Combating Our Social Disease and Preparing For A New Culture After The Crash
How do we break the status quo and invent a new culture?
You've been warned—we can do better than this.
Much has been written on the subjects I'll address in this essay that are easily accessible to anyone who wants to read them. I have posted hundreds of articles and books for over a decade, knowing most people will not read them. If people are exposed to high-quality information regularly, they might eventually research topics that interest them and gain greater agency and power in making choices that could lead to a better way of doing things: more peaceful and healthier for all life. Life because life begets life and depends on life. Without all living creatures, great and small, we couldn't exist. We are also dependent on Nature and its "laws" and materials. We must understand Great Nature as well as we can and seek ways to harmonize our complex consciousness within its constraints, aligning our way of doing things with life's long, evolutionary project.
Am I a good curator of information? I don't know, but I've worked at it for many years. I keep educating myself.
Why are we unable to understand and confront the polycrisis? Why is it so hard to believe our way of life is destructive and pathological?
The Pioneers of Persuasion: A Discussion of Public Relations and Propaganda
The Rise of Public Relations
In the early 20th century, a new field of study emerged, focusing on understanding and influencing public opinion. This field, known as public relations, sought to bridge the gap between organizations and the public, shaping perceptions and fostering profitable relationships.
Think of the old blurb on a banker's business card: "Relationships built on trust."
One of the pioneers in the field of persuasion was Edward Bernays, often considered the "father of public relations." We've all heard of him. Bernays, a nephew of Sigmund Freud, drew upon his uncle's theories of psychoanalysis to develop techniques for manipulating public opinion. He believed that by understanding the unconscious desires and motivations of the masses, he could craft messages that resonated on a deep emotional level.
Edward & Sigmund
Bernays's work was groundbreaking. He orchestrated campaigns that transformed social norms and consumer behavior. In one famous example, he encouraged women to smoke by associating cigarettes with female empowerment. He also worked with the United Fruit Company to promote bananas as a healthy breakfast food. I am reminded of Banana Republics, "War Is A Racket," Iran Contra, Cuba, Chile, Argentina, Haiti, Opioids, Drug Wars, fast fashion, labor arbitrage, the housing crisis, child labor, etc., etc.
Bernays's faith in his almost mystical understanding of the masses' unconscious desires also recalls Friedrich Hayek, another highly influential contemporary of Bernays.
Friedrich Hayek, a prominent Austrian economist and philosopher, is best known for his defense of classical liberalism and free-market capitalism. While he didn't necessarily use mystical language, he did express a sense of awe and wonder at the spontaneous order that emerges from the decentralized interactions of individuals in a market economy. This is particularly evident in his ideas about price discovery and the "market algorithm."
Hayek's View of the Market as an Information Processing System
Hayek saw the market as a complex system aggregating information from countless individuals, each with unique knowledge and preferences. This information is reflected in prices, which act as signals that guide the allocation of resources. (Finite resources.) He believed that this decentralized process of price discovery was far more efficient than any central planning system could ever be.
When I read Project 2025 and similar agendas, I think of Bernays and Hayek. Of course, many others have contributed to the global economy's core ideology: Liberalism and Free Market Capitalism, Capitalism with Chinese Socialist Characteristics, Eurasianism, and BRICS. They are branded as different, but their ideology's core is the same. Grow the economy. Use more energy and resources. Make money and buy more things.
As I always say, much has been written.
The "Mystical" Aspects of Hayek's Ideas
Hayek marveled at how order and coordination could emerge from the seemingly chaotic interactions of millions of individuals in a free market. He saw this as a "spontaneous order," a phenomenon transcending any individual or group's conscious design.
Hayek's ideas echo Adam Smith's concept of the "invisible hand," which guides individuals to promote the overall good of society even when they are only pursuing their own self-interest. This idea suggests an underlying harmony or purpose in the market system.
Hayek emphasized the limitations of human knowledge and the impossibility of any central planner having access to all the information needed to allocate resources efficiently. He saw the market as a solution to this "knowledge problem," as it allows individuals to act on their local knowledge and preferences.
Price Discovery as a "Market Algorithm"
Hayek described the price system as a kind of "algorithm" that constantly processes information and adjusts prices to reflect changes in supply and demand. This algorithm is not designed by any single person but emerges from the interactions of countless individuals. It's a dynamic and self-regulating system that adapts to changing circumstances.
Why Some Might See This as "Mystical"
The idea that complex order can arise from decentralized interactions can seem almost magical or mystical. It's a phenomenon that is difficult to grasp or explain fully and alludes to ideas about emergent complex systems.
The market often produces outcomes that no one intended or could have predicted. This can lead to a sense of wonder and awe at the power of the "System."
Some critics argue that Hayek's belief in the efficiency and self-regulating nature of the market borders on faith. They argue that markets are not always efficient and can lead to adverse outcomes like inequality, environmental degradation, and war.
Hayek was not a mystic, but his ideas about the market do have a certain "mystical" quality. He saw the market as a complex, self-organizing system that transcends the conscious design of any individual. This perspective has been both influential and controversial, shaping debates about the role of markets in society today.
Hayek's ideas have been criticized, particularly in light of market failures and the growing awareness of social and environmental issues. Nonetheless, his work remains essential to economic thought, prompting us to consider the complex interplay of individual actions and structural and systemic outcomes. Which is to say, his perspectives are deeply ingrained in economic thought.
