Futurist and self-described social engineer Jacque Fresco died peacefully in his sleep from health complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was 101.
MSTies may not be aware that he provided (uncredited) special effects for the movie in episode 111- MOON ZERO TWO.
I have at times considered myself to be an educated man, then something always comes along that demonstrates my ignorance. I had never heard of Jacque Fresco before today. For lack of a less frivolous example his ideas sound very much like the future utopian society described in Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek. No money. Striving for personal growth and achievement rather than wealth. Perhaps his ideas seem out of step with the current situation in our country, but maybe there are younger minds out there that can bring his concepts to fruition. RIP Jacque.
May Your Memory Be a Blessing Sir.
Wow. I had no idea this man even existed. Jay’s comment prompted me to look him up, what a fascinating guy! It’s tragic, in a way, that he’s not more well known. Watched an interview with him from just a few years back and he was still sharp as a tack, and lived to a ripe old age. RIP.
Moon Zero Two is one of the best films ever riffed on MST3K. I have watched it several times in its original form. The special effects is among this film’s several virtues. RIP Mr. Fresco.
Moon Zero Two is in my top 20 favorite episodes.
The world needs dreamers and idealists, as much as it needs technicians and engineers. Unfortunately, Utopia never pans out, thanks to a little thing called human nature. The trade off of being human is always trying to find a balance between idealism and realism. Not everyone shares the same ideals. To make everyone conform to one person’s ideal, many other people have to lose theirs. I think we’d do better embracing the inherent chaos of the human condition than trying to squeeze everyone into the same ideological pigeonhole. It’s a choice between being individuals and a trip to Ward E.
Props to Jacque and a life well-lived in pursuit of an ideal.
Goodnight, and may god bless.