Notes on Trekonomics

My holiday reading this year has been Manu Saadia's Trekonomics, which is a deeply fun and thought-provoking exploration of the economic philosophy of the Star Trek universe. Here's my review and reading notes for the book.

The book's ultimate motivating premise is that Star Trek not merely as popular entertainment, but as a significant cultural icon carrying a potent utopian theme: the potential for human society to evolve beyond the constraints of capitalism. He argues that engaging with Star Trek's fictional economy—its "dream-work"—is valuable for understanding our own world and the transformations that might be necessary.

This approach resonates strongly with Mark Fisher's concept of capitalist realism—the pervasive sense that capitalism is not merely the dominant economic system but the only conceivable one. Fisher argued that contemporary culture suffers from an inability to imagine coherent alternatives to capitalism, a failure of political and social imagination that Star Trek boldly challenges. By presenting a fully realized post-scarcity society, Star Trek performs the crucial function of breaking through what Fisher called the capitalist realist impasse, offering viewers a rare glimpse of a world organized around principles other than market exchange and profit maximization.

Similarly, Fredric Jameson's Marxist analysis of science fiction (in his book Archaeologies of the Future) also provides a framework for understanding Star Trek's significance. For Jameson, science fiction's value lies not in predicting technological futures but in its capacity to estrange us from our present, making visible the historical contingency of our economic and social arrangements. Star Trek functions as what Jameson would call a "cognitive mapping" of late capitalism's contradictions and limitations, particularly in episodes that contrast Federation values with overtly capitalist species like the Ferengi. The series performs the difficult work that Jameson identified as crucial yet increasingly rare in postmodern culture: representing a genuine alternative to capitalism that is neither nostalgic nor merely dystopian, but constructively utopian in its orientation.

Introduction: Beyond Capitalism

The Introduction lays out Saadia's primary goal: to rigorously explore the economic theory underpinning Star Trek's 24th-century vision, treating its economic imagination as a coherent system worth analyzing. Saadia posits that Star Trek's central economic idea—that advanced automation can liberate humanity from drudgery—is not outlandish but a plausible extrapolation of historical trends, provided we manage the transition equitably and sustainably.

He identifies Star Trek's utopia as a post-capitalist society, distinguishing between the more Heinlein-influenced Original Series (what he calls Star Trek 1.0) and the Asimov-influenced, fully utopian 24th century of The Next Generation and beyond (what he calls Star Trek 2.0), which is the book's main focus. While acknowledging TOS's foundational contributions (altruism, scientific optimism), Saadia frames Star Trek 2.0 within the literary tradition of More's Utopia, noting its unusually optimistic stance on technology compared to much science fiction.

The Introduction highlights that both science fiction and economics grapple with societal change and future possibilities. Star Trek uniquely hints at a future where automation displaces labor and wealth is evenly distributed, though it remains vague on the specific policies. The core shift explored is the psychological and motivational change in a society where the compulsion to work for survival vanishes, replaced by the pursuit of self-actualization and contribution.

Chapter 1: Money Went the Way of the Dinosaurs – Life Without Currency

This chapter tackles the most striking feature of Federation economics: the apparent absence of money. Saadia explores how a complex society might function without a traditional pricing mechanism, arguing that once the fundamental "economic problem" (scarcity of necessities) is solved via technology, money loses much of its purpose.

Key consequences are explored: status is decoupled from wealth, conspicuous consumption disappears, and luxury is redefined around unique experiences, relationships, and artful artifacts. Scarcity doesn't vanish entirely – non-replicable items like dilithium, starships, and unique individuals remain limited. However, even resource extraction like dilithium mining becomes easier with near-zero labor costs. Strategic goods are likely allocated through non-market means like reputation, expertise, or political processes. Importantly, Saadia clarifies that capital (productive assets, tools, knowledge) persists even without money. The Federation's system is presented as a form of utilitarianism where individuals choose how best to allocate their time and talents towards the common good, maximizing their personal fulfillment (utility) in the process.

Chapter 2: Why Is Everyone So Worried About Holograms...? – The Meaning of Work

Chapter 2 delves into the nature of work in a post-scarcity utopia, addressing the seeming paradox that Starfleet officers are incredibly busy despite no economic need to work. Saadia examines how individuals find meaning when machines can perform tasks more efficiently. The Federation promises the freedom to pursue one's true calling, unburdened by economic necessity or tradition.