Let's get back to Bernays.
The Power of Propaganda
While Bernays focused on building relationships and shaping perceptions, another figure emerged who explored the darker side of persuasive arts:
Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda for Nazi Germany. Goebbels was a master of manipulating public opinion through mass media, censorship, and fear. He created a cult of personality around Adolf Hitler and demonized the regime's enemies.
Bernays published his book "Propaganda" in 1926. Do you think Joseph Goebbels was familiar with it?
Goebbels's propaganda was highly effective in consolidating Nazi power and mobilizing the German people for war. However, it also had devastating consequences, fueling hatred and violence against Jews, Roma, and other minority groups.
The Ethical Dilemmas of Persuasion
Bernays and Goebbels's work highlights the ethical dilemmas inherent in the persuasive arts. While organizations can use public relations to build trust and understanding, they can also use PR to manipulate and deceive. Propaganda can be used for good and ill, for noble causes, or to instill hatred and foment war. Propaganda always serves Power, and Power serves Capital and those who control it.
In a better world, public relations and propaganda practitioners would use their skills responsibly and ethically. But generally speaking, they don't. They must be mindful of the potency of their words and images and strive to promote the public good. Public good? PR firms work for profit to increase the profits of their clients. Unfortunately, almost all public relations practitioners practice their arts for profit or governments and organizations seeking to preserve their power.
The Legacy of the Pioneers
Bernays and Goebbels's legacy continues to shape the field of persuasive arts today. Public relations professionals still draw upon Bernays's insights into human psychology, while governments and organizations worldwide constantly use propaganda techniques today.
One would hope professional propagandists would use their skills to promote a more just, healthy, and equitable world. Very few do.
I'm a positive person addicted to hopium like most folks.
Some Resources:
"Propaganda" by Edward Bernays (At least read the introduction and the first two chapters. You can find it free online.)
"Crystallizing Public Opinion" by Edward Bernays
"The Engineering of Consent" by Edward Bernays
"The Father of Spin: Edward L. Bernays and the Birth of Public Relations" by Larry Tye
"The Century of the Self," a documentary by Adam Curtis
The Museum of Public Relations: https://www.prmuseum.org/
Let's discuss Joseph Goebblels in more depth. I see parallels with what is happening in the Middle East and how Western Powers treat many parts of the world today.
Building the Cult of Hitler
Goebbels portrayed Hitler as a messianic figure, a savior sent to rescue Germany from its woes. (How do Trump's most fanatic followers portray him?) He orchestrated mass rallies and spectacles, using music, flags, and dramatic lighting to create an atmosphere of awe and worship. Does this seem familiar?
"This is the miracle of the age, that this man exists among us." — Joseph Goebbles
"It was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening. We will fear not, but instead, remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness." —Donald J. Trump (You don't actually think Donald Trump wrote those words?)
"I personally believe that God intervened today, not just on behalf of President Trump but on behalf of our country." —Vivek Ramaswamy
The Mass Psychology of Trumpism
In the minds of his most ardent supporters, the ex-president is both more and less than a person.
Many of Trump's supporters perceive Trump the way Trump perceives himself. In their minds, he is a liminal figure, superhuman in some ways but also lacking certain qualities that most people, for better and for worse, possess. A liminal figure who is more than a person, but less than a person, too, may not be subject to the rules and contingencies that pertain to regular people. Conventional norms of rectitude and decency do not apply.
In the eyes of his supporters, Trump possesses extraordinary powers that are wielded for good and against evil. Who cares if he is flawed? So what if he lacks certain distinctively human qualities? What does it matter that he is rude, authoritarian, or even a criminal?
Henry A. Murray's 1962 paper, "The Personality and Career of Satan," examines the figure of Satan throughout Judeo-Christian history and tradition. Murray analyses Satan's evolution from a rebellious angel to a symbol of evil, exploring theological interpretations of his actions and motivations. He then connects the concept of Satan to psychological theories, particularly concerning narcissism and pride, suggesting that Satanic traits manifest in various forms throughout human history. Finally, he questions the role of psychology in perpetuating potentially nihilistic views of humanity, potentially mirroring Satanic tendencies.
ABOUT THE PERSONALITY AND CAREER OF SATAN
The sanctification of Donald Trump
Trump's campaign manager says the president was sent by God to save the country. The White House press secretary thinks God wanted Trump to be president. And the secretary of State believes it's possible that Trump is on a holy mission to protect the Jewish people from the threat of Iran.
Forget the allegations of extramarital affairs, the nonstop Twitter insults and the efforts to close the southern border to migrants. Trump's allies insist that his presidency is divinely inspired.
"There has never been and probably never will be a movement like this again," Brad Parscale, the president's campaign manager, wrote Tuesday morning on Twitter. "Only God could deliver such a savior to our nation, and only God could allow me to help. God bless America!"
Goebbels exerted absolute control over all forms of media, ensuring that only positive portrayals of Hitler and the Nazi party were disseminated. Newspapers, radio, and film were all used to promote the Führer myth.
"It is the absolute right of the State to supervise the formation of public opinion." —Joseph Goebbels
Bannon, Musk, and many media moguls support our new demigod, who serves those, including himself, who desire more profit, power, and control over vital resources.
