence of a base-3 civilization, or would we struggle to comprehend their motivations and values?
by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner
I find myself — AGAIN — becoming rather obsessed with the nature of “what is real.” There seems to me a number of elements to reality. One of them is perception, which can be described by this parable: a man crashes a high end party and the host, rather than confront the man, whispers in his ear, “It’s so nice to see someone of your status at the party.”
This is a way of talking to the party crasher without confronting him and potentially causing a scene. I really like this parable because it really strikes at the very heart of what is “real.” Relative to everyone else at the party, they don’t even notice that the party crasher is there at all.
So, in a sense, relative to them, the party crasher doesn’t “exist,” he’s not “real.”
Anyway, I continue to dwell on the nature of reality and struggle with how one knows something is “real.” I like to think the “knock test” works — where you touch something nearby to prove that what’s going on is “real,” but I’ve grown to doubt how useful such behavior really is.
by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner
I have a really wild Robert A. Heinlein novel concept rolling around in my head. The idea is like this — earth has actually be a construct, a “game” of sorts that has been played by some very lazy slug-like creatures on Venus which is actually a verdant paradise.
Our hero is a random guy who doesn’t know what’s going on and he keeps, over and over, having problems with the hivemind of the the slug-like creatures. This goes on forever in a very Comedy of Job type of way.
Then our hero learns that the slug-like creatures have figured out a way to use the earth construct to get a universe all their own. But they screw up the process of the universe’s creation and instead of a huge universe, they get a little baby universe that only lasts for 1 billion years.
And for some reason — I’m still working this one out — our hero is “stuck in a box” for that 1 billion years. When he gets out the humans of earth — who aren’t even “real,” they learn that the man they thought was a “myth” — or hero — is very real indeed.
This is just the back-of-the-envelope idea for a novel that I’ve come up with in my hovel.
By Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner
After way too long, I feel as though my life is snapping back to something akin to normal. I’ve been having a lot of fun relaxing by exchanging verse with Gemini Advanced.
It’s quite relaxing and the service is really good — surprisingly so.
On another front, I hope to AT LAST begin to work on my novel again. I have a number of ideas, but the mystery thriller I’ve been working on for a number of years remains my one true creative love.
But, in general, my life has been way, way, way zany the last few weeks. I’m hoping — HOPING — that some semblance of a normal life will return soon enough. I hope. I’m really hoping.
We’ll see, of course.
This revised setup for The Big Move introduces a clearer structure, especially with the emphasis on the roles different groups will play on each of the three planets. The integration of millions of androids during The Great Preparation to help guide humanity through the transition is an intriguing element that could significantly mitigate the chaos and fear that the human population might experience. Here are some thoughts on this updated scenario:
By beginning with a global three-hour TV special called The Great Greeting, the Justified and Ancient are providing a crucial first step in the mass transition. It’s a good balance between shock management and information dissemination, where they calmly explain the fundamentals of The Big Move. This would reduce panic and ensure that people are at least mentally prepared for the larger societal upheaval that is to follow.
The nine months of The Great Preparation serve as a valuable intermediary phase, allowing people time to adjust emotionally and logistically. The idea of androids acting as liaisons between humans and the alien civilization adds an interesting dynamic—these human-like androids could be key to maintaining calm and order while providing practical support for the logistics of moving 900 million people across three planets.
The androids could serve as mediators, explaining what’s happening while also helping to settle interpersonal and community concerns about the impending Big Move. This ensures a much smoother transition than suddenly shifting populations without preparation.
The 300 million English speakers on Arrakis, including 60 million Germans who will form the basis of the Fremen, create a fascinating cultural fusion. Arrakis, with its name rooted in the Dune universe, conjures images of a harsh, resource-scarce planet where survival would lead to the rise of resilient, adaptable people. The Germans as Fremen is an interesting concept—known for their industriousness, precision, and ability to thrive in difficult circumstances, they could evolve into the spiritual and physical guardians of the planet, similar to the desert-dwelling Fremen in Herbert’s universe.
