The power of utopian thinking and belief in human potential to drive positive social change is discussed as a counterpoint to the pessimistic view of human nature presented by veneer theory.
Lazar discusses the appeal but also limitations of utopian visions promising an escape from linear time's constraints.
The podcast episodes provided explore the concept of utopian thinking from various angles, demonstrating its importance as a critical and political tool for envisioning a better future.
Many of the episodes discuss the role of utopian thinking in imagining alternatives to the current fossil fuel-based economy ('No More Fossils'), the potential of universal basic income and reduced work hours to transform society ('BS Jobs'), and the connections between comedy, play, and collective transcendence as avenues for utopian thinking ('Comedy Against Work').
Other episodes delve into the practical application of utopian ideas, such as the concept of 'library socialism' which proposes extending the model of shared access to information and resources ('Platforms of Freedom') and ('Apps for Library Socialism').