Summary: "Stratified utopia" is a possible outcome where mundane values get proximal resources (near Earth in space and time) and exotic values get distal resources (distant galaxies and far futures). I discuss whether this outcome is likely or desirable.

1. Introduction

1.1. Happy Coincidence

I hold mundane values, such as partying on the weekend, the admiration of my peers, not making a fool of myself, finishing this essay, raising children, etc. I also have more exotic values, such as maximizing total wellbeing, achieving The Good, and bathing in the beatific vision. These values aren't fully-compatible, i.e. I won't be partying on the weekend in any outcome which maximizes total wellbeing[1].

But I think these values are nearly-compatible. My mundane values can get 99% of what they want (near Earth in space and time) and my exotic values can get get 99% of what they want (distant galaxies and far [...]

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Outline:

(00:26) 1. Introduction

(00:30) 1.1. Happy Coincidence

(01:48) 1.2. Values and Resources

(01:53) 1.2.1. Mundane vs Exotic Values

(02:54) 1.2.2. Proximal vs Distal Resources

(03:36) 2. Stratified Utopia: A sketch

(03:41) 2.1. Spatial Stratification

(04:26) 2.2. What Each Stratum Looks Like

(07:26) 3. Is Stratified Utopia Likely?

(07:31) 3.0. Four Premises

(08:38) 3.1. Efficient Allocation

(11:47) 3.2. Value Composition

(14:17) 3.2. Resource Compatibility

(19:40) 3.3. Persistence

(20:55) 4. Is Stratified Utopia Desirable?

(24:29) Appendices

(24:32) Appendix A: Spatial vs Temporal Stratification

(26:41) Appendix B: Stratified Dystopia

(27:14) Appendix C: Firewalls

(28:33) Appendix D: Death and Uplifting

The original text contained 22 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

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First published:
October 21st, 2025

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/5XjrEr8c8z6tTHDF2/stratified-utopia-2

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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Images from the article:

Spacetime diagram showing trajectory paths converging toward Earth in 2025

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“Stratified Utopia” by Cleo Nardo

LessWrong (30+ Karma)