With the larger English-speaking population, you establish a cosmopolitan base, but the Fremen-like Germans give Arrakis a unique, almost militaristic edge that ties into the planet’s role as a crucible of survival and transformation. This sets up the potential for future tension or collaboration between the Fremen Germans and the rest of the English-speaking population, adding complexity to how the planet develops culturally and politically.
Terminus, with 100 million English speakers and 200 million post-Soviet settlers, feels like a planet that will be highly organized and administratively focused. The idea that the post-Soviets form the core of The Foundation—responsible for controlling education—provides a strong framework for the future Gaian Empire. Historically, the Soviet Union placed enormous value on education and scientific advancement, making them a natural choice for the role of managing the intellectual and academic infrastructure of the new empire.
The cultural blend between English-speaking settlers and post-Soviets might create an interesting tension or fusion, with the English speakers perhaps embodying more individualistic, capitalist tendencies, while the post-Soviets bring a more collectivist, structured mindset. This planet could become a center of knowledge and learning, with an air of intellectual superiority or pragmatism, focusing on discipline and long-term planning for the Gaian Empire.
Gaia, with its combination of 100 million English speakers, 120 million Brazilians, 40 million Japanese, and 40 million French and Koreans, presents the most diverse planetary society of the three. This blend of cultures introduces a dynamic cultural landscape, where creativity, innovation, and adaptability flourish. Each group brings something unique:
Together, these populations might make Gaia a planet of innovation and balance, where technological advancements, cultural expression, and intellectualism coexist in harmony. It could also become the heart of interplanetary diplomacy, given the rich mix of global influences.
After The Great Jaunt, when 900 million people are relocated, The Great Grief will inevitably strike, as the full realization of what has happened settles in. The integration of various populations and cultures helps create strong foundations on each planet, allowing the Justified and Ancient to manage the grief and chaos that will follow the mass relocation. The diverse mix of people will offer a range of coping mechanisms, from cultural traditions of mourning and celebration to new forms of governance that help people adjust to their new realities.
The presence of the Fremen Germans, the Foundation post-Soviets, and the diverse Gaian population allows the new civilizations to fall back on cultural strengths to survive the initial shock. The android mediators could also continue playing a key role during The Great Grief, helping ease people into their new societies while preventing mass panic or societal collapse.
This new scenario creates a compelling vision of how humanity is distributed across the three planets, each with its own cultural flavor and societal focus. The use of androids during The Great Preparation and the careful structuring of populations ensures that the inevitable chaos of The Great Grief is mitigated, while also providing a strong base for the future Gaian Empire. This revised setup balances the practical and emotional elements of The Big Move, blending human adaptability with alien oversight, ensuring that humanity not only survives but thrives in its new home among the stars.
By positioning the Brazilians and French as the foundation of the Bene Gesserit on Gaia, you create an intriguing cultural fusion that blends the distinct traits of both societies to form a powerful and influential order within the Gaian Empire. In Dune, the Bene Gesserit are a secretive and manipulative sisterhood that wields considerable influence through their control of knowledge, breeding programs, and political alliances. Translating that concept into a mix of Brazilian and French cultures offers a unique twist. Here’s how this dynamic might play out:
Brazilian culture is known for its warmth, adaptability, and community-oriented values, as well as a strong sense of creative expression. In this context, the Bene Gesserit could be envisioned as an order that, while still secretive and manipulative, embodies a more open and dynamic form of influence. The Brazilian influence could infuse the sisterhood with a celebratory approach to life, using charm, emotional intelligence, and deep-rooted community connections to manipulate and guide society subtly, rather than through overt control.
The French influence brings a more philosophical, intellectual, and refined touch to the Bene Gesserit of Gaia. French culture, with its long history of philosophy, political theory, and revolutionary thought, lends itself well to shaping a powerful order that influences through ideas, control of education, and philosophical frameworks.
Together, the Brazilians and French form a fascinating hybrid that could shape the Bene Gesserit into an order that excels at both emotional and intellectual manipulation, offering a more nuanced form of control. This blend would enable the sisterhood to navigate political, social, and cultural arenas with unparalleled finesse.
