The adoption of ecological toilets is examined at a household and community level. Novel technologies are shown to require an emphasis on community education. The value of a demonstration model is highlighted. The transfer of novel technologies requires an iterative process. Needed changes imply a need to rework established evaluation techniques.

The development of artificial intelligences can have profound political implications. Science fiction literature can help to think about these political implications. The work of Iain M. Banks (the Culture cycle) can be used as a hypothesis on the role of smart machines. The civilization described poses challenges to political (especially anarchist) thought. Such a thought experiment helps to think about the computerization of many technical systems.