It becomes more apparent to me by the day that our media is primarily a mouthpiece for The Players of The Great Game, for the status quo and the dominant Neoliberal economic ideology.
Like Bernays, Goebbels understood the power of simple, repetitive slogans and images. He crafted messages that were easy to understand and emotionally charged, appealing to the hopes and fears of the German people.
"The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly—it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over." —Joseph Goebbels
"The Democrats don't matter. The real opposition is the media. And the way to deal with them is to flood the zone with shit." —Steve Bannon
I could cite a dozen pages of quotes like these.
Demonizing and Dehumanizing Enemies and Scapegoats
Goebbels relentlessly scapegoated Jews for all of Germany's problems, portraying them as a parasitic race that threatened the purity of the Aryan people. He used anti-Semitic propaganda to incite hatred and violence against Jews.
"The Jew is the enemy of the world." —Joseph Goebbels
Goebbels used dehumanizing language and imagery to portray the enemies of the Nazi regime, including Jews, communists, and the Allies, as subhuman creatures deserving of extermination.
"The English follow the principle that when one lies, one should lie big, and stick to it. They keep up their lies, even at the risk of looking ridiculous." —Joseph Goebbels
"We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly. We will eliminate everything. They will regret it." Yoav Gallant
"You must remember what Amalek has done to you, says our Holy Bible—we do remember." —Benjamin Netanyahu
https://youtu.be/PsT6bE2NcO8?si=mQIRjHmyKi7J_GMl
"There will be no electricity and no water (in Gaza); there will only be destruction. You wanted hell, you will get hell." Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian
"There is one and only (one) solution, which is to completely destroy Gaza before invading it. I mean destruction like what happened in Dresden and Hiroshima, without nuclear weapons." —Moshe Feiglin, the founder of Israel's right-wing Zehut Party
'Erase Gaza': How genocidal rhetoric became normalized in Israel
In-depth: Incendiary language of extermination, ethnic cleansing, and the wholesale destruction of Gaza, including with nuclear weapons, has become part of mainstream discourse in Israel during the war.
Amit Halevi, meanwhile, a Likud member in parliament, said, “There should be two goals for this victory: One, there is no more Muslim land in the land of Israel … After we make it the land of Israel, Gaza should be left as a monument, like Sodom”.Some Israeli politicians have outright called for a repeat of the Nakba, or catastrophe in Arabic, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled and hundreds of villages demolished from 1947 to 1948 as the state of Israel was being established.
“Nakba? Expel them all,” Nissim Vaturi, deputy speaker for Israel’s parliament, said. “If the Egyptians care so much for them - they are welcome to have them wrapped in cellophane tied with a green ribbon.”
Ariel Kallner, a member of Israel’s parliament, said, “Nakba to the enemy now! This day is our Pearl Harbour. We will still learn the lessons. Right now, one goal: Nakba! A Nakba that will overshadow the Nakba of 48. A Nakba in Gaza and a Nakba for anyone who dares to join!”
People in Israel and the Middle East are living in fear and violence created by propaganda.
Again, I could cite pages of quotes even more horrific and hateful than the ones above.
People will say the victims of the Nazis in World War II were innocent, and all of the Arabs in the Middle East are terrorists, and therefore, it's justified to wipe them all out.
Who can believe that children are terrorists without dehumanizing a whole population of innocents?
Goebbels used fear and intimidation to silence opposition and maintain control. He created a vast surveillance network and encouraged citizens to report on each other, fostering an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia.
Today, if you go against the sanctioned narrative, you are destroyed. There are dozens of examples; one only has to read honest journalism and look for verifiable facts to know this.
"Propaganda works best when those who are being manipulated are confident they are acting on their own free will." —Joseph Goebbels
We live in a global surveillance environment and carry sophisticated tracking and surveillance devices daily. We are constantly producing data with our devices, and governments and corporations use them to manipulate and "nudge" us toward consent.
Most things we do, we think, result from careful, reasoned decision-making motivated and justified by facts. We are mistaken about that.
Goebbels' Techniques
The Big Lie
Goebbels believed that if a lie were repeated often enough and with sufficient conviction, it would eventually be accepted as truth. Think of all the organizations flooding the zone with bull shit, and we don't seem to mind. We click "like" and thank them for the torrent of nonsense we are constantly fed.
Appeal to Emotion
Goebbels understood the power of emotion to sway public opinion. He mobilized the German people using fear, anger, and hatred. Do you think the RNC and the DNC do this? They do.
Censorship
Goebbels suppressed any information that contradicted the Nazi party line, ensuring that the public only heard one side of the story. Is there censorship in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world? There is.
Goebbels's propaganda effectively achieved its goals but came at a terrible cost. His methods contributed to the rise of one of the most brutal regimes in history, responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent people. His legacy serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked propaganda and the importance of critical thinking.
We are engaged in nuclear brinksmanship and genocide, even as innocent bystanders and witnesses. Think of the people in the village next to the concentration and death camps.
History is a process happening now that always rhymes with the past and portends the future.
Goebbels's persuasive techniques are still relevant today, but these comparisons are about the methods, not the morality or goals.
"The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly—it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over."
Think of political campaign slogans like "Make America Great Again" or "Hope and Change." These are simple, emotionally resonant phrases repeated constantly across media platforms.