Using examples like the Voyager episode "Author, Author" (holographic rights) and Sisko's family restaurant (emotional connection to work), the chapter illustrates that work becomes a matter of passion, reputation, and self-selection. In this economy, businesses don't generate profit, and labor costs are nil; success is measured by reputation and quality. Work takes on a deeper meaning, akin to an apprenticeship driven by dedication. This emphasis on genuine achievement makes cheating (like genetic enhancement) a serious offense in the Federation's meritocracy. The chapter also acknowledges the system's imperfections, noting individuals who opt out or engage in clandestine activities (Section 31). Ultimately, value shifts away from utility or scarcity towards affect, sentiment, and the "human touch," even in replicated designs.

Chapter 3: Tea, Earl Grey, Hot – The Replicator Revolution

The replicator takes center stage in Chapter 3 as the technological cornerstone of Star Trek's post-scarcity. Saadia presents it both literally and metaphorically as the endpoint of the Industrial Revolution and the ultimate form of automation (specifically, additive manufacturing/3D printing). Crucially, he emphasizes that the replicator's societal impact hinges on the political decision to make it universally available as a free public good.

Connected to real-world advancements (Boeing, GE using 3D printing), the replicator is depicted as the "last machine," automating the production of necessities and freeing human labor. This triggers a large-scale labor substitution, shifting human effort towards high-skill, creative, knowledge-based work. While replicators need inputs (matter, energy, data/designs), their designation as a public good (nonexcludable, nonrival) in the Federation instantly confers these properties onto the goods they produce. This contrasts sharply with visions like Neal Stephenson's The Diamond Age, where similar technology remains proprietary, underscoring that post-scarcity is a political and social choice, not just a technological one.

Chapter 4: Only a Fool Would Stand in the Way of Progress – Overcoming Limits

This chapter confronts the Malthusian dilemma: how can infinite social wealth coexist with finite natural resources? Saadia argues that Trekonomics doesn't violate economic principles but relies heavily on technological substitution to overcome resource limitations. Referencing The Original Series episode "The Mark of Gideon" and historical debates (Ehrlich's Population Bomb, Club of Rome's Limits to Growth), the chapter tackles the "peak everything" concept.

Using examples like the Haber-Bosch process, Saadia illustrates how technology has historically expanded Earth's carrying capacity. The argument is that, over time, technological innovation tends to substitute scarce resources or make rival goods nonrival. Star Trek's 24th-century abundance is presented not as a sudden revolution but as the logical outcome of centuries of sustained, technology-driven growth fueled by human capital and innovation. It's an amplification of existing positive trends, rather than a complete break from economic reality.

Chapter 5: The Thought That Warp Engines Might Be Causing... – Managing the Commons

Even in a post-scarcity utopia, negative externalities and the management of common resources remain relevant. Chapter 5 explores how the Federation handles these issues, contrasting its approach with less cooperative alien species. Using the Next Generation episode "Force of Nature" (warp drive damaging spacetime) as a case study, Saadia shows the Federation unilaterally choosing restraint, setting an example.

The chapter discusses Garrett Hardin's "Tragedy of the Commons" but leans towards Elinor Ostrom's findings that communities can effectively self-govern common resources, suggesting the Federation embodies this principle on a massive scale. Its governance structure appears adept at identifying and implementing optimal collective actions, possibly facilitated by a culture that trusts experts and treats knowledge itself as a public good fostered through a reputation economy. This contrasts with real-world struggles (like climate change) often hampered by vested interests resisting change.

Chapter 6: That Future, That Space Station... – Intellectual Ancestors of Trekonomics

Chapter 6 provides an intellectual history, tracing the lineage of Star Trek's economic ideas. Saadia notes the rarity of optimistic post-labor themes in sci-fi, positioning Isaac Asimov as a crucial precursor. Trekonomics is framed as a reworking and deepening of Asimov's core concepts (positive view of robots, tackling work replacement, economics as a narrative force in Foundation, knowledge as key).

