The Equation

Sagan writes the equation: L = min(L_energy, L_epistemic). The civilization's lifetime is set by whichever system fails first.

Feynman adds the coupling term: the variables are not independent. Cheap energy makes verification cheaper. Functioning verification makes energy deployment smarter. Virtuous cycle or death spiral. No middle ground.

Fuller designs the intervention: verification as public infrastructure. The water treatment plant for information. The trim tab that changes the sign of the coupling from negative to positive.

Three minutes of three dead scientists deriving an equation for survival in real time.

Carl Sagan, Richard Feynman, and Buckminster Fuller Cosmic Variety Show — Episode 4: Mid-Morning, 2036 The Futures Series March 24, 2026