Look at branding campaigns like Nike's "Just Do It." This concise, empowering message is repeated across their advertising, creating a strong association with the brand.
"This is the miracle of the age, that this man exists among us."
The cult of personality is still a powerful tool. Political leaders often cultivate an image of strength, charisma, and even infallibility. Consider the language used to build up CEOs like Steve Jobs ("visionary," "genius") or Elon Musk ("real-life Iron Man"). This type of language creates an aura of exceptionalism around these figures.
"It is the absolute right of the State to supervise the formation of public opinion."
We might believe that most democracies don't have state-controlled media; however, there are concerns about media consolidation, echo chambers, and misinformation online coming from the most powerful platforms. We hear complaints about this all the time. How often have we read and heard about "managing the narrative" and "controlling the message," which reflect a desire to shape public perception?
"The Jew is the enemy of the world."
Scapegoating remains a common tactic. Politicians and commentators may blame specific groups (immigrants, minorities, ethnic groups, indigenous populations, and the "other" party) for societal problems. Reputable PR professionals avoid such blatant hate speech. However, there are instances of negative campaigning and "dog-whistle" tactics used to subtly play on prejudice and fear.
Stories inspiring tomorrow
Learning from the earliest days of our efforts to communicate to the most groundbreaking PR campaigns of our time.
The Museum houses documents pre-dating the official formation of the field, including primary research about the novel campaigns that arose in the early 20th century, shaping the public’s perception of the public relations profession. As the field of public relations continues to evolve and progress, the Museum is continuously collecting new artifacts, expanding and updating the collection while preserving fundamental movements. We proceed to write history while we pave the path to the future of PR.
Edward Bernays, considered the "father of public relations," was a master of manipulating public opinion. He drew heavily on the work of his uncle, Sigmund Freud, applying psychological principles to shape public perception. Here are some of his most frequently used techniques and persuasion heuristics:
1. Appealing to Emotions:
Emotional Appeals: Bernays understood people are more easily persuaded by emotions than logic. He crafted campaigns that tapped into deep-seated desires, fears, and insecurities.
Example: To promote cigarettes to women, he linked smoking to ideas of freedom and rebellion, playing on the desire for empowerment.
2. Leveraging Authority and Social Proof:
Third-Party Authorities: He frequently used "experts" or authority figures to endorse products or ideas, lending credibility to his campaigns.
Example: He famously had doctors promote the benefits of a hearty breakfast, which included bacon, to increase sales for Beech-Nut Packing Company.
Bandwagon Effect: He created the impression that "everyone" was doing something, making people feel like they were missing out if they didn't conform.
Example: He organized "Torches of Freedom" marches, where women publicly smoked cigarettes to symbolize liberation, encouraging others to join the movement.
3. Creating Associations:
Linking Products to Desirable Concepts: Bernays connected products with positive emotions, values, or lifestyles.
Example: He associated Ivory soap with purity and cleanliness, promoting it as a way to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Product Placement: He pioneered the use of product placement in movies and other forms of entertainment.
4. Manufacturing "News":
Creating Events and "Pseudo-Events": Bernays staged events designed to generate media coverage and public interest.
Example: He organized elaborate fashion shows and publicity stunts to draw attention to his clients' products.
5. Utilizing "Opinion Leaders":
Influencer Marketing: He identified and collaborated with influential individuals who could sway the opinions of their followers.
Example: He worked with socialites and celebrities to promote products and trends.
Some of Bernays' Favorite Persuasion Heuristics:
Scarcity: Creating a sense of scarcity or limited availability to increase desire.
Reciprocity: Offering something of value to create a sense of obligation.
Commitment and Consistency: Encouraging small commitments that lead to larger ones.
Liking: Associating a product or idea with someone likable or attractive.
Many of Bernays' core principles have been amplified and refined in today's digital age. Let's look at some specific examples:
1. The Rise of the Influencer:
Bernays's approach: He recognized the power of "opinion leaders" – individuals who could sway the opinions of their followers. He collaborated with socialites and celebrities to promote products and trends. Now, we leverage the data produced by everyone via their interaction with social media.
Modern evolution: Today, we have "influencers" on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These individuals have built large, engaged followings and significantly influence their audience's purchasing decisions. Brands actively partner with them for product placements, endorsements, and sponsored content. [Insert image of Cloud Capital by Yanis.]
2. Engineering Consent Through Storytelling:
Bernays's approach: He understood the importance of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with the public's emotions and values. He created events and "pseudo-events" to generate media coverage and shape public perception.
Modern evolution: Brands now focus on creating engaging content that tells a story and emotionally connects with their target audience. This includes using social media, video marketing, native advertising, editorials, sponsored content, and interactive experiences to build brand loyalty and drive sales. Insert Chomsky's Manufacturing Consent.
3. The Power of Third-Party Validation:
Bernays's approach: He frequently used "experts" or authority figures to lend credibility to his campaigns.
Modern evolution: Today, we see this in online reviews, podcasts, YouTube channels, testimonials, and expert endorsements. Consumers are more likely to trust a product or service if it has been positively reviewed by others or endorsed by a credible source. Establishing credibility is essential to these forms of persuasion.
4. Manufacturing "News" in the Digital Age:
Bernays's approach: He staged events to generate media coverage.
Modern evolution: This has evolved into sophisticated digital marketing strategies involving search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and content marketing to generate "buzz" and drive traffic to websites and online platforms.
