Human history is marked by the increasing complexity of social groups. From small bands of hunter-gatherers to large-scale civilizations, our ability to coordinate has been a key factor in our survival and progress as a species. Bigger groups, on average, have had a better chance of survival, but with that comes the need for increased coordination. As societies become more advanced, the size of social groups tends to increase as well.

However, the future is invisible because the coordination necessary for it does not fit into the tidy categories of extraction and rent-seeking that have become dominant in our economic system. We have grown accustomed to extracting resources and maximizing profits, often at the expense of long-term sustainability and social cohesion. This type of system may not be sustainable in the face of the challenges posed by an increasingly interconnected and complex world.

So what technologies enhance coordination vs extraction and rent-seeking? One possibility is the use of digital platforms and tools that allow for collaboration and decentralized decision-making. In conclusion, the ability to coordinate effectively is a critical factor in our survival and progress as a species. As our social groups become larger and more complex, the need for coordination increases. However, our current economic system, based on extraction and rent-seeking, may not be well-suited to meet the challenges of the future. New technologies, such as digital platforms, AI, and VR/AR, offer promising ways to enhance coordination and facilitate the kind of collaboration necessary for a more sustainable and equitable future.