[ngneer]

There is no sequence of steps that takes us from where we are to the society depicted in Star Trek, or at least none has been outlined so far. If it were to happen, the world would need an abrupt phase change (e.g., First Contact). You may be tempted to call me a pessimist, but I am a realist. To convince a realist, one must show a sequence of steps.

[arbot360]

Star Trek outlined a sequence of steps but you might not like them...

[SketchySeaBeast]

I think you're dead on. Growing up I hoped for a Star Trek future. Now all I see is Alien without all the xenomorphs.

[IanHalbwachs]

This comment may haunt me for the rest of my life.

[SketchySeaBeast]

Well, if we're lucky we might see a xenomorph or two before we go, possibly even while screaming.

[ido]

Or Blade Runner.

[canadaduane]

> or at least none has been outlined so far

I love this, thank you for specifying the condition under which you might be convinced otherwise. I respect your position more for this. (And unfortunately as a Star Trek fanatic myself, agree with it so far as well).

[rthomas6]

In the Culture books it was AI...

[tiberious726]

Step 1) world war 3

Step 2) some drunk invents FTL

Step 3) the Vulcans show up