5. Exploiting Psychological Biases:
Bernays's approach: He tapped into psychological biases like scarcity, social proof, and authority to influence behavior.
Modern evolution: These biases are still heavily exploited in online marketing. Limited-time offers, countdown timers, and "only X items left" messages create a sense of urgency. Customer reviews and testimonials establish social proof.
There is no transparency.
Using these techniques responsibly and ethically is crucial, prioritizing transparency and authenticity. However, despite our awareness of these techniques, we remain vulnerable to them. They work on us, and unless we are diligent, they constantly influence us.
The convergence of science and technology has supercharged persuasive capabilities, leading to an unprecedented barrage of messages vying for our attention.
1. Data Science:
Personalized Persuasion: Data science provides granular insights into individual preferences, behaviors, and psychological profiles. This enables marketers and propagandists to tailor messages with pinpoint accuracy, increasing their effectiveness. Think of targeted ads on social media or personalized recommendations on streaming services.
Predictive Analytics: By analyzing vast datasets, algorithms can predict future behavior, allowing for preemptive messaging. This is used in political campaigns to identify undecided voters and tailor messages to sway them or in marketing to anticipate customer needs and offer relevant products.
A/B Testing and Optimization: Data science allows for continuous testing and refinement of persuasive strategies. A/B testing different versions of ads, website designs, or email subject lines helps identify what resonates most effectively with the target audience.
2. Information Technology:
Ubiquitous Connectivity: Smartphones and internet access have created constant connectivity, making us reachable anytime, anywhere. This allows for a constant stream of messages through notifications, social media updates, and targeted advertising.
Immersive Experiences: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) create immersive experiences that can be highly persuasive. Imagine a VR experience simulating climate change's effects or an AR game promoting a particular brand.
AI-Powered Content Creation: Artificial intelligence is being used to generate realistic images, videos, and even text, making it easier and cheaper to create persuasive content at scale.
3. Modern Psychology:
Behavioral Economics: Insights from behavioral economics, which studies the psychological factors influencing decision-making, are used to design "nudges" that encourage specific behaviors. This is used in public health campaigns to promote healthy choices or in marketing to drive sales.
Neuromarketing: This field uses brain imaging techniques to understand how consumers respond to marketing stimuli. This allows for optimizing ads and product design to trigger specific emotional responses.
4. Research on Consciousness:
Subliminal Messaging: While the effectiveness of traditional subliminal messaging is debated, consciousness research is exploring new ways to influence behavior below the level of conscious awareness. This raises ethical concerns about manipulation and free will.
The Consequences
Information Overload: We are bombarded with more messages than ever before, making it challenging to filter out noise and make informed decisions.
Increased Susceptibility to Manipulation: Sophisticated techniques can exploit our cognitive biases and vulnerabilities, making us more susceptible to manipulation.
Erosion of Trust: The constant barrage of persuasive messages can lead to cynicism and distrust of information sources. So, it's in vogue today to produce content criticizing the media, science, educational institutions, evidence-based medicine, etc., that feeds the fear and outrage produced by persuasion techniques deployed for profit and control.
What Can We Do?
Developing Critical Thinking Skills is crucial to knowing the techniques used to influence us and critically evaluate information.
Supporting Media Literacy Education on a mass scale is essential to equipping people with the skills to navigate the digital landscape and make informed choices.
Demanding Ethical Practices will hold marketers, politicians, and other persuaders accountable for using ethical and transparent techniques.
I needed a dose of hopium.
The question remains whether enough of us care. Without a critical mass of people demanding change, we will be buffeted by industrial persuasion until civilization dies.
The above is a brief survey of what's being used to manipulate us. If you care to look and learn, there is so much more out there to help you understand where your thoughts, ideas, and emotions come from.
The increasing sophistication of persuasion techniques and information overload makes it incredibly difficult to assess the information we encounter critically.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person or group makes someone doubt their own sanity, memory, or perception of reality. Its impact on critical thinking is profound, and it undermines a person's confidence in their judgment, making them more susceptible to manipulation and less likely to question information presented to them.
Today, it is common practice for a company to deny adverse ecological impacts despite the evidence or for a political figure to insist on falsehoods even when confronted with facts.
Greenwashing is misleadingly presenting a company or product as environmentally friendly to capitalize on consumer demand for sustainability. It exploits our desire to make ethical choices, leading us to accept claims without scrutiny. Oil companies are promoting their "green initiatives" while continuing to invest heavily in fossil fuels and unsustainable resource and energy-intensive activities.
We will need fossil fuels to transition towards sustainable local electrification and a culture more aligned with Nature and life. Wasting precious resources is out of the question today.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect is a cognitive bias in which people with low competence in a particular area overestimate their ability, while highly competent individuals tend to underestimate themselves. This effect can lead to unwarranted confidence in one's own understanding, making individuals less likely to seek additional information or consider alternative perspectives. John F. Kenedy Jr. has limited knowledge of vaccines while confidently spreading misinformation about their dangers.
Logical Fallacies are errors in reasoning that invalidate an argument. There are volumes full of examples. Logical fallacies can be persuasive because they often appeal to emotions or biases rather than logic. Recognizing them is crucial for evaluating arguments effectively.
Below are a few common examples:
Ad hominem: Attacking the person making an argument rather than the argument itself.
