Imagine civilizations ranked by the energy power they wield, like rungs on a cosmic ladder. That’s the Kardashev Scale. It whispers secrets of tomorrow’s titans. It is the idea of Nikolai Kardashev which sets three large-scale milestones for intelligent life based on energy use. In 1964, he defined them as planetary (Type I), stellar (Type II), and galactic (Type III).
Are we a Type I yet? No, not quite. According to the TST Futurism Timeline, it will take another 150 years or so. Sometime around 2175, we will be able to harness all renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.
As civilizations ascend from planetary to stellar, from Type I to Type II, their energy footprint illuminates their galaxy. Energy worries no longer exist and the energy needs of individuals are essentially free with only a minimal charge for companies using massive amounts of energy for things like terraforming Mars.
As civilizations ascend from stellar to galactic, from Type II to Type III, their energy footprint expands exponentially and they illuminate the cosmos. They can manipulate the immense power of their host galaxy, perhaps utilizing stellar black holes. At this level, civilizations transcend our current understanding of physics, becoming architects of reality itself.
According to the TST Futurism Timeline, humanity might reach Type III status as soon as 2,000 years. Perhaps by around 4025, we’ll have developed technologies to tap into the energy of the galaxy. Imagine a windmill energy generating device for the Milky Way galaxy! The possibilities are mind-boggling, imagine the ability to create vast megastructures or even travel between galaxies. The future awaits!