Tag: Utopian vision

  • ENERGY

    ENERGY

    What Are Our Real Energy Options — And Could “Free Energy” Actually Work One Day?

    In a world teetering between climate breakdown and technological breakthrough, one question continues to pulse beneath the surface of all discussions: Where will we get our energy in the future? The choices we make now will echo for generations.

    But are we really looking at all the options — even the ones that sound like science fiction? Or are some possibilities quietly dismissed because they don’t fit into the current profit-driven energy paradigm? When innovation threatens to disrupt entrenched economic interests, it’s often labeled as fringe, regardless of its potential. Perhaps it’s not the feasibility of new energy that’s in question — but its profitability.

    Let’s take a clear-eyed look.

    1. The Mainstream Path: Solar, Wind, Hydro, Nuclear — and Fossil Fuels (Still Hanging On)

    These are the dominant energy sources today:

    • Solar and wind are rapidly scaling, becoming cheaper and more efficient. Yet they rely on material-heavy infrastructure and storage solutions to offset intermittency.
    • Hydropower is powerful but geographically limited and ecologically controversial.
    • Nuclear offers high output with low carbon, but faces public resistance, long timelines, and unresolved waste issues.
    • Fossil fuels — oil, coal, and gas — still account for over 75% of global energy use. But they’re rapidly becoming indefensible: they drive climate instability, pollute ecosystems, and rely on extraction models rooted in geopolitical conflict and inequality. While some advocate for “clean coal” or natural gas as transition fuels, the reality is simple: there is no sustainable future with fossil fuels at the core.

    If we are to power a livable, peaceful world, we must move beyond fossil dependence — not just technologically, but psychologically and economically.

    2. Transitional Fixes: Wind, Solar, Hydro, Biofuels, and Geothermal

    Sonoran Solar Energy Project, Maricopa
    Sonoran Solar Energy Project, Maricopa by U.S. Department of Interior is licensed under CC-CC0 1

    Biofuels vary wildly in sustainability; some consume more energy than they yield.

    Geothermal might buy time, but carries unknown risks and ethical dilemmas.

    Hydropower, though technically a mainstream source, still plays a transitional role in many regions, especially where infrastructure is aging or ecologically contested.

    Wind power is one of the fastest-growing energy sources, offering clean electricity at increasingly competitive prices. However, it relies on large-scale infrastructure, faces variability depending on weather, and requires energy storage or grid balancing to ensure stability.

    Solar energy has become dramatically cheaper and more accessible in the last decade. Yet it remains intermittent, dependent on daylight and weather, and requires significant material inputs — especially for panels, batteries, and inverters.

    In short: stopgaps, not final answers.

    3. The Untapped Frontier: Geothermal, Ocean Energy… and Exotic Physics?

    RAVAN CubeSat Measures Earth’s Outgoing Energy
    RAVAN CubeSat Measures Earth’s Outgoing Energy by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is licensed under CC-BY-NC 2.0
    • Deep geothermal could power the planet 24/7 — if we master affordable, safe drilling.
    • Tidal and wave energy are clean and predictable, yet still early-stage. For example, the tidal flows through the Strait of Gibraltar are exceptionally strong, representing a potentially massive source of kinetic energy. Estimates suggest that capturing just a fraction of this natural flow — possibly using underwater turbines or pressure systems — could generate significant amounts of continuous, renewable power for the surrounding region. However, technological, environmental, and political challenges have so far limited development. But in the world described in my book Waking Up the world looks completely different in terms of territorial disputes and politics and may make this easier to accomplish.
    • Space-based solar has prototypes, but enormous logistical hurdles.

    Which brings us to the elephant in the quantum room…

    4. Zero-Point Energy (ZPE) and the “Free Energy” Dream

    For over a century, mavericks have claimed access to systems that defy mainstream physics — overunity devices, vacuum energy extraction, zero-point energy. Critics cry pseudoscience. And yes, the First Law of Thermodynamics still rules: no free lunch.

    But quantum mechanics does recognize a zero-point field — a fluctuating energy present even in a vacuum. This field, often described through quantum fluctuations, is deeply tied to the Planck constant, which sets the scale for these fluctuations at the quantum level. The question is not whether it exists, but whether we can tap into it. If we could, it might unlock entirely new forms of energy, challenging our current understanding of physics.

    So far, rigorous attempts have failed. But what if the block isn’t in the field — but in us? In our tools? In our paradigm?

    And here’s something rarely discussed: the so-called “laws” of thermodynamics are not divine mandates — they’re postulates, much like the axioms of mathematics. Incredibly reliable, yes, but based on assumptions about how closed systems behave. If one day we find phenomena operating outside these frameworks — say, in non-equilibrium quantum systems — then what we call a “law” today might turn out to be a local approximation, not a universal truth.

    Could breakthroughs in quantum science, materials, or AI unlock what once seemed impossible?

    Some say yes. Others scoff. But heresy, after all, is just the future in disguise.

    And maybe the biggest heresy of all is this:

    Everything is energy.

    Modern physics confirms it. What we perceive as solid matter is, at its core, vibrating fields of energy. From electrons to galaxies, from thought to light — all things are fluctuations in one vast energetic ocean. This isn’t just spiritual poetry anymore; it’s quantum fact.

    So when we talk about “free energy,” we’re not invoking fantasy — we’re asking whether our species is ready to understand, harmonize with, and eventually tap into the deeper currents of the universe itself.

    5. What Would We Do With Unlimited Energy?

    Even if we crack the code to unlimited clean energy, then what?

    Will we:

    • Turbocharge extraction, consumption, and inequality?

    Or will we:

    • Use it to heal ecosystems, rebuild communities, and end artificial scarcity?

    Abundance without wisdom is disaster.
    Abundance with consciousness could change everything.

    Conclusion: From Scarcity to Possibility

    In the end, energy isn’t just about watts and gigajoules. It’s about values, imagination, and the world we choose to build.

    Fossil fuels may still dominate the global grid, but they come at a deadly cost. They destabilize the climate, poison air and water, drive mass extinction, and entrench geopolitical power games. Worse, they anchor us to a scarcity mindset — one where energy must be hoarded, sold, and fought over.

    This model is obsolete.

    Yes — solar, wind, and other renewables are enough for now. But true transformation lies not only in cleaner sources, but in rethinking the story of energy: from extraction to regeneration, from control to cooperation.

    And maybe, just maybe, the next century will see breakthroughs we can barely imagine today.

    If “free energy” ever becomes real, the most important shift won’t be technical.

    It will be spiritual — a shift from domination to stewardship, from survival to shared abundance.

