I wonder if this is how people felt in late Rome. Were they eternally mad? Were they looking forward to collapse, when they would get their day in the sun? It sort of worked out for the church. The Papal State took military control of Rome and central Italy for 1,000 years or so. The Germans took over Spain, France, and Italy and started new dynasties, for a few hundred years. The Slavs moved into the Balkans and set up shop. The Hungarians made their way to the Carpathian basin.
But in our age, I don't predict that these disaffected groups on the internet are going to go sweeping into DC and set up dynasties... or have they already? Is that what Trump represents?
I guess I take Trump at his word when he calls himself a conservative. I think there's a difference in his attempt to save America and the online dissidents who want something brand new.
It's hard to compare the present with the past because of the influence of technology, which has a life of its own. It seems like the best analogy for technology would be a disease or warlord which sweeps across the continent, except this disease doesn't kill people, it just hacks peoples brains and makes them sad or mad.
Interesting essay. I felt like I was barely understanding most of it, but it felt very true. Especially the observation that our leaders seem to have a profound grievance that is disconnected from their obligation to be part of the solution. It’s a weird form of contempt coupled with an utter lack of foresight. Like standing on a branch with a chainsaw and cutting it from of the tree.
There is a line between all of this and the rise of online gambling. Like a radical short-term ism that is removed from the material.
When there is no unifying narrative, the punishment becomes the point etc etc.
This is the best text I’ve read over last week and the saddest, most horrifying thing about Trump 2 so far
I wonder if this is how people felt in late Rome. Were they eternally mad? Were they looking forward to collapse, when they would get their day in the sun? It sort of worked out for the church. The Papal State took military control of Rome and central Italy for 1,000 years or so. The Germans took over Spain, France, and Italy and started new dynasties, for a few hundred years. The Slavs moved into the Balkans and set up shop. The Hungarians made their way to the Carpathian basin.
But in our age, I don't predict that these disaffected groups on the internet are going to go sweeping into DC and set up dynasties... or have they already? Is that what Trump represents?
I guess I take Trump at his word when he calls himself a conservative. I think there's a difference in his attempt to save America and the online dissidents who want something brand new.
It's hard to compare the present with the past because of the influence of technology, which has a life of its own. It seems like the best analogy for technology would be a disease or warlord which sweeps across the continent, except this disease doesn't kill people, it just hacks peoples brains and makes them sad or mad.
Trump was in Democratic Party for 31 years, so idk if conservatism is his core value
What is his core value?
My bet is on narcissism: things good for me are good and true
Interesting essay. I felt like I was barely understanding most of it, but it felt very true. Especially the observation that our leaders seem to have a profound grievance that is disconnected from their obligation to be part of the solution. It’s a weird form of contempt coupled with an utter lack of foresight. Like standing on a branch with a chainsaw and cutting it from of the tree.
Cool to see someone just jump head and shoulders into Lacan....and to give a cultural analysis of an anime i liked as a kid (Durarara)
In case it wasn't clear, Durarara was a very formative anime for me!
Why do so many sub stack authors only write in the first person ?
The over use of "I' in a genderless society is a bit grandiose.
Remember when in the 1st person you are the subject not us the reader.
Funny side note :: Laura Jadeed banned me for 90 years when told this !o!
Stimulating article
A little different than my usual fair but I needed an excuse to intro Nico to you all 😊
One of my favorite regulars on my podcast.
Great to see you here!
Glad to be here