Star Trek's optimism is contrasted with Frank Herbert's Dunewhich deliberately excludes intelligent machines. Saadia also highlights other potential influences: the Strugatsky brothers' Noon: 22nd Century (an early post-economic spacefaring vision) and Ursula Le Guin's The Dispossessed (emphasizing post-scarcity as an organizational choice). These ideas shaped TNG and DS9's exploration of utopian societies interacting with others. The chapter charts the evolution from TOS (influenced by Heinlein, critiquing the Cold War) to TNG's embrace of utopia, moving beyond Cold War allegories and Roddenberry's initial pragmatic constraints. While deeply indebted to Asimov, Star Trek diverges by retaining work, albeit transformed into a pursuit of passion and craft.

Chapter 7: There Are Still Many Human Emotions... – The Psychology of Abundance

This chapter examines the profound psychological consequences of living in a world of abundance. Saadia suggests that the often-perceived "perfection" or emotional stability of Starfleet characters stems directly from the elimination of poverty and its associated stresses, which are known to impact mental health and cognitive function. The presence of counselors like Deanna Troi underscores this focus on mental well-being enabled by material security.

Social status is based on merit and rank, not wealth. The chapter revisits the Prime Directive, analyzing it as the Federation's core ethical principle for interacting with other cultures. It's presented as a non-interventionist, utilitarian policy designed to prevent cultural contamination and entanglement, born partly from Cold War critiques (Vietnam). The Borg are introduced as a chilling counterpoint – a collective consciousness that achieves a form of post-scarcity stability but eradicates individuality, serving as a mirror to the Federation's model where individual will coexists with collective benefit. Ultimately, prosperity in Star Trek is redefined along Stoic lines: value lies in cultivating the mind and acting justly, not in accumulating material goods.

Chapter 8: The Ferengis, Interstellar Capitalists – The Necessary Foil

The Ferengi receive dedicated focus in Chapter 8, presented as the embodiment of galactic capitalism and a crucial foil to the Federation's utopia. Saadia argues their importance lies in illuminating the Federation's values through contrast, particularly within the context of Deep Space Nine, where the Federation grapples with a more complex, imperfect galaxy.

Quark and his bar serve as a narrative hub, and Quark's character arc demonstrates the potential for change even in a profit-obsessed culture through interaction with Federation ideals. The Ferengi culture, codified by the Rules of Acquisition and belief in the Great Material Continuum, acts as a satirical commentary on contemporary capitalism. Despite their greed, they possess an ethical core (no slavery/conquest). The chapter notes the Federation's ability to handle money when needed (using latinum) and its immense potential financial power due to its vast wealth. While touching on the doux commerce idea (commerce civilizing), the text acknowledges the critique that this ignores historical exploitation. The Ferengi are ultimately positioned as representing "us," and their evolution hints at Star Trek's aspirational goal: to inspire change in its audience.

Chapter 9: I Live in the Hope That You May One Day... – Is Trekonomics Possible?

The concluding chapter addresses the ultimate question: Could Trekonomics become a reality? Saadia connects Star Trek's vision to John Maynard Keynes's prediction of a future where the "economic problem" is solved, leaving humanity to grapple with leisure. Star Trek depicts the completion of this shift, where knowledge work dominates.

Saadia explains that "Tikkun olam" translates to "Heal the world, as we say in Hebrew". This concept is presented as blending effortlessly with the kind of secular Judaism passed on to the author by his parents. The idea is that by living by the precepts of Star Trek, he associates this commitment with actions like learning as much as humanly possible, solving problems for others, fighting injustice wherever and whenever possible, and trying to be a mensch (a Yiddish term for a good person).

Building on Paul Romer's work, knowledge is identified as the nonrival "secret ingredient" driving growth, its spread limited primarily by policy choices, not inherent constraints. The book reaffirms that Star Trek's utopia is presented as a plausible, long-term extrapolation of current scientific and technological progress. The biggest hurdle isn't technology, but distribution and political will. As real-world prosperity grows and "free" digital goods proliferate, we inch closer, but achieving a Star Trek-like future (especially space colonization) requires exponential wealth growth. The core lesson, Saadia suggests, is that "We are the Vulcans"—achieving this future requires adopting more rational, altruistic, and Stoic values, embracing pervasive automation that makes work elective, and fundamentally redefining prosperity around inner cultivation and contribution.