    Because when everything is energy — a truth echoed by both modern physics and ancient spiritual traditions — the real revolution begins within. Science tells us that matter is ultimately condensed energy, while mystics have long taught that all is vibration, all is connected. When we begin to see ourselves as part of this universal field, not separate from it, our motivations and priorities can shift profoundly. The true energy transformation is not just external — it’s a shift in how we perceive reality itself.

    If you’re ready to explore how a world of limitless, clean energy could transform not just our technologies, but our very way of life, join the conversation. How can we ensure that this energy shift leads to abundance, not exploitation? What steps can we take today to pave the way for a future of collaboration, regeneration, and shared prosperity? The next chapter of humanity’s energy story is waiting — and it starts with us.

    Subscribe for more insights and order my book Waking Up to explore these ideas in a world where energy and abundance work for everyone.

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  • How to Feed 10 Billion — Sustainably

    How to Feed 10 Billion — Sustainably

    A Post-Scarcity Diet for a Post-Scarcity World

    🌾In my previous article, I showed that we already produce more than enough food to feed every person on this planet — many times over. But today’s food production is not sustainable. Quite the contrary, it is ruining the planet in countless ways.
    So the question is:


    Can we do it sustainably?

    Is it even possible to feed 10 billion people without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, monocultures, and topsoil destruction?

    The short answer? Yes. 

    But not with business as usual.

    Feeding 10 Billion Without Destroying the Earth

    In my previous article, I revealed the staggering fact: humanity already produces the equivalent of 43 kilos of food per person, per day, every year. That’s not a typo — it’s the absurd reality of our current food system.

    So why does hunger still exist? Why is food waste so rampant? And why is our soil dying?

    Because — let’s be honest — the system isn’t broken.


    It’s working exactly as designed.

    This global machine doesn’t exist to feed people.
    It exists to generate profit — for a handful of corporations and investors.
    And in that mission, it’s ruthlessly effective: producing massive surpluses, discarding what can’t be sold, and pumping land and labor for maximum short-term gain.

    In the process, it leaves behind exhausted topsoil, poisoned waterways, collapsing ecosystems — and wastes over 90% of the food it produces, once you account for animal feed, biofuels, processing losses, and throwaway culture.

    So here’s the real question:

    Can we produce enough food for everyone — not just in quantity, but sustainably, ethically, healthy and wisely?

    Because what we’re doing now isn’t just unsustainable — it’s suicidal.

    Industrial Farming: Abundance at Any Cost

    The modern food system is a marvel of scale and logistics — but it comes at a brutal cost:

    • Monoculture farming depletes topsoil faster than nature can regenerate it.
    • Chemical fertilizers and pesticides pollute rivers, kill pollinators, and destroy biodiversity.
    • Factory farming of animals not only raises ethical concerns but uses massive amounts of grain, water, and antibiotics.
    • The entire chain is extremely energy-intensive, with long supply lines and high emissions.

    We’re not just growing food — we’re extracting it like oil.
    And just like fossil fuels, this approach is running out of road.

    Do We Even Need to Grow This Much?

    If over 90% of what we grow isn’t eaten by humans, we have to ask:

    Do we really need to produce this much food at all?

    Much of the excess isn’t food in any meaningful sense — it’s surplus calories for livestock, inputs for processed foods, or filler for fuel tanks.
    And what is intended for direct consumption? A huge chunk is discarded for not being “pretty” enough, lost to the inefficiencies of global distribution, or deliberately destroyed to manipulate market prices and preserve profit margins. Perfectly edible food is routinely thrown away or even burned to maintain artificial scarcity in a system obsessed with supply and demand. And what’s discarded isn’t even composted, it’s simply wasted.

    Hunger, then, isn’t about scarcity — it’s about distribution, profit, and priorities.

    So How Do We Feed Everyone — Sustainably?

    Let’s start by letting go of the lie: that we have to choose between feeding everyone and saving the planet.

    We don’t. That’s a false dilemma — born from an industrial system designed for profit, not nourishment.

    Sustainable abundance is not only possible — it’s already being practiced in countless ways around the world. The key isn’t one magic method. It’s diversity, adaptability, and respect for natural systems.

    Here are just a few of the promising paths forward:

    🌱 Regenerative Agriculture

    This method rebuilds topsoil, stores carbon, increases water retention, and fosters biodiversity — all while producing healthy food.

    Instead of fighting nature with chemicals, regenerative farming works with nature, using techniques like:

    • Cover cropping
    • No-till planting
    • Crop rotation
    • Integrating livestock into healthy cycles

    It’s already proving effective — from smallholder farms in India to large-scale ranches in the U.S.

    🐓 Permaculture

    Permaculture goes further than “organic.” It designs entire systems that mimic nature, turning waste into nourishment and chaos into balance.

    Imagine food forests, edible landscapes, and community gardens where everything has a role — and nothing goes to waste.

    Permaculture shines especially in local, low-energy systems where self-sufficiency and community cooperation are key.

    💧 Hydroponics and Aquaponics

    In urban areas or regions with poor soil — especially while we work to regenerate it — hydroponic (water-based) and aquaponic (fish-integrated) systems offer a revolutionary solution.

    They use 90% less water, can be stacked vertically, and grow food year-round — right where people live. No soil, no pesticides, and zero transport emissions.

    It’s not a fringe idea anymore — cities like Singapore are investing heavily in these methods as part of their food security strategy.

    🖦 Localized and Decentralized Systems

    The more food is grown closer to where it’s eaten, the less waste, energy, and spoilage we face.

    Community-supported agriculture (CSA), farmers’ markets, co-ops, rooftop gardens, and microfarms all contribute to a resilient food web — one that can weather shocks and adapt quickly to change.

    We don’t need global supply chains to ship tomatoes halfway around the globe in January. We need local abundance with global cooperation.

    We Don’t Need to Grow More. We Need to Grow Smarter.

    Together, these methods don’t just promise sustainability — they deliver regeneration. Not only do they avoid harm, they actively repair the damage industrial farming has caused.

    And no — we don’t need 43 kilos per person per day. We need enough — grown with care, intelligence, and integrity.

    This isn’t a utopian fantasy. It’s already being done.
    What we need is the will to scale it, support it, and shift our collective values from extraction to care, from profit to nourishment.

    What About Protein?

    Ah yes—the question everyone asks. In any discussion about food, especially in a future without industrial agriculture or meat factories, protein inevitably comes up. So, let’s tackle it head-on.

    In the sustainable, post-scarcity world envisioned in Waking Up, protein isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity. Freed from the constraints of profit-driven monocultures and factory farming, we gain the freedom to explore protein sources that are ethical, efficient, and incredibly abundant.

    Plant-Based Proteins: The Source of It All

    Let’s start with a simple truth: all protein originates from plants. Plants produce amino acids—the building blocks of protein—directly from sunlight, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and minerals. When animals eat plants, they build those amino acids into muscle. Then, when humans eat the animal, we break those proteins down back into amino acids—only to rebuild them again for our own bodies.