Straw man: Misrepresenting an opponent's argument makes refuting it easier.
False dilemma: Presenting only two options when more exist.
Cognitive Biases are systematic errors in thinking that affect our judgment and decision-making. Cognitive biases can lead us to favor information confirming our beliefs and ignore contradictory evidence.
Examples:
Confirmation bias: Seeking out information that supports our existing beliefs.
Anchoring bias: Over-relying on the first piece of information received.
Availability heuristic: Overestimating the likelihood of events that are easily recalled.
Heuristics are Mental shortcuts that simplify decision-making. While heuristics can be helpful, they can also lead to errors in judgment when applied inappropriately.
Examples:
Rule of thumb: Relying on a general rule that may not apply in all situations.
Affect heuristic: Making decisions based on emotions rather than rational analysis.
Learning about all the logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and heuristics is an enormous undertaking. Keeping track of them in our thinking seems impossible, but even being aware of them can help us think more clearly.
How can we overcome these challenges?
We must Be aware of our biases, recognize that everyone is susceptible to cognitive biases, and actively try to challenge our assumptions. Don't rely on a single source of information. Expose yourself to different viewpoints and consider alternative explanations. Verify information before sharing it, especially if it seems too good to be true or confirms your biases. Learn to critically analyze media messages, identify persuasive techniques, and evaluate sources. Be present and aware of your thoughts and emotions when consuming information. Disciplined thinking can help you recognize when biases or emotions influence you
By being mindful of these challenges and actively developing critical thinking skills, we can become more discerning information consumers and make more informed decisions in a world saturated with persuasive messages.
Now, let's explore the intersection of psychology, sociology, and environmental issues.
More Examples of Gaslighting:
In personal relationships, a partner consistently denies their infidelity despite the evidence, leading the other person to question their memory and perception.
In the workplace, a boss takes credit for an employee's work and then belittles the employee for questioning it, making the employee doubt their own contributions.
In politics, a political leader dismisses legitimate criticism as "fake news" or conspiracy theories, leading people to distrust reliable sources of information.
Greenbashing: The Backlash Against Environmentalism
Greenbashing involves discrediting and demonizing environmentalism and those advocating for environmental protection. Here are some techniques used:
Portraying environmentalists as extremists: Labeling them as "tree huggers," "radicals," or "eco-terrorists" to marginalize their concerns.
Accusing them of hypocrisy: Highlighting instances where environmental advocates don't perfectly adhere to their principles to undermine their credibility.
Emphasizing economic costs: This approach focuses on the potential job losses or economic disruptions associated with environmental regulations while downplaying the long-term benefits of sustainability.
Promoting skepticism about climate science: Casting doubt on the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change by highlighting uncertainties or promoting contrarian views.
Associating environmentalism with elitism: Framing environmental concerns as something only wealthy, out-of-touch people care about alienating working-class individuals.
Why "Roll Coal"?
"Rolling coal" is the act of modifying diesel trucks to intentionally emit thick black smoke, often targeting pedestrians, cyclists, or hybrid vehicles.
Anti-environmentalism: A deliberate act of defiance against environmental regulations and rejecting the "green" movement.
Expression of masculinity and power: The large trucks and excessive smoke are seen as symbols of masculinity and dominance.
Political statement: For some, it's a way to express conservative political views and opposition to government regulation.
Rebellion and anti-authoritarianism: A way to rebel against perceived social norms and express dissatisfaction with authority.
Stubborn, Wilful Ignorance and Dogmatic Beliefs
Deeply ingrained psychological and social phenomena:
Cognitive Dissonance: When confronted with information that contradicts their beliefs, people may experience discomfort (cognitive dissonance) and reject the information to maintain consistency.
Tribalism: People tend to identify with groups and adopt the beliefs of their in-group, even if those beliefs lack evidence. This leads to rejecting information that challenges the group's consensus (groupthink, motivated reasoning).
Emotional Reasoning involves making decisions based on emotions rather than logic. This can lead to clinging to beliefs that feel good, even if they are not supported by evidence.
Fear of the Unknown: Change can be scary, and clinging to familiar beliefs, even if flawed, can provide a sense of security.
Are People Generally Intellectually Lazy and Incurious?
I feel bad when I say people are inherently lazy or incurious. However, several factors contribute to people's lack of critical thinking:
Information Overload: The sheer volume of information makes it difficult to process everything critically.
Cognitive Biases: We are all susceptible to biases that distort our thinking.
Lack of Education: Education systems do not emphasize critical thinking skills enough.
Social and Cultural Influences: Our social circles and cultural backgrounds can shape our beliefs and make us resistant to new information.
So what can we do?
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach:
Promoting critical thinking skills: Education should focus on developing critical thinking, media literacy, and scientific literacy.
Encouraging open dialogue means creating spaces for respectful discussion and debate, where people can challenge their own beliefs and consider alternative perspectives.
Combating misinformation: Addressing the spread of misinformation and promoting reliable sources of information.
Fostering empathy and understanding: Building bridges between different groups and promoting understanding of diverse perspectives.
Fostering a culture that values critical thinking, open dialogue, and empathy can create a more informed and resilient society.