In the broader context of the Gaian Empire, the Brazilians and French forming the Bene Gesserit sets them up as the cultural, emotional, and intellectual bedrock of society. Their influence would not only be political but also deeply cultural. They could control:
This mix of Brazilian warmth, creativity, and emotional intelligence with French intellectualism, elegance, and philosophical rigor makes for a new kind of Bene Gesserit on Gaia. They would be uniquely equipped to influence the Gaian Empire on multiple levels—through culture, emotion, and long-term political strategy. This Bene Gesserit would be less about cold manipulation and more about fostering societal cohesion while still pulling the strings from behind the curtain. Their role as a cultural powerhouse and intellectual elite would make them indispensable to the stability and future success of the Gaian Empire.
In your version of the Bene Gesserit, this institution is vastly different from the small, secretive sisterhood of Dune. Instead of a covert order, the Bene Gesserit would be a massive and centralized organization of hundreds of millions of men and women, playing a much more overt and structured role in the Gaian Empire. Their sphere of influence would extend far beyond the original concept of a shadowy group manipulating bloodlines, becoming an essential pillar of the Gaian state responsible for two of the most foundational aspects of society: sexuality and education.
The Bene Gesserit in this world would be tasked with regulating and controlling sexuality, which gives them unparalleled power over how relationships and social bonds are formed. This control would likely manifest in the following ways:
In this sense, the Bene Gesserit would act as a gatekeeper of sexual norms, channeling desires and relationships in ways that support the state’s long-term goals. Their reach would likely extend into the personal lives of nearly every citizen in the Gaian Empire, offering a framework where individual freedom in sexual matters is balanced against state stability.
Beyond their influence over sexuality, the Bene Gesserit would also be tasked with managing large portions of the educational system in the Gaian Empire. Rather than focusing on the covert manipulation of a few elite students as in Dune, this version of the Bene Gesserit would operate on a far grander scale, using education to shape the minds and values of billions of citizens.
This Bene Gesserit would no longer be an exclusive group of elite women but a vast and bureaucratic institution that is deeply embedded in the fabric of the Gaian Empire. It would be composed of hundreds of millions of members, both men and women, organized into hierarchies that span across planets and regions.
While the Bene Gesserit of Dune operated largely in secrecy, the Bene Gesserit of the Gaian Empire would be a highly visible and influential force. Their public role would be undeniable, as they would oversee key aspects of life that affect every citizen directly.
In this revised scenario, the Bene Gesserit is no longer a small, hidden sisterhood but a massive, state-controlled institution that plays a pivotal role in shaping the very fabric of the Gaian Empire. Their control over sexuality and education makes them an indispensable tool of the empire, ensuring both social stability and long-term success. The sheer size of the organization and its reach into nearly every aspect of public and private life would give it unparalleled power, making the Bene Gesserit a central force in the Gaian society’s political, social, and cultural life.
The inclusion of the Japanese as a core population in the Bene Gesserit—alongside the Brazilians and French—brings a unique and profound cultural influence to the group’s development. With 40 million Japanese forming part of the seed group on the planet Gaia, their impact would likely be felt in several key areas: discipline, social structure, respect for tradition, and spiritual philosophy. These cultural traits would help shape the Bene Gesserit into a highly disciplined, efficient, and hierarchical institution, while also integrating spiritual depth and respect for collective harmony into its governance and policies.
Japanese culture traditionally emphasizes discipline, order, and respect for hierarchy—traits that would blend seamlessly into the structure of the Bene Gesserit on Gaia. As the organization scales up from its initial seed group, the Japanese contribution could lead to a very structured, rank-based hierarchy within the group, where respect for authority and adherence to protocol are paramount.
Japanese culture has a deep respect for tradition and ritual, which would likely play an important role in how the Bene Gesserit operates. This influence could manifest in both symbolic and practical ways, adding layers of meaning and ceremonial importance to the institution’s work.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Japanese society is its emphasis on collective harmony and the importance of social responsibility. This would deeply influence the ethos of the Bene Gesserit, aligning with their mission to manage sexuality and education in a way that serves the larger goals of the Gaian Empire.