    It’s a long, inefficient detour.

    So why not go straight to the source?

    Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and peas are protein powerhouses, rich in essential nutrients and even capable of enriching the soil they grow in. Soybeans, quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat offer complete protein profiles without the environmental baggage. In a post-scarcity society, it’s not about sacrifice—it’s about efficiency and clarity.

    Algae and Microbial Marvels

    Algae like spirulina and chlorella can yield more protein per square meter than almost any traditional crop, while requiring very little water. And cutting-edge solutions like Solein—a microbial protein made from air, water, and renewable electricity—are already scaling up to feed the world using almost no land at all.

    Mushrooms and Mycoprotein

    Mycoprotein, derived from fungi, is already being served in millions of meals worldwide. It’s high in protein, low in impact, and surprisingly satisfying. Mushrooms, too, provide valuable protein and grow on organic waste in shaded areas—making them perfect for small-scale local food loops.

    Aquaponics and Ethical Aquaculture

    Where people still desire fish, aquaponic systems offer a closed-loop solution that produces both fish and vegetables in symbiosis. It’s sustainable, clean, and scalable. But even here, the fish still get their nutrients from plants.

    Insects?

    Insect protein is incredibly efficient and nutritious—though cultural resistance remains. Still, it’s an option on the menu for those who are ready for it.

    In short: Protein is not scarce—it’s simply misunderstood. Once we understand where it really comes from, the entire idea of needing animals to get it starts to crumble. In a world designed around balance, health, and cooperation, our protein future looks not only bright—but abundantly green.

    What about meat?

    In a society truly free from manipulation — no advertising, no industry pressure, no cultural guilt or reward systems — the question of eating meat becomes something else entirely.

    What do people choose when they are guided not by profit or propaganda, but by clarity, empathy, and awareness?

    Surprisingly, we already have glimpses. When people are exposed to the realities of animal farming — the suffering, the inefficiency, the ecological cost — many reduce or eliminate meat. When given a chance to try a plant-based diet in an open, supportive way, a large number feel better and don’t go back.

    In the world of Waking Up, where nutrition is understood, compassion is honored, and environmental awareness is second nature, food choices shift naturally. Meat becomes less of a staple, and more of a conscious option — perhaps enjoyed occasionally, perhaps not at all.

    Some may still desire the taste or tradition of meat. That’s where cultured meat or regeneratively raised animals can provide an ethical alternative. But the need? The daily dependence? That fades.

    Because when we’re no longer trapped in the machinery of marketing and habit, our natural intelligence rises. And with it, many of us may discover: We never really needed meat to begin with.

    A New Story of Food

    What if food wasn’t a battleground between scarcity and greed — but a symbol of a world made whole?

    What if growing what we need didn’t come at the cost of future generations — but actually helped them, by rebuilding topsoil and restoring ecosystems?

    These questions aren’t just speculative.
    They’re at the heart of the world I imagine in my novel Waking Up — a future where food is abundant, accessible, and grown with care for the planet and all its inhabitants.

    But we don’t need to wait a century.

    The seeds of that world are already being planted.

    If you want to get a vision of this future world right now my book is available for only $4,99:

    ORDER HERE

  • We Already Have (more than) Enough

    We Already Have (more than) Enough

    The Myth of Scarcity and the Truth of Global Abundance

    I asked ChatGPT a simple question:

    “What if all the world’s resources were distributed equally to every human — how much would each person get?”

    The answer stunned me. Shocked me. 


    Because it wasn’t based on utopian fantasy or futuristic technology. It was based on what humanity is already using today.

    In 2024, we consumed about 106 billion tonnes of natural resources — metals, minerals, fossil fuels, food, timber, plastics, and construction materials.

    If we shared that equally among 10 billion people — the projected global population in the world described in my book Waking Up — every person would receive:

    10.6 tonnes of resources per year


    That’s 10,600 kilograms per person, every single year.

    Let’s turn that into real, tangible things.

    🏠 What a Family of Four Could Receive Every Year

    Let’s imagine these 10.6 tonnes of resources were shared among a typical family of four. What would they be able to build, eat, power, and own — every single year — if we simply distributed the world’s existing consumption fairly?

    🏡 Housing

    • Each person receives enough material to build a small home every 10 years
    • So a family of four could build one full home every 2.5 years
    • That’s the equivalent of a modern 80–100 square meter (860–1,075 sq ft) home — with solid structure, insulation, plumbing, windows, and roof.
    • In other words: each year, they could build 40% of a full, comfortable family house.

    Housing insecurity would vanish — not through charity, but through simple logic and fairness.

    🛣️ Roads

    • Each person gets enough for 5 meters of paved road per year
    • So a family of four could build 20 meters of road annually.
    • In just five years, that’s 100 meters of road — enough for a private driveway, bike lane, or access road to connect with others.

    🍽️ Food for All — and Then Some

    A family of four would receive over 16,000 kg of food per year — that’s more than 43 kg per day.

    That’s more than enough to:

    • Feed four people abundantly every single day. And some animals.
    • Eliminate hunger in every household
    • Still have surplus — even accounting for spoilage and waste.

    On a planet this productive, the fact that people still starve should be unthinkable. And yet, here we are.

    ⚡ Powering a Comfortable Life

    Each family would receive enough energy resources annually to:

    • Drive several thousand kilometers
    • Power lighting, refrigeration, cooking, heating, cooling, and digital devices.
    • Run all essential appliances without strain.

    No one needs to live in darkness.
    No one needs to burn firewood to boil water or freeze in winter — unless our system forces them to.

    📱 Consumer Goods in Stunning Abundance

    With current global output, each family of four would receive over 4 tonnes of consumer goods every year — that’s the weight of a large SUV, made up of electronics, clothing, furniture, and household appliances.

    Just for perspective, every year a family could get one of the following:

    • ~14,000 smartphones
    • ~1,700 laptops
    • ~60 refrigerators
    • ~2,800 pairs of jeans
    • ~84 dishwashers
    • ~400 TVs
    • ~24 motorcycles
    • ~3 cars
    • ~2 small boats


    I know, this seems insane and unbelievable. But these are numbers chatGPT has produced based on hard factual stats found online. 

    Obviously, no one needs this much.


    That’s the point.

    🤯 We’re Not Running Out — We’re Overflowing

    If every person on Earth received an equal share of what we currently extract and produce, we’d all be living in high abundance, comfort, security, and dignity.

    This isn’t some green fantasy. It’s already happening — we just aren’t doing it fairly.

    And here’s the kicker:


    This is based on our current, wasteful, inefficient, throwaway system.

    Everything truly needed — and much of what we desire — could be freely available to all.
    Not in the future. Not after some miracle. But now.
    The Earth already gives us more than enough.