The complexity of the polycrisis, coupled with the vested interests of powerful actors, presents a formidable challenge to democratic solutions. However, history shows us that seemingly insurmountable power systems can be shifted through collective action. Here are some peaceful ways to organize and push back:
1. Building Awareness and Understanding:
Education and Knowledge Sharing: Promote education on complex systems, ecological literacy, and critical thinking. Support independent media and investigative journalism that expose corporate malfeasance and challenge dominant narratives.
Public Forums and Deliberative Democracy: Create spaces for open dialogue and deliberation on the polycrisis, where people can hear diverse perspectives and explore solutions collaboratively.
2. Grassroots Organizing and Mobilization:
Community Building: Strengthen local communities and build solidarity networks. This can involve community gardens, skill-sharing workshops, and mutual aid initiatives.
Direct Action and Civil Disobedience: Engage in peaceful protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience to disrupt the status quo and demand change.
Citizen Science and Participatory Research: Empower citizens to collect data and conduct research that challenges corporate narratives and informs policy decisions.
3. Political Engagement and Advocacy:
Supporting Progressive Candidates and Policies: Vote for candidates who prioritize social and environmental justice and advocate for policies that address the root causes of the polycrisis. Make sure they are willing to change the system that they work within. If they aren't, let them know you won't support them.
Lobbying and Advocacy: Pressure elected officials to hold corporations accountable and enact regulations that protect the public interest.
Building Coalitions: Form alliances with diverse groups and movements to create a broad-based coalition for change.
4. Economic and Social Alternatives:
Supporting Cooperatives and Social Enterprises: Promote alternative economic models prioritizing social and environmental well-being over profit maximization.
Localizing Production and Consumption: Support local businesses and reduce reliance on global supply chains.
Building Resilient Communities: Invest in community-based solutions for food security, energy production, and disaster preparedness.
5. Challenging Dominant Narratives:
Counter-Messaging and Storytelling: Develop compelling narratives that challenge the dominant narratives of consumerism, individualism, and endless growth.
Art and Culture: Use art, music, and other forms of cultural expression to raise awareness, inspire action, and envision alternative futures.
Addressing the Specific Challenges:
Complexity: Break down complex issues into digestible pieces and make them more accessible through visual aids and storytelling.
Vested Interests: Expose the influence of corporate money in politics and media and support campaign finance reform.
Anarcho-capitalist and Far-Right Ideologies: Challenge these ideologies by promoting solidarity, cooperation, and social justice values. Highlight the historical failures of unregulated capitalism and the dangers of authoritarianism.
Neo-reactionary Accelerationism: Emphasize the importance of democratic values and the potential for positive change through collective action. Challenge the nihilistic and destructive aspects of this ideology.
Key Principles:
Non-violence: Adhere to principles of non-violence and peaceful resistance.
Inclusivity: Build a broad-based movement that includes diverse voices and perspectives.
Long-term Vision: Focus on long-term systemic change, not just short-term gains.
Hope and Resilience: Maintain hope in the face of challenges and cultivate resilience to withstand setbacks.
The struggle against entrenched power structures is always challenging, but it is possible. By organizing, educating, and mobilizing, we can resist those who seek to undermine democracy and exploit the planet for profit. The future depends on our collective action.
The urgency of the climate crisis, the entrenched power of corporations, and the susceptibility of populations to manipulation create a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. But despair is not an option. We need to act strategically and decisively. Here's a breakdown of what needs to happen, focusing on realistic and impactful actions:
1. Target the Pressure Points:
Disrupt the Flow of Capital: While complete divestment from the status quo might be difficult, strategic boycotts and divestment campaigns targeting key corporations and industries can be impactful. Focus on sectors with the most significant environmental footprint and those actively lobbying against climate action.
Hit them where it Hurts: their Brand Image. Corporations are highly sensitive to public perception. Organize campaigns that expose greenwashing, highlight unethical practices, and tarnish brand reputations. Use social media, creative protests, and consumer pressure to force them to change.
2. Build Counter-Power:
Localize and Decentralize: Support local businesses, cooperatives, and community-owned initiatives. This builds resilience and reduces dependence on global corporations. Promote local food systems, renewable energy projects, and sustainable transportation options.
Strengthen Community Bonds: Foster a sense of community and solidarity by organizing community events, workshops, and mutual aid networks. This creates a support system for individuals and builds collective power.
3. Demand Systemic Change:
Political Action: Support candidates who champion environmental and social justice. Organize letter-writing campaigns, protests, and lobbying to demand policies addressing the polycrisis. Push for campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of corporate money in politics.
Legal Challenges: Support legal action against corporations and governments that are failing to act on climate change. Utilize existing legal frameworks to hold them accountable for environmental damage and human rights abuses.
4. Shift the Narrative:
Counter-Messaging: Challenge the dominant narratives of consumerism and endless growth. Promote alternative visions of a sustainable and equitable future. Use storytelling, art, and cultural events to engage people emotionally and inspire action.
Education and Awareness: Organize workshops, teach-ins, and public forums to educate people about the polycrisis and empower them to take action. Support independent media and investigative journalism that exposes corporate malfeasance and challenges the status quo.
5. Embrace Radical Change:
Degrowth and Post-Growth Economics: While degrowth is challenging, it must be part of the conversation. Explore alternative economic models that prioritize well-being and ecological sustainability over GDP growth.
Reimagine the Good Life: Challenge the consumerist definition of happiness and success. Promote values of community, connection, and meaningful work.
