The principles at play at string theory or a running 5K or maintaining an empire are the same: an excess of energy/heat/mass inevitably causes a system to buckle under its own energetic requirements. Sustainable systems require energy consumption and production parity. Right now, extractive systems--whether it's a lithium mine or shady overseas labor--rob resources from the past and future to satisfy the current, and sundry, desires of today's sophisticated consumer.
This is so brilliant I really have no response.
The principles at play at string theory or a running 5K or maintaining an empire are the same: an excess of energy/heat/mass inevitably causes a system to buckle under its own energetic requirements. Sustainable systems require energy consumption and production parity. Right now, extractive systems--whether it's a lithium mine or shady overseas labor--rob resources from the past and future to satisfy the current, and sundry, desires of today's sophisticated consumer.