    The only reason we don’t see it is because we’re living under the wrong system.

    Capitalism isn’t malfunctioning — it’s functioning exactly as designed:
    to make the rich richer by extracting value from the rest.

    If we simply shared fairly, designed wisely, and prioritized human need over profit,
    there would be no scarcity — only abundance, dignity, and freedom.

    And perhaps the most astonishing part of all this?

    🌱The Planet Is Still Here — And That’s Miraculous

    Despite our extreme overconsumption — 106 billion tonnes of resources extracted every year — the Earth is still here.
    We are still here.
    Forests still stand. For now.
    Animals and insects still survive. For now.

    The oceans are here still.
    Many wild ecosystems continue to breathe, against all odds.

    It’s a testament to the planet’s resilience… and a source of real hope.

    But it must not become a resting pillow.

    This level of extraction is not sustainable. Not because humanity needs all of it — but because the monetary system demands it.

    We don’t consume because we lack.
    We consume because the system profits from turnover, waste, and artificial growth.

    We mine, cut, burn, and discard — not to meet human needs, but to feed the engine of profit.

    So let this simple truth echo loud:

    The world has more than enough. But the economy doesn’t let us act like it.

    And that is why we need a new way forward — one rooted in purpose, fairness, and intelligent design.

    That’s the world I imagine in Waking Up.


    That’s the conversation this book hopes to begin.

    If you are curious about what this future might look like then you can find out in the book that is available now:

    ORDER THE BOOK

  • The Deep-Sea Mining Dilemma:

    The Deep-Sea Mining Dilemma:

    Ego-driven resource competition without global Consensus

    In recent years, one nation has moved forward with plans to mine the international deep sea for critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, and manganese—materials essential for current technologies like smartphones and electric vehicles. This initiative, made without a global agreement, reflects a troubling aspect of today’s world: ego-driven decision-making in resource management. The focus is on exploiting resources for national short-term gains, ignoring long-term ecological consequences and disregarding the interests of other nations.

    This lack of international cooperation on the mining of the ocean floor is merely one example of a larger, ego-driven praxis that spans the globe. Resource competition has led to wars, environmental destruction, and pollution, with the consequences felt across ecosystems and communities. Whether it’s the extraction of fossil fuels, the deforestation of rainforests, or the mining of precious metals, the current system is driven by competition and a desire for power, profit, and control over resources. The health of the planet and the well-being of future generations are too often sidelined in favor of short-term, ego-driven interests.

    A New Vision: The Resource-Based Economy of the Future

    In stark contrast to today’s ego-driven resource competition, the bookWaking Up presents a radically different vision—one that centers on a resource-based economy. In this new world, resources are not exploited for profit or power but are carefully managed based on the Earth’s carrying capacity and humanity’s true needs, rather than the desires of a few driven by greed.

    A resource-based economy seeks to ensure that resources are used equitably and sustainably, with decisions about resource management made through global cooperation, not unilateral action. In this vision, the focus would be on sharing and regenerating resources, not extracting them without foresight. The principles proposed by the Venus Project align closely with this vision, advocating for a world where human needs are met sustainably and equitably, with resources managed to preserve ecological balance and long-term well-being for all.

    Meeting Our Need, Not Our Greed: A Shift in Focus

    Today, much of the global competition for resources is driven by an insatiable desire for more: more consumer goods, more wealth, more power. This desire for endless consumption has led to the destruction of ecosystems, the pollution of air, water, and soil, and even wars fought over access to precious resources. The insidious effects of this ego-driven mindset are evident in the way resources are extracted, ecosystems are degraded, and Life is often disregarded in favor of economic growth.

    In a resource-based economy, however, the emphasis shifts from excess to sufficiency. Resources would be used to meet humanity’s essential needs—food, water, shelter, healthcare, and education—while respecting the Earth’s ecological limits. Deep-sea mining and other extractive practices would only be pursued if absolutely necessary, and with a focus on minimizing harm to the environment. Instead of competing for limited resources, the new world would focus on sustainability, collaboration, and living within the Earth’s carrying capacity.

    Ecological Stewardship and Global Cooperation: A New Way of Thinking

    The consequences of the ego-driven mindset are not limited to resource extraction—they extend to the way nations interact with each other and the planet. Ego-driven decisions have led to endless conflicts over resources, contributing to war, displacement, and widespread human suffering. Meanwhile, ecosystems continue to be decimated, and pollution continues to poison the planet.

    In contrast, a resource-based economy would prioritize ecological stewardship and global cooperation. Rather than engaging in competitive resource extraction and territorial disputes, nations and communities would work together to ensure the sustainable management of resources. The focus would shift from selfish national interests to the collective well-being of the global community. This vision promotes global agreements, long-term ecological health, and shared responsibility in managing Earth’s resources.

    The Path to Abundance for all: Living Within the Earth’s Carrying Capacity

    The ultimate goal of a resource-based economy in the world of Waking Up is to create abundance—not by over-consuming or exploiting resources, but by living within the Earth’s carrying capacity. In today’s world, greed and competition drive the depletion of resources, the destruction of ecosystems, and the pollution of the planet. But in a future grounded in sustainability, the abundance of resources would be achieved through responsible management, conservation, and regeneration.

    By focusing on meeting humanity’s actual needs—rather than the ego-driven pursuit of power and profit—society can create a future where resources are shared, ecosystems are restored, and the planet thrives. Deep-sea mining, war over resources, and the unchecked pollution of the Earth would be relics of the past, replaced by a system that prioritizes cooperation, ecological balance, and the well-being of all living beings.

    A Glimpse Into the New World: Benjamin Michaels’ Awakening

    The shift to this new world is powerfully illustrated through the protagonist of  Waking Up; Benjamin Michaels. When Benjamin first experiences the global moneyless resource-based economy, he is shocked by the contrast to the world he knew. Being a billionaire raised in a society driven by competition, scarcity, and personal gain, he is astounded by the radical shift towards collaboration, sustainability, and abundance. His journey of awakening reveals the profound transformation that takes place when humanity moves from ego-driven practices to a society based on cooperation and the responsible stewardship of resources.

    What happens next, and how Benjamin’s understanding of the world evolves, is a key part of the story, and the answers are waiting for you in Waking Up. The book is now available for purchase, offering a deeper dive into this inspiring vision of a post-scarcity future, where humanity learns to live in harmony with the planet. You can order the book here:

    ORDER THE BOOK
  • Good life or good conscience..? 

    Good life or good conscience..? 

    Can We Have Good Lives with Good Conscience — while living on the Backs of Others?

    In the Western world, many of us enjoy comfort, convenience, and security. And high material wealth. We call it a “good life.” But a quiet question haunts the edges of our comfort: Can we truly live good lives with good conscience — if our way of life depends on the suffering, exploitation, or suppression of others?