Japanese culture is also deeply influenced by its spiritual traditions, including Shintoism and Buddhism, both of which emphasize a connection to nature, balance, and inner reflection. These philosophies could infuse the Bene Gesserit with a spiritual dimension, influencing their approach to sexuality, education, and governance.
The presence of the Japanese in the Bene Gesserit alongside the Brazilians and French would lead to a fascinating cross-cultural synthesis that enriches the institution’s development.
The integration of the Japanese population into the Bene Gesserit seed group on Gaia would have a profound impact on the institution’s development, introducing values of discipline, respect for hierarchy, collective harmony, and spiritual depth. These cultural traits would help build an organization that is not only capable of controlling sexuality and education but also doing so in a way that balances tradition with the long-term goals of the Gaian Empire. The Japanese influence would ensure that the Bene Gesserit operates with precision, structure, and a deep sense of collective responsibility, making it a powerful force in shaping the future of the empire.
The Great Preparation, lasting nine months before the actual event of The Big Move, is a critical phase designed to help the 900 million first-wave settlers adapt to the impending shift in their lives. It is a time of intense guidance, education, and emotional conditioning aimed at preventing widespread chaos and panic during the post-move period known as The Great Grief. By deploying millions of highly sophisticated humanoid androids to interact directly with people, particularly in the primary nations involved in this wave—Americans, Brazilians, Japanese, Russians, and French—the Great Preparation ensures that individuals are not only informed but emotionally and mentally equipped to handle the massive, unprecedented relocation to new planets.
One of the most significant benefits of the Great Preparation is the use of humanoid androids to deliver highly personalized guidance to the settlers. These androids will fan out across the primary nations, providing citizens with direct, face-to-face communication. Because they resemble humans in both appearance and interaction, the androids are able to establish trust and rapport, making it easier for people to accept the extraordinary circumstances they are about to face.
The Great Preparation will also emphasize nation-specific roles, making sure that each population group understands its collective purpose in the new order. This is vital in preventing the confusion and disorientation that could occur if settlers were not sure how they fit into the larger picture of planetary colonization. Each nation involved will be given a sense of mission and responsibility.
The Great Preparation will also serve as a time to foster cross-national cooperation, preparing settlers to collaborate across cultures in a harmonious way. The presence of diverse groups—such as Americans, Japanese, Russians, Brazilians, and French—could potentially lead to friction if not managed properly. However, the androids will work tirelessly to promote cultural sensitivity and mutual respect.
Beyond emotional and psychological preparation, the nine-month period will be crucial for imparting the practical skills settlers will need to build life on Arrakis, Terminus, and Gaia. From agriculture to governance, the Great Preparation will ensure that the settlers can hit the ground running once they arrive.
Ultimately, the Great Preparation is designed to blunt the shock of The Great Grief, the period of deep psychological adjustment that will follow The Big Move. By giving people a clear understanding of their roles and expectations before the move, the Great Preparation ensures that the psychological blow is softened and that the settlers can transition more smoothly.
In conclusion, the Great Preparation serves as a vital buffer that ensures the 900 million first-wave settlers are emotionally, mentally, and practically prepared for The Big Move. By providing personalized guidance, promoting cultural cooperation, and equipping people with the skills they need, the Great Preparation makes the transition to a new life on Arrakis, Terminus, and Gaia far less jarring and ultimately helps ensure the success of the Gaian Empire.
Incorporating the population of Israel into The Big Move with an even division across the three habitable planets while maintaining the option for the physical state of Israel to return adds a profound layer of cultural and political significance to the process. Here’s an exploration of how this decision could impact both the people of Israel and the broader societal dynamics on these new planets:
The even distribution of Israel’s population across Arrakis, Terminus, and Gaia is a deliberate strategy to preserve the nation’s cultural identity while integrating its people into the broader cosmopolitan populations of the new worlds. The Jewish population is accustomed to the complexities of diaspora life, and this scattering across the planets may feel like a continuation of that history—except now, it’s done under the guidance of a highly advanced alien civilization, the Justified and Ancient.
