Motivations and techno-hubris

On this, our 319th Evolutionary Lens livestream, we discuss space mirrors and the state of Washington state. Reflect Orbital is a young company that hopes to put tens of thousands of mirrors in orbit around the planet, and deliver “full moon to high noon” levels of light anyplace on Earth, on demand (for the right price). What could go wrong? Also: Washington state has voted in the first ever income tax (for high earners), quick on the heels of its first ever capital gains tax, while still having some of the highest estate, sales, property, and fuel taxes in the country. Meanwhile, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and the quality of services declining. Our highways are third worst in the nation; our cities are filthy and unsafe; our schools are miseducating children (at best). Is the money being used for anything useful?

*****

Our sponsors:

Timeline: Accelerate the clearing of damaged mitochondria to improve strength and endurance: Go to http://www.timeline.com/darkhorse and use code darkhorse for 20% off your first order.

SaunaSpace: deep radiant heat from red and infrared incandescence—detox and decrease pain, reverse screen fatigue and improve your mood. Through April 26, get a free Glow with sauna purchase ($695 value), and go to http://Sauna.Space/DarkHorse for 10% off sitewide. 

Caraway: Non-toxic, highly functional & beautiful cookware and bakeware. Save with Caraway’s cookware set, and visit http://Carawayhome.com/DH10 to for an additional 10% off your next purchase.

*****

Join us on Locals! Get access to our Discord server, exclusive live streams, live chats for all streams, and early access to many podcasts: https://darkhorse.locals.com

Heather’s newsletter, Natural Selections (subscribe to get free weekly essays in your inbox): https://naturalselections.substack.com

Our book, A Hunter-Gatherer’s Guide to the 21st Century, is available everywhere books are sold, including from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AGANGg (commission earned)

Check out our store! Epic tabby, digital book burning, saddle up the dire wolves, and more: https://darkhorsestore.org

*****
Mentioned in this episode:

Reflect Orbital: https://www.reflectorbital.com

Dark Sky International’s take: https://darksky.org/news/organizational-statement-reflect-orbital/

WA’s affordability crisis: https://www.waroundtable.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WRT_AffStudy_FINAL_3.20.26.pdf

Ferguson signs the millionaire’s tax into law: https://x.com/BobFergusonGov/status/2039085857655951831

WA senate bill 6346: https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Passed%20Legislature/6346-S.PL.pdf

WA capital gains tax: https://dor.wa.gov/forms-publications/publications-subject/special-notices/new-tiered-rates-washingtons-capital-gains-tax

NPR podcast (KUOW’s Booming) on millionaire’s taxes: https://podscan.fm/podcasts/booming/episodes/is-millionaire-migration-really-a-thing-lessons-from-states-that-already-tax-the-rich

Support the show