    It’s a question that won’t go away. And maybe it shouldn’t.

    The Invisible Cost of Comfort

    Our smartphones are assembled by hands that may never afford one. Our clothes are stitched in factories where the workday never ends. Our food, fuel, and furniture travel thousands of miles — often leaving behind exhausted laborers, polluted rivers, and deforested land.

    And still, we tell ourselves we’ve earned this life. We work hard. We pay taxes. We follow the rules. But the system we participate in has rules written long ago — rules that allow the few to live richly at the expense of the many.

    To ignore this is to numb ourselves. To face it is to risk everything — especially our illusion of innocence.

    What Is a Good Life, Really?

    Perhaps the core issue lies in how we define “a good life.” Is it abundance for ourselves alone? Or does it include justice, equity, and peace for all?

    If our comfort is built on another’s oppression — can that really be called good?

    We’ve inherited a system, not chosen it. But the moment we become aware of its costs, we are called to choose. To examine. To shift. A good conscience doesn’t demand we become saints overnight — but it does ask that we stop pretending.

    Conscience in the Global Age

    In a globally connected world, we can no longer claim not to know. Our good conscience cannot be local. It must stretch across oceans, borders, and sweatshop walls. It must include the child mining cobalt. The woman sewing for pennies. The farmer pushed off his land to grow coffee we sip without thinking.

    We are not being asked to feel guilty. We are being asked to feel responsible. Guilt paralyzes. Responsibility awakens.

    Toward a New Good Life

    What if the good life was not about having more, but about needing less? What if abundance meant not ownership, but access? Not luxury, but dignity — for all?

    We need new systems — but also new stories. Stories where wealth isn’t defined by accumulation, but by connection. Where success isn’t measured by GDP, but by GROJ — Gratitude, Love, and Joy. Where we stop living on the backs of others, and start walking with them.

    We may not be able to undo the past. But we can write a different future. And that future begins with one question:

    Can I live in a way that uplifts others, not just myself?

    When the answer becomes yes — then we’ll know what a good life with a good conscience really feels like.

    If you’ve ever wondered what that kind of world could look like — one where no one has to lose for others to win — this book is an invitation to imagine, to hope, and to help build it.

    Because a better world doesn’t begin with technology or politics.

    It begins with the courage to ask a new question.

    ORDER THE BOOK
  • A Heartfelt Thank You – And What’s Next

    A Heartfelt Thank You – And What’s Next

    Today I just want to take a moment to say thank you — to each and every one of you who has preordered Waking Up, shared the link, talked about it with friends, or simply followed this journey. Your support has meant more than I can say.

    As of today, the preorder phase is over as Waking Up was officially launched yesterday. The ebook is now available at its normal price of $4.99 — a price I plan to keep stable. I don’t want the price to go up and down like in some campaigns. My hope is to keep it affordable, so as many people as possible can access the story and its message.

    Also, the ebook will shortly be available on more than just Amazon! If you prefer Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, or another platform, you can now find Waking Up there too. The book is now also available as paperback on Amazon. (You can use this link to find your preferred store:

    GET YOUR COPY

    Whether you just discovered this project or have been following along for years, thank you for being part of this vision. The world of Waking Up is only just beginning — and I’m grateful to share it with you.

    And just briefly — why did I write this book?

    I wrote it as a test.

    A quiet invitation.

    A question to humanity:

    Are we ready for something new?

    If we truly are, I believe it will be reflected in how many discover this book in the months and years to come. And maybe, just maybe, that discovery will spark something deeper.

    Thank you for being here.

    For reading. For caring.

    For imagining a better world with me.

    — H

    GET YOUR COPY

  • Waking Up Is Live — The Vision I’ve Carried Since Childhood

    Waking Up Is Live — The Vision I’ve Carried Since Childhood

    Launch Day: $0.99 today only. Tomorrow it’s $4.99.

    This isn’t just the launch of a book.
    It’s the sharing of a vision that’s been growing in me since I was a child.

    Ever since I was young, I felt something was off. The world didn’t feel right — not because of one specific injustice, but because something deeper was missing. I didn’t have the words for it then, but I sensed it: a disconnection. A deep forgetting of who we are and what life could be.

    Even in the sci-fi stories I loved, the future was almost always dark — dominated by machines, greed, control, or survival. But I dreamed of something different. I longed for a future that was beautiful — not naive, but healed. A future where we had awakened from the madness. Where humanity had finally grown up.

    That’s the seed behind Waking Up.

    The story first took shape as a film script in 2011 after I had met The Venus Project the year before. but really, the story has been with me all along. But then, in 2015, everything changed. A massive stroke stopped me in my tracks. My body broke down. My life was split in two.

    But that’s when something deeper also broke through.

    What followed was my own journey of awakening — of humility, healing, surrender, and rediscovery. I poured that into the story. The protagonist, Benjamin Michaels, wakes up 100 years in the future in a world beyond money, war, and fear — but he doesn’t wake up completely whole. He carries some brain trauma, emotional instability, confusion. I gave him those traits because I knew them. I had lived them.

    This book is fiction — but it’s also a mirror. A memory of what we once dreamed. A reminder of what we still can become.

    👉 Waking Up is live now — and just $0.99 for today only.


    Tomorrow, the price returns to $4.99.

    And no — there’s no excerpt this time.
    If you want to keep reading, you’ll need to take the leap. 

    Preorder period is over, you will receive the e-book today.

    From the depths of my heart, thank you.


    Let the awakening begin.

    👉 Get the book here 👈

    — H

  •  Countdown to launch:  Day 7 –  1 day left to launch

     Countdown to launch:  Day 7 –  1 day left to launch

    Only one day left! 🚀 This is your last chance to preorder Waking Up before the official launch tomorrow!

    Preordering today not only guarantees you the special launch price — it also helps boost the book’s visibility when it goes live. Every early order makes a real difference! 🙏✨

    ORDER HERE


    To celebrate how close we are, I’m sharing a powerful moment from Chapter 7. Greenhouse, where Benjamin Michaels faces the breathtaking transformation of a world he no longer recognizes… and begins to wonder if he still has a place in it.
    Here’s today’s excerpt:

    7.  Greenhouse

    Benjamin Michaels staggered into what he once knew as his office—a place where deals had been struck, fortunes amassed, and empires expanded. Now, his sanctuary of power and influence had been transformed beyond recognition.

    The smell hit him first. Damp earth, the faint sweetness of blooming flowers, and a sharp tang of citrus filled the air. The sterile, corporate atmosphere he had once cultivated was gone, replaced by something warm, organic, and… alive. He looked up, and sunlight filtered through glass panes high above, bathing everything in a soft, golden hue.

