# The Kardashev scale reconsidered as a flawed measure of civilization

**URL:** <https://timetravelinstitute.com/t/the-kardashev-scale-reconsidered-as-a-flawed-measure-of-civilization/16720>\
**Category:** Cosmos\
**Tags:** kardashev, dyson-sphere\
**Created:** [February 2, 2025, 6:33am UTC](https://timetravelinstitute.com/t/the-kardashev-scale-reconsidered-as-a-flawed-measure-of-civilization/16720 "2025-02-02T06:33:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Jay\_Walker](https://timetravelinstitute.com/user_avatar/timetravelinstitute.com/jay_walker/32/446_2.png) [@Jay\_Walker](https://timetravelinstitute.com/u/Jay_Walker)\
**Post date:** [February 2, 2025, 6:33am UTC](https://timetravelinstitute.com/t/the-kardashev-scale-reconsidered-as-a-flawed-measure-of-civilization/16720/1 "2025-02-02T06:33:23Z")

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These are the 3 types of civilizations according to a scale proposed by a Russian Astrophysicist named Nikoli Kardashev in 1964.

I submit a counterproposal since the Kardashev Scale doesn’t measure civilizations based on any reasonable or logical directions a society would progress technologically.

First: I will describe the civilization type.

Second: why that won’t happen.

Third: describe the criteria that should designate each type.

**Type I Civilization** : Also known as a planetary civilization, it can use and store all of the energy available on its home planet. This includes harnessing energy from natural resources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power.

**Why** : The power of a planet originates from the sun, so if you could harness all the power a planet offers, essentially is harnessing the power of the sun. So, between type 1 and 2 is blurred.

\*\*Improved Criteria: \*\*  
A civilization that has eliminated any purpose for war.  
Sickness and disease cease to exist.  
Due to the reduction of self-imposed death, population requires another planet to inhabit.

**Type II Civilization** : Also known as a stellar civilization, it can harness the total energy output of its star. This might involve constructing massive structures like a Dyson Sphere, which would encompass the star and capture a significant portion of its energy.

**Why** : Harnessing the power of the sun would take power away from the solar system.

**Improved Criteria:**  
A civilization that can travel easily, great distances in order to peacefully expand society.

**Type III Civilization** : Also known as a galactic civilization, it can control energy on the scale of its entire galaxy. This would involve harnessing energy from billions of stars and other astronomical phenomena.

**Why:** \*\* \*\*Once again, harnessing the power of a galaxy would just destroy the galaxy.

**Improved Criteria:**  
A civilization that can occupy multiple galaxies responsibly without stealing, or killing any indigenous inhabitants, culture, or eco-systems.