The Metaverse: What Is It?

The Return to Order Moment

Humanity stands at a precipice. Many have already given their lives into the control of their devices. Our computers and cell phones organize our thoughts, keep track of our schedules, and mechanize our communications with others. The keys to this process appear to be convenience and amusement. Modern people seem unable to tolerate moments of inactivity – even the body and mind’s natural needs for rest are often forgotten. At the same time, they expect constant amusement. It is possible to see young moderns – and even some in middle age – simultaneously watching a movie through a streaming service on television while using their smartphones to play a game and text friends and acquaintances. All the while, there is a disquieting sense of being prepared for something far worse – perhaps even fatal to the whole idea of humanity. The coming of artificial intelligence thrills some and fills others with dread. Sometimes, both the trill and dread can be found in the same person. There is the sense that we don’t want to be left out of the marvelous future – but aren’t totally sure that the future will be marvelous at all. Of course, at the same time, there are those who stand to profit astronomically from the coming of the Metaverse. Like the “snake oil salesmen” of the nineteenth century, they promise the moon, and assume that the public will believe those promises. In his essay “The Metaverse: What Is It?” Mr. John Horvat considers those promises, and whether humanity should follow these modern Pied Pipers. This article was originally published in Crusade Magazine in March/April 2022. A free one-year subscription to this important publication is available by calling 888-317-5571. Thank you for listening.