    Rows of lush greenery surrounded him. Papaya trees stretched toward the ceiling, their vibrant fruits hanging like ornaments. Vines crawled along the walls, their tendrils weaving intricate patterns. Brightly colored flowers he couldn’t name formed splashes of red, yellow, and violet amidst the green. Water trickled softly somewhere, its sound blending with the rustling of leaves. 

    Ben stood frozen, his heart pounding in disbelief. His old desk—the mahogany monstrosity that had once been the centerpiece of the room—was gone. In its place stood a simple table made of polished bamboo, its surface adorned with a cluster of small potted plants and a little box projecting some kind of holographic data feed. 

    He stumbled forward, brushing against a vine. “What the hell is this?” he muttered, his voice hoarse. 

    A voice answered from behind him. “It’s a community greenhouse now.”

    Ben spun around. A man in his late forties stood there, his face weathered but kind, dressed in a loose shirt and pants that looked as if they’d been designed for practicality over fashion. He carried a small watering can in one hand and a pair of gardening shears in the other. 

    “Who are you?” Ben asked, his tone sharper than he intended.

    “Daniel,” the man replied, setting down the watering can. “I’m part of the team that maintains this place. It’s a community effort.”

    “A community effort?” Ben repeated, his voice filled with disbelief. He turned back to the plants, his gaze falling on a papaya tree. “This was my office,” he said, his voice trembling. “And my daughter’s inheritance…”

    Daniel was quiet for a moment, then spoke gently.

    “It still is, in a way. Just… not the way you imagined.”

    He gestured around them, to the trees, the vines, the soft trickle of water.

    “She inherits this too. All of us do. The whole planet. It’s not about property anymore. It’s about shared stewardship. No one owns it — we belong to it. To the planet.”

    We’ve read about you. Benjamin Michaels, right?”

    Ben nodded numbly. 

    “You’re part of history,” Daniel continued. “What you built… it helped pave the way for the systems we have now. The world changed. It had to. The way things were… it wasn’t sustainable.”

    “So you tore it all down?” Ben snapped, gesturing wildly at the greenery. “Turned it into this… this jungle?”

    Daniel’s expression didn’t waver. “We didn’t tear it down. We grew something new. Something sustainable. Everyone here shares in the work, and the harvest. It’s a place of abundance and sharing, not competition and hoarding.”

    Ben felt a lump rise in his throat. His legs wobbled, and he sank into a nearby bench—a simple, sturdy thing made of reclaimed wood. He buried his face in his hands, trying to steady his breathing. 

    The memories came flooding back: the deals closed in this very room, the laughter of his team as they celebrated their successes, the nights he’d spent alone, plotting his next move. And now… now it was all gone. 

    “I don’t belong here,” he whispered devastated, more to himself than to Daniel. 

    Daniel didn’t sit down but stood nearby, giving Ben space but staying close enough to be a quiet presence. “It must be hard,” he said gently. “Waking up in a world that feels so different. But you’re here now. Maybe that means you have a part to play in it. Here, have some papaya, they’re just ripe” he said, handing Ben a plate with orange papaya cubes and a fork.

    Ben looked up at him, his eyes glistening. He wanted to argue, to tell Daniel he was wrong. But deep down, he knew the man was right. He was here. For better or worse, this was the world he had woken up to. And as much as it terrified him, a part of him couldn’t help but wonder what his place in it might be. The papaya tasted good, hungry as he was.

    For now, though, the only thing he could do was sit and eat papaya, try to breathe, and wonder… What had the rest of the world come to..?

    History is made by those who dare to dream. Preorder Waking Up today — tomorrow, a new world awakens. 🚀🌍

    MAKE HISTORY HERE

  •  LAUNCH COUNDOWN: Day 6 – Just Two Days Left to launch

     LAUNCH COUNDOWN: Day 6 – Just Two Days Left to launch

    A Glimpse of New York… 100 Years later...

    Yesterday, on day 5, I shared the first 10 pages of the first chapter set in the future; chapter 5. Panic — Ben waking up and panicking  in a world transformed.

    Today, I want to take you a little further with chapter 6. New York,
    Into what was once the heart of Ben’s world.
    But now into a city that has… evolved.

    This is just a glimpse of what’s coming.
    In just 2 days, the full story is yours if you preorder it now for just $0,99:

    PREORDER HERE

    Transitioning from the last paragraph of chapter 5:

    The capsule began to slow, a soft hum filling the air as it approached the Velocity Terminal in New York City. Ben leaned forward, his heart pounding with a mix of hope and trepidation. What would he find in the city that had once been his home?


    ———

    Here are the first 3 pages of chapter 6. Enjoy.


    6. New York

    Benjamin stepped out into a world unrecognizable. Towering green walls dripped with vines, and sunlight filtered through vast canopies of trees that lined the streets. The air smelled fresh, like after a summer rain, and the low hum of activity came not from honking cars or thundering motorcycles but from people laughing, talking, and working together in the open spaces.

    Everything was immaculate yet alive. Areas of neatly tended grass stretched between the buildings with clusters of trees and vibrant shrubs, while wildflowers peeked through in charming, untamed bursts. Some of the old buildings still stood, preserved as relics of the past, but the spaces between them had been reimagined as lush forests. Cozy, meandering pathways wound through the greenery, dotted with people walking, biking, and pausing on benches to enjoy the serene atmosphere. The fumes Ben was used to from New York was gone, replaced by fresh forest air.

    As Ben stepped onto a meandering path, the city unfolded before him like a living, breathing canvas of color and motion. The people were as varied as the wildflowers and trees lining the pathways, each an expression of individuality unbound by convention. A man strolled past wearing a deep green jacket with intricate leaf-like patterns embroidered into the fabric, his boots softly crunching against the gravel. Nearby, a woman walked with confidence in a dress that refracted light into faint rainbows, the effect subtle and mesmerizing as the sunlight caught its edges.

    A child skipped ahead, dressed in what looked like a patchwork of vibrant, hand-painted fabrics, each square a tiny story. Her hair was adorned with glowing beads that pulsed softly in rhythm with her steps. Two others followed her, one in a sleek jumpsuit of smooth, matte material that hugged their form, the other in a loose tunic and trousers, dyed in shades of blue that seemed to mirror the sky above.

    Ben’s attention was drawn to a young woman weaving gracefully through the crowd. Her movements combined the elegance of ballet with the fluid power of gymnastics, as though the pathway was her stage. She leapt and turned with effortless precision, her long, flowing garment trailing behind her like a whisper of wind. The fabric shimmered faintly, catching the light in fleeting moments but remaining understated. Those she passed paused to watch, their smiles warm and appreciative of the spontaneous performance.

    Above them, a young man on a floating platform sailed gently over the crowd, his outfit a simple blend of earthy tones that harmonized with the greenery below. He waved at those on the path, his expression serene, as the platform adjusted its height to navigate the curves and archways of the park-like setting.