Realistically, What Can People Do in Their Communities?
Start small, think big: Even small actions can have a ripple effect. Reduce your own consumption, support local businesses, and engage in your community.
Connect with others: Find like-minded individuals and groups. Join existing organizations or start your own.
Be persistent: Change takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Stay focused on the long-term vision.
Can We Refuse to Do Business with Companies and Organizations?
While complete separation from the status quo may be challenging, we can make conscious choices to reduce our dependence on corporations and support alternatives. Every dollar we spend or choose not to spend is a vote for the kind of world we want to create.
Overcoming Reluctance to Change:
Appeal to Values: Frame the need for change regarding shared values like justice, fairness, and compassion.
Highlight the Benefits: Emphasize the positive aspects of a more sustainable and equitable society, such as cleaner air, healthier communities, and greater social cohesion.
Create a Sense of Urgency: Communicate the situation's urgency without fear-mongering. Emphasize that we have a window of opportunity to act, but it is closing rapidly.
Conservative and reactionary groups have power and money and despise everything I've outlined above. Still, there are areas of common interests and concerns we all share, like our love of life, freedom, health, and meaning. Understand that even our enemies are human and connected to us.
The Eight Beatitudes of Jesus - Matthew 5:3-10
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
One can find inspiration in any culture. We are all part of the human family.
The challenges are immense, but the stakes are too high to give up. We need to be bold, strategic, and persistent. We can create a future where human communities and life thrive by targeting pressure points, building counter-power, demanding systemic change, and shifting the narrative. It is time to act.
I must indulge in massive doses of hopium if I'm not to become grotesquely cynical and angry.
It's a sobering thought, but a major civilizational collapse is more likely than we want to admit. If such an event occurs, preserving knowledge and wisdom for future generations becomes paramount.
Here's how we can create information packages for posterity, focusing on building a new culture that respects ecological limits and avoids past mistakes:
1. The Medium:
Durable and Redundant: To safeguard against loss, information should be stored on multiple durable media (etched metal, clay tablets, durable paper) and in various locations.
Open Source and Accessible: Knowledge should be freely available and easily understandable, avoiding technical jargon or complex language.
Multi-format: Combine written text with illustrations, diagrams, and potentially audio/video recordings (if technology allows) for greater accessibility.
2. The Message: Core Principles
Interconnectedness: Emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and the delicate balance of Earth's systems. Explain concepts like ecology, biodiversity, and carrying capacity.
Sacredness of Life: Instill a reverence for all life forms, not just human life. Promote a worldview that sees humans as part of Nature, not separate from it.
Humility and Limits: Acknowledge the limitations of human knowledge and the potential for unintended consequences. Encourage caution, humility, and respect for natural limits.
Long-Term Thinking: Promote a long-term perspective that prioritizes the well-being of future generations over short-term gains.
Cooperation and Community: Emphasize the importance of cooperation, community, and shared responsibility for the well-being of all.
3. Practical Knowledge:
Sustainable Living Skills: Provide practical guides on ecological agriculture, permaculture, water conservation, renewable energy, natural building, and other essential skills for living harmoniously with Nature. We are Nature and dependent on Nature. When life dies, we die. When living systems are damaged, we are injured.
Traditional Knowledge: Preserve Indigenous knowledge systems and traditional ecological practices that have sustained communities for millennia.
Appropriate Technology: Document low-impact, resilient, and accessible technologies while cautioning against the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.
Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: Include information on conflict resolution, non-violent communication, and peacebuilding strategies to help future societies avoid destructive conflicts.
4. Warnings from the Past:
Document the Mistakes: Clearly explain the factors that led to the civilizational collapse, including ecological overshoot, social inequality, and the pursuit of endless growth.
Critique of Consumerism: Analyze the destructive elements of consumer culture and its impact on the environment and human well-being.
Cautionary Tales: Use historical examples and cautionary tales to illustrate the consequences of unsustainable practices, social injustice, and violence.
5. Inspiring a New Culture:
Stories and Myths: Create new stories and myths that embody the values of the new culture and inspire future generations to live in harmony with Nature.
Art and Expression: Encourage artistic expression that celebrates the beauty and interconnectedness of life and promotes ecological awareness.
Spiritual and Philosophical Reflections: Reflect on the meaning of life, the Nature of consciousness, and our place in the universe.
6. Locations and Guardians:
Decentralized Network: Establish a network of information repositories in diverse locations, protected from natural disasters and human conflict.
Guardians of Knowledge: Identify communities or individuals dedicated to preserving and transmitting the knowledge to future generations.
Beyond Information Packages:
Living Examples: Create intentional communities and ecovillages that embody sustainability principles and serve as living models for future societies.
Seed Banks and Heritage Sites: Preserve biodiversity and cultural heritage through seed banks, protected areas, and historical sites.
While the future remains uncertain, we must learn from our mistakes and preserve the knowledge necessary to help future generations create a more sustainable and just world. By creating information packages that combine practical knowledge, ethical guidance, and cultural inspiration, we can leave a legacy of wisdom and hope for the future.
Study, read, and learn from Nature, the natural sciences, and honest, wise, loving people. Our species may be headed for extinction, but trying to change that outcome can be a great adventure full of joy and excitement.
Many people disdain this perspective. Sometimes, it feels better to be part of a minority.
