Dryden Brown, a 29-year-old Californian with a penchant for innovation and a dash of daring, is making waves with his audacious plan to establish Praxis, a city-state unlike any other. Imagine a place where gothic architecture meets futuristic tech, and AI-powered robots shoulder the mundane burdens of daily life. It sounds like science fiction, but Brown is determined to make it reality.
Praxis is more than just a dream for Brown; it’s a vision where classical aesthetics merge seamlessly with cutting-edge futurism. “The city will be incredibly beautiful,” Brown asserts, describing a blend of gothic elements with the sleek lines of space-age architecture. The renderings of Praxis even show spacey pods nestled in breathtaking natural surroundings, promising a visual feast.
While Brown’s choice of location might seem as cold as the ice sheets themselves, his reasoning is as clear as Greenland’s crystal waters. “We’re a group of people who find the frontier exciting,” says Brown, adding that the challenges of building a new city on a barren icy expanse are part of the appeal. Yet, despite his enthusiasm, Danish Minister Rasmus Jarlov has advised, “Do it in your own country.”
Brown isn’t alone in his ambitious venture. With $500 million in credit and backing from investors like Peter Thiel’s Pronomos Capital, Praxis is poised to become a beacon of technological innovation. Sam Hammond, chief economist at the Foundation for American Innovation, paints a picture of a post-work society thriving in Praxis, where AI and robotics handle tasks ranging from education to food preparation.
Brown acknowledges the project’s initial phases will be spartan, with early settlers living in makeshift accommodations. “You’re going to be a pioneer,” he reminds potential residents. His vision includes not just physical infrastructure but also a social dynamic where the world’s most talented artists gather, drawn by grants and a shared belief in a new kind of community.
While the road to Praxis may be rocky, Brown’s passion is unwavering. Raised in Santa Barbara and homeschooled to accommodate his competitive surfing, Brown has always been drawn to unconventional paths. His interest in Austrian economics and libertarian philosophies laid the groundwork for his current venture—utilizing internet networks to align people with shared values and policy objectives.
As Brown sets his sights on Praxis, he’s in the “final stage of site selection” and has talked to governments worldwide. His optimism and drive are infectious, drawing in both skepticism and support. Whether Praxis will rise on Greenland’s ice or elsewhere remains to be seen, but one thing is sure: Brown is not giving up.