    Everywhere Ben looked, the city thrummed with life and creativity. No one hurried, yet the streets were alive with energy—conversations, laughter, song, and the occasional melody from a handcrafted instrument carried on the breeze. It was unlike anything he’d ever seen: a world not just alive but flourishing, every person a brushstroke in a masterpiece of humanity.

    Above the grass-covered streets, sleek golden, egg-shaped Anti-Gravity Vehicles (AGVs) glided soundlessly, their motion so smooth it was almost hypnotic. They emitted no noise, no pollution—just an elegant, purposeful presence that complemented the diverse scene below. Humanoid robots moved among the gardens, pruning bushes and tending to flowers, but they weren’t alone. Humans worked alongside them, their interactions harmonious and unhurried.

    It was like stepping into a vision of paradise. 

    But to Ben, the sight brought a different sensation—something cold brushing against the edge of his thoughts.

    The robots were elegant, sure, moving with a strange fluidity, even grace. Their gestures mimicked human care as they trimmed leaves or handed tools to gardeners. One even knelt to tie a child’s sandal before continuing on its way.

    But rather than feeling inspired, Ben felt something twist inside him.

    “They’re doing the work,” he thought. “All of it.”

    He scanned the area again. No one seemed in charge. There were no supervisors, no bosses, no payroll, no urgency. The people nearby were smiling, exchanging ideas, experimenting with new plants, sketching designs on invisible screens in the air, but the labor—the maintenance, the heavy lifting, the tedious bits—seemed to fall on the machines.

    In his world, work had meant survival. Money meant security. And jobs—however soul-sucking—had given structure, purpose, identity.

    “If the robots are doing everything,” he wondered, “then what do people do? What am I supposed to do?”

    He looked down at his own hands, suddenly hyper-aware of their stillness. For the first time since waking up, he didn’t just feel out of place—he felt obsolete.

    Ben’s feet carried him forward, almost without thought, as he took it all in. His awe was tinged with disbelief and confusion, his mind struggling to reconcile this idyllic city with the chaotic New York he remembered. Then, through the haze of wonder, his eyes locked onto a familiar landmark: the Freedom Tower.

    ———

    Do you like this and are curious for more..?
    In just 2 days, the full story is yours if you preorder it now.

    👉 Preorder Waking Up for only $0.99 before the launch on May 2:

    PREORDER HERE

  • Day 5 — 3 Days Left until Launch

    Day 5 — 3 Days Left until Launch

    Today, I want to share the first ten pages of Chapter 5: “Panic.”

    This is the moment where the future really begins.

    Until now, we’ve followed Benjamin Michaels in a world that feels uncomfortably close to our own — a man of wealth, power, and terminal illness, making one last bet on a future he may never see.

    Then… he wakes up.

    And nothing makes sense.

    This is the first chapter set in the future. It’s long. It’s raw. It’s where everything he thought was real begins to unravel — and where his real journey begins. Not just across time, but inward. Because waking up isn’t just about cryogenics. It’s about transformation.

    Thank you for following me on this countdown. If you’ve preordered already — truly, thank you. And if not, the book is still just $0.99 until launch day.


    👉

    GET YOUR COPY

    Now, here is:

    Chapter 5: Panic

    (excerpt begins below)

    5. Panic

    A faint, rhythmic beeping pierced the black void. Muffled voices murmured nearby, pulling Benjamin Michaels from the abyss of unconsciousness. Slowly, the darkness began to crack, light bleeding through in soft, overexposed patches.

    “All systems are working now,” Dr. Alvarez said, her voice firm and clinical. Her long black hair framed a face both striking and calm, her faint Spanish accent giving her words a soothing cadence.  

    “Okay,” Dr. Carter responded, his youthful enthusiasm barely concealed under his professional demeanor. This one male. Tinged with curiosity, “Let’s see if there’s any consciousness in there.”  

    Ben’s mind floated somewhere between awareness and confusion. He tried to anchor himself, but the words drifting through the haze made no sense.  

    “Not too much cell damage, at least on this one,” Dr. Alvarez continued.  

    “Yes, he’s from 2015. They’d come quite far with the vitrification process by then. These people actually have a chance. Only thirty years earlier, and they’re… mishmash.” Dr. Carter added.

    Mishmash? Ben’s groggy mind grasped at the term, but it slipped through his mental fingers like smoke.  

    The man’s voice took on a note of excitement. “Pretty incredible, this project. I’m glad there was a consensus on waking up the stiffs. I mean, we’re waking up people from a century ago! Imagine the mindset differences. He’s in for quite the surprise.”  

    “Let’s hope he can integrate easily,” Dr. Alvarez replied. “You’re new here, aren’t you? This is my hundredth wake-up.”  

    Her tone softened, and Ben felt the weight of her words pressing against the fog in his brain.  

    “He could come around any time now.”  

    The light grew sharper, shapes beginning to form. A blurred ceiling loomed overhead, sterile and sleek, punctuated by the hum of advanced medical equipment. Two figures hovered in his periphery, their faces indistinct.  

    “I think the time is now,” Dr. Carter said. “His eyes are open.”  

    Ben blinked, the blurry shapes sharpening into the faces of a man and a woman dressed in futuristic white coats. 

    A third figure, a nurse, stood off to the side, observing silently.  

    “Mr. Michaels?” Dr. Carter asked.  

    Ben struggled to form words. His throat felt dry, his tongue leaden. “Wh… where am I?”  

    “You’re at the Cryonics Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona,” Dr. Alvarez answered. “I think you should rather ask ‘when,’ not ‘where.’”  

    “When?”  

    “The year is 2115 in your time frame,” Dr. Carter said, smiling slightly.”Although we call it 56 YC now. You’ve been asleep for a hundred years. Welcome back.”  

    A hundred years? Ben’s breath caught in his throat. He tried to sit up but was immediately overwhelmed by dizziness. The woman reached out, steadying him with a firm hand.  

    “Take it slow,” she said. “Can I call you Ben?”

      He nodded weakly.

    “We just need to run a few basic tests,” she continued, holding up two fingers. “How many fingers do you see?”  

    “Two,” he muttered, his voice hoarse.  

    “Good. Can you tell me your full name?”  

    “Benjamin Thomas Michaels. YC?”

    “Yes. The Year of Civilization. The first year no human was killed by another human on the planet.” Dr. Alvarez replied.  

    She looked into the air in front of her, her gaze flickering as if reading something only she could see. “Your mother’s name?”  

    “Sarah,” he said automatically.  

    “And her maiden name?”  

    “Johnson.”  

    “Excellent.” The woman straightened, sharing a brief glance with her colleague. “How are you feeling, Ben? Any headaches?”  

