What truly defines “Quality of Life” (QoL), and why we have titled the SRI IV World Congress on it?QoL is a broad concept, including all of the aspects of the life of us, human inhabitants of the third planet of this Solar System. Traditionally, we define QoL through the essentials—food, shelter, health, and education. These are the pillars of economic and cultural development, and they are non-negotiable. Yet, at Space Renaissance, we believe QoL aims higher. It is the freedom to pursue our highest ideals, to have a beautiful life, to explore spirituality, and to seek a global reduction in suffering. Interestingly, the perception of QoL varies wildly across our globe today. The Western post-industrial societies are often clouded by a lack of confidence and a fading hope for what lies ahead. The Eastern emerging societies, fueled by rapid industrial growth, look toward the horizon with immense anticipation. If we could measure QoL through the lens of hope, these emerging societies might actually outrank the West. Why? Because the belief that one is part of a “great project”—one that glorifies human intelligence and potential—is the ultimate antidote to social suffering.
Whether we progress or regress, fall into crisis or rise in a renaissance, it all depends on the mass-psychological mood of the people. When survival is secured, and economic growth creates opportunities for all, social fear dissolves. And as John Lennon famously sang, when fear fades, we finally “give peace a chance.”
We align ourselves with this progressive spirit, like a modern Promethean manifesto. However, we must be realistic: this hope has an expiration date. Without the launch of civil space development by 2030, the “closed world” will inevitably reach its limits. Eastern hopes will be dashed, and Western lifestyles will suffer a sharp decline.
