This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Strickler Summary

1. Replace financial maximization with community-driven purpose to redesign societal value systems
2. Bentoism reframes decision-making to prioritize relationships and legacy alongside immediate gains
3. The Dark Forest Theory exposes how internet hostility stifles authentic creativity and connection
4. Metalabel’s cooperative structure proves collaboration beats competition in sustaining creative careers
5. Measure success through generational impact rather than quarterly profit statements
6. Creative independence thrives when systems reward collective growth over individual accolades
7. Redefine “value” to include emotional resonance and cultural contributions beyond money
8. Build artist ecosystems using mutual aid frameworks instead of predatory platforms
9. Generosity-first capitalism requires prioritizing legacy, community, and ethical stewardship
10. Kickstarter’s crowdfunding model proves people fund passion projects over profit motives
11. The Bento Society’s time horizons help decisions balance now, next, and future needs
12. Yancey Strickler’s manifesto replaces shareholder primacy with creative community stewardship

About the Author

Yancey Strickler, author of This Could Be Our Future: A Manifesto for a More Generous World, is an entrepreneur and visionary known for reimagining societal values beyond profit. Born in rural Virginia and based in New York City, Strickler co-founded Kickstarter, the pioneering crowdfunding platform that helped creators secure over $8 billion in funding, cementing his reputation as a leader in creative innovation.

His work explores themes of post-capitalism, collective value, and ethical systems, informed by his background as a music critic and his development of frameworks like Bentoism, a decision-making model emphasizing long-term interdependence.

Strickler’s insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Time, and on The Ezra Klein Show, while his talks at institutions like MoMA and Stanford amplify his influence. He co-founded The Creative Independent and currently leads Metalabel, a platform redefining collaborative creation.

His 2024 works include The Dark Forest Anthology of the Internet and Nine Creative Meditations, expanding his exploration of digital culture. Published in five languages, This Could Be Our Future merges philosophical depth with actionable strategies, establishing Strickler as a critical voice in reshaping modern economic and creative paradigms.

FAQs About This Book

What is This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Sticker about?

This Could Be Our Future challenges profit-driven societal frameworks, advocating for a shift toward generosity, community, and long-term value. Author Yancey Strickler introduces Bentoism, a decision-making model balancing self-interest, societal good, and future consequences. The book critiques financial maximization ("FIML") and proposes redefining success through creative collaboration, ethical systems, and cultural evolution over 30 years.

Who should read This Could Be Our Future?

Ideal for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and creatives seeking alternatives to capitalism’s limitations. It appeals to readers interested in ethical business models, systemic change, or frameworks like Bentoism for personal/professional decision-making. Strickler’s Kickstarter co-founder perspective adds relevance for startup founders and social impact leaders.

What is Bentoism in This Could Be Our Future?

Bentoism is a four-quadrant framework guiding decisions by weighing current self, future self, current others, and future others. It visualizes choices through a "bento box" analogy, encouraging balance between immediate needs and long-term societal impacts. The method aims to reduce short-termism and foster collaborative problem-solving.

How does This Could Be Our Future criticize capitalism?

Strickler argues capitalism’s fixation on "financial maximization as life’s primary goal" (FIML) stifles creativity, equity, and sustainability. He highlights Kickstarter’s Public Benefit Corporation model as an alternative, prioritizing social responsibility alongside profit. The book critiques shareholder primacy, advocating for metrics beyond GDP to measure progress.

What are key quotes from This Could Be Our Future?

• "We’ve mistaken a single value (money) for a complete value system."
• "The future is a series of bento boxes—choices that ripple across time and people."

These emphasize redefining success and intergenerational accountability.

How does This Could Be Our Future relate to Kickstarter’s mission?

Strickler ties the book’s themes to Kickstarter’s ethos: democratizing funding for creative projects while operating as a Public Benefit Corporation. The platform’s $8B+ raised for creators exemplifies prioritizing cultural value over pure profit.

What is the “30-year rule” in This Could Be Our Future?

Strickler posits that cultural paradigms shift over roughly 30 years, citing examples like environmentalism’s rise. He urges readers to plant seeds for gradual systemic change rather than seeking immediate disruption.

How does This Could Be Our Future address personal decision-making?

The book provides exercises to align actions with core values using Bentoism. Readers assess choices through four lenses: now vs. later and self vs. others, fostering intentionality in career, relationships, and finances.

What criticisms exist about This Could Be Our Future?

Some reviewers note the concepts require sustained effort to implement, and the 30-year timeline may feel abstract. However, the Bentoism framework is widely praised for its practicality in balancing idealism with actionable steps.

How does This Could Be Our Future compare to other socio-economic critiques?

Unlike narrow critiques (e.g., Capital in the 21st Century), Strickler offers a solutions-focused manifesto blending philosophy, case studies, and tools. It complements works like Doughnut Economics but emphasizes individual agency in systemic change.

Why is This Could Be Our Future relevant in 2025?

As AI and automation reshape economies, the book’s focus on post-capitalist systems resonates with debates about universal basic income, ethical AI, and climate action. Its Bentoism framework adapts to navigating complex, interconnected challenges.

What are practical takeaways from This Could Be Our Future?

• Audit decisions using the Bentoism grid
• Support community-driven projects (e.g., crowdfunding)
• Advocate for corporate social responsibility policies
• Measure success holistically beyond financial metrics