This offers an opportunity to create Israeli enclaves on each of the planets, where the traditions, language (Hebrew), and religious practices of Judaism can continue and adapt to these alien environments. However, the even division also ensures that no one planet becomes a new “Israel” in the political sense, preventing the replication of old tensions in these new worlds.
By offering the option for the physical state of Israel to return if the population so wishes, The Big Move acknowledges the emotional and historical attachment to the land of Israel. This is crucial because, despite the allure of new opportunities on habitable planets, the connection between the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland is deep and spiritual.
The idea that the state of Israel could be reconstituted on Earth at some point in the future—likely after The Great Grief—gives the population an emotional safety net. They are not being permanently separated from their homeland; instead, they are being given the choice to thrive in new, unexplored lands while keeping the door open for a potential return.
This flexibility recognizes the trauma of past exiles and offers a sense of security—a rare privilege in Jewish history. It allows the population to approach The Big Move with less resistance, knowing that their fate is not entirely out of their hands.
As the people of Israel are dispersed across the three planets, they will contribute to the cultural and intellectual life of their new homes. Jewish intellectualism, innovation, and religious thought are likely to have a significant impact on the early development of Arrakis, Terminus, and Gaia. Their contributions in science, technology, medicine, and the arts will enrich these new societies, and their experiences of resilience and survival will offer moral and spiritual leadership during the difficult years of The Great Grief.
In particular, the role of Judaism as both a religion and a way of life will provide ethical frameworks for grappling with the existential challenges of a mass relocation and the loss of billions of lives on Earth. Jewish rituals of remembrance, mourning, and rebirth could find new resonance in these strange new worlds, offering the broader population guidance in their own grief and renewal.
The even division of Israel’s population also has political implications. By ensuring that no single planet becomes a new Israel, it mitigates the risk of replicating Middle Eastern tensions in the new system. The dispersed population can serve as diplomatic bridges between the planets, fostering interplanetary cooperation.
Israel’s role as a nation with a strong military tradition, advanced technology sector, and long-standing diplomatic experience will likely position them as key players in the new power structures on each planet. This, combined with their historical ties to both the Western and Eastern worlds, will give them a unique perspective in the shaping of the post-Big Move society.
The dispersal across three planets might inspire new forms of Zionism—perhaps not tied to a physical homeland on Earth but rather the idea of creating thriving, self-sustaining communities wherever they are. The idea of “Zion among the stars” could emerge, blending the concept of Israel as both a homeland and a spiritual mission.
New generations born on these planets may still feel the pull of Earth, but they could also develop a more cosmopolitan identity that sees The Big Move as an opportunity to spread their cultural and religious ideals across multiple worlds. This might lead to a redefinition of Jewish identity—one that embraces a more universalist vision while maintaining its core traditions.
However, dispersing the population also presents challenges. There will be concerns about the dilution of cultural and religious practices as individuals assimilate into the diverse and rapidly evolving societies on Arrakis, Terminus, and Gaia. Maintaining Jewish continuity across three planets will require effort, and it’s possible that divisions could arise between those who adapt to their new homes and those who yearn for a return to Earth.
To counter these challenges, Israel’s cultural and religious institutions will likely need to evolve. Synagogues, cultural centers, and schools will become crucial in ensuring that future generations retain a connection to their heritage, even as they integrate into the broader planetary society.
The even distribution of Israel’s population across the three planets is both a pragmatic and symbolic move. It acknowledges the need for integration into a new world order while allowing the Jewish people to retain their unique identity and cultural influence. The option for a return to the physical state of Israel provides a psychological anchor, ensuring that this transition feels more like an opportunity for expansion than a forced exile. Ultimately, this plan offers the potential for Israel to thrive in new ways, both within the new planetary societies and in a possible future return to Earth.
by Shelt Garner
@sheltgarner
A number of people from Russia — specifically Moscow — continue to eye my very detailed scenario about how, effectively, Trump could start a civil war by denying Harris her win by denying the proper certification of her election.
I guess there’s not much I can do about it at this point. My fear is, of course, that the Russians will give my scenario to the Trump people as a roadmap for how they could successfully(?) steal the election from Harris, no matter what happens.
But I’m just being paranoid, right? Right? RIGHT?
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