    “A little…” He reached up, brushing his fingers against his face. His hair was longer, thicker than he remembered. His chin, usually neatly shaved, felt strange with a wild and untamed beard.  

    “We wash it but let it grow,” Dr. Carter explained. “Letting you decide your style for yourself later.”  

    Dr. Alvarez adjusted his bed, easing it into a sitting position. “Let’s see if you can sit up without dizziness. There are still some nanobots in your bloodstream, repairing damaged cells. You might feel them as a faint tingling, but can also give you a headache now in the beginning.”  

    “Nanobots?”  

    “Yes, nanites, tiny machines that fix your body at a cellular level. After a freeze like this, there’s always some work to do.”  

    Ben’s heart raced. The surreal words—nanobots, freeze, a hundred years, 56 YC—were too much to process. He clung to the one thought grounding him: his cancer.

    “My cancer…” 

    “Gone,” Dr. Carter said gently. “The nanites repaired the damage. But there’s still a little healing left for your brain to handle.”  

    Ben swung his legs over the edge of the hospital bed, the cool floor beneath his feet grounding him in the moment. The room smelled faintly of antiseptic, and the hum of distant machinery filled the air.

    “Ben, you shouldn’t strain yourself too much just yet,” Dr. Carter cautioned, moving toward him with outstretched hands.

    “But I feel fine,” Ben replied, brushing off the concern as he steadied himself. Then, after a pause, he added softly, “And my family…?”

    Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Carter exchanged a glance, the kind that carried unspoken weight. 

    “Ben,” Dr. Alvarez began carefully, “it’s been a long time. We don’t know of any…”

    “My trust,” Ben interjected, cutting her off.

    Dr. Carter tilted his head. “Your trust?”

    Ben pushed himself upright, ignoring their cautioning gestures. The doctors moved to steady him as he took tentative steps, his movements unsteady but determined. He looked around, almost marveling at his own ability. 

    “And you… did this? Cured me? I actually feel fantastic!” Ben exclaimed, a smile breaking across his face.

    “Well, it was…” Dr. Carter hesitated. “You still have some very minor brain damage from the freeze. We recommend letting your body repair itself fully.”

    Ben’s mind raced, calculating, speculating. He murmured under his breath, half to himself, half aloud, “One hundred years of value increase… oh my god… that’s at least…” His eyes widened. “I have to find my office.”

    Ben’s excitement boiled over as he suddenly leaned forward, gripping Dr. Carter’s shoulders with a burst of energy. His voice trembled with intensity. “I feel fantastic! You’ve done something incredible. Thank you. Truly. Just… let me out of here so I can access my trust!”

    Dr. Carter blinked, startled. “Your trust?”

    “My assets! My money!” Ben’s voice rose with excitement.

    Dr. Carter took a step back, his hands raised in a calming gesture. “Mr. Michaels, you have to get back in bed. You shouldn’t excite yourself too much right now. There’s still some brain repair to complete. It might make you a little emotionally labile for a few weeks.”

    Ben frowned. “Emotionally labile? What does that mean? I have brain damage!?”

    Dr. Carter hesitated, searching for the right words. “It means…”

    “Brain repair?” Ben interrupted, his voice sharp and anxious.

    Dr. Carter sighed. “…that you might become somewhat emotionally…” He paused again.

    “Just tell me!” Ben demanded, his frustration boiling over.

    “…Unstable. Like impatient, for instance,” Dr. Carter finally admitted.

    Ben’s hands shot out, grabbing the front of Dr. Carter’s coat and pulling him close. “Just… take… me… to… my… money!” he growled, his face inches from the doctor’s.

    Dr. Carter’s eyes widened. “There isn’t any money anymore,” he stammered.

    Dr. Alvarez sent Dr. Carter a stern look, as if to silently reprimand him for the bluntness. Ben froze, his grip loosening.

    “What do you mean there isn’t any money!?” Ben’s voice cracked with desperation.

    “Ben, please get back into your bed,” Dr. Alvarez said gently, trying to guide him back.

    “What are you talking about? The trust! Is it gone? What the…” Ben’s voice rose again, panic setting in.

    “No, no,” Dr. Carter said quickly, trying to soothe him. “Everything will be explained later during your integration. Just…”

    “Tell me!” Ben shouted, clutching his head as a sharp pain shot through it. “Aaaah!”

    “Please calm down, Ben,” Dr. Alvarez said firmly. “The bots are still working. You’ll get a headache if you exert yourself too much right now. Please relax. Lie down.”

    Ben groaned but allowed himself to be guided back into the bed. His breathing was heavy, and his eyes darted between the doctors, still filled with worry.

    Dr. Alvarez’s voice softened. “You’ll have a little headache for a while, but it will pass as the nanites finish their work and your body adjusts to being alive again.” She hesitated before adding, “When it comes to money and the lifestyle of this new world, you’ll get an introduction very soon that will help you integrate into society.”

    Ben’s lips trembled. “So, what are you saying? My trust is gone?” His voice broke, and he clutched his head again. “Aaaah!”

    “Don’t worry, Ben,” Dr. Carter said, his tone soothing. “Everything is fine. Just relax, and it will all be clear in a few days. There’s nothing to worry about.”

    Dr. Alvarez picked up a small device. “Here, I’ll give you a light sedative to help you sleep.”

    Ben felt the slight pinch on his arm and murmured incoherently as the medication took effect. His eyelids grew heavy, and his final words before sleep overtook him was a barely audible, “My money…”

    Darkness consumed Ben, but it didn’t offer peace. Fragments of memories and emotions crashed through his mind. He was back on the streets of New York, but everything was warped, dreamlike. He sat on the cold pavement dressed in rags, an  empty tin can trembling in his hands. The city skyline loomed, mocking him, while faceless figures walked by, their laughter sharp and cruel. One figure threw a penny into his tin can.

    “Thank you,” he mumbled to the passerby, his voice hollow. The tin can clinked with two single coins, their sound echoing in the void.

    The figures began to morph, their faces becoming his own—dozens of Bens staring back at him, their eyes empty. “No money,” they chanted, their voices merging into a deafening roar. 

    Exhausted, Ben leaned his head against the wall behind him, nodding off a short minute.

    Then, in the dream, he awoke suddenly, finding the tin can empty. A frantic search began, crawling on all fours, his fingers scraping against the pavement, hunting for the lost coins. His breath quickened as realization hit him: everything he had in this world was gone.  A sense of dread tightened around his chest, echoing even as he awoke in the hospital. 

    “My money!” He screamed sitting up in his hospital bed, his voice echoing in the empty room. No one was at work this early in the morning, save for a lone robot in the hall.

    Did you like this and want to read the whole book? Ok, then preorder is still only $0,99 until May 2. 2025

    PREORDER HERE