Money In Star Trek EXPLAINED

The United Federation of Planets, much like the human society that preceded it, structured its society and economy very differently from what we are used to today. It abandoned the use of money, not by outlawing it, but through a shift in philosophy. People were encouraged to, and wanted to, work together for their own betterment and the betterment of others. The common goal was no longer wealth and/or power.

Restructuring in this way is not a simple task and requires a multi-pronged approach. A shift in individual mindset must also be met by changing government policy and greater diplomacy to promote a unified society. What became the New World Economy in the Star Trek universe was born of immense death and suffering, but the society we see on screen needed that kick in the ass to get it together. Few things in any universe can bring people together like loss.

Our world, or at least the dominant societies within it, works because of competition and a drive for consumption. We all compete with each other for resources, money, and influence. Corporations compete with each other, putting out variations of the same product instead of working together to make a superior one. And they’re often solving problems they created. Countries and cities compete with each other to grow their populations and draw investment from major corporations. This is how the system we currently live in was designed, and that’s not even factoring in rampant corruption that stems from a lack of regulation. All of these things were present within the Star Trek universe as well, and they led to even greater conflicts than what we are seeing today.

Creating a new system and moving away from a currency-based economy is not something that happened overnight in Star Trek, and it would certainly not happen overnight in real life either. It requires people to take a chance on each other. And it cannot be forced. Instead of the rugged individualism that many of our biggest societies today preach, we must take care of each other. Scientific advancement must be a priority. It may not specifically be the Phoenix and Earth’s first warp engine, but the Artemis missions are happening right now. These endeavors propel humanity forward.

Star Trek was born from the idealistic vision of Gene Roddenberry after having fought in World War II. After having seen some of the worst things humanity could do to itself, he shared with the world an idea of what we could become. Though the Earth of the Star Trek universe drifted even further down the path towards destruction than we are currently sitting, it was brought back. Star Trek is the story of a society reaching its lowest point through self-destructive habits and deciding that it must make a change moving forward. This is possible in our world as well, but it won’t be easy. Preferably, though, it will come without nuclear winter.

Change is born of innumerable small acts of kindness. The more we support and protect each other, especially when it’s hard, the closer we get to that ideal. “Just as repetition reinforces repetition, change begets change.”

Progress builds. Live long and prosper.