In some regards it's like the battles of the Greek Titans, in reality far away removed from us. No one we put in power makes a difference, unless, revolution.
The idea is to give you the interpretation of the facts so that you will not interpret the facts and to hold off on giving you important facts long enough so that you no longer care. That way, there will be no thinking for yourself. Here's what we know about the unknown situation. That's right!
57:00 For over a year, I have been saying that we are regressing to a pre-Gutenberg world. Very soon the only things you can even consider trusting will be your own recollections, physical clippings or other evidence, and perhaps a very few people to whom you are very close and can trust implicitly. Everything else will be unreliable.
We are always being played—that is the only thing we really know to be true.
It's quite possible that printing was a terrible invention, because lies spread faster than truth, and 99% of the books of the world are lies.
Compare to prehistoric sacred oral traditions, where kids were taught to repeat their mentors stories/histories, in sacred manner, over and over again, til the youth knew their story perfectly.
I think "99% lies" is an overstatement, but I take your point. Though, maybe you are thinking more about writing than moveable type? There was a world of scribes and clay tablets and papyrus and parchment lasting about 3 or 4 millennia between oral traditions and mass-produced reading materials. Essential question still valid to ask, either way.
Back when I was growing up in the 1950s-60s, humanity was still trying to make sense of nuclear weapons, and it was an open question whether human intelligence and hands with opposable thumbs would, in the fullness of time, turn out to be successful evolutionary adaptations, or lead to extinction. Still no answer, 2 weeks shy of 80 years since Trinity and 72.6 years since Ivy Mike.
The libertarian/anarchist author James C. Scott published a book in 2017, "Against the Grain," where he marshals considerable evidence that the invention and diffusion of agriculture has on the whole been a serious mistake if human health and well-being is the criterion. I do not know the answer, but the thinking is interesting.
So, yeah, inventions that confer immediate advantage may, or may not, be net benefits in the very long run.
But, I am wondering, even if we believe the Gutenberg Revolution a good thing, is it now reaching its end, and a new world is dawning.
Every step away from nature is a step towards death. Every muscle not used in manual labour is a muscle with no purpose.
The greatest evil ever created by man was stepping away from the Garden of Eden and creating 7000 years of civilisation, or shall we say, self-aggrandizing. Our species is simply weird! (I say this as a political biologist)
Brilliant. I found the analysis of the news and not answering questions to be brilliant. I’d add the assassination attempts of the President to that long list.
Paying for Matt and Walter is the best money I spend.
Excellent! Weekly fix! Sort of??
Well... I know SOME PEOPLE have been checking their email since they freeaking got up this morning! (No names...)
LOL
Wow. It's like Prairie Home Companion...but for smart, angry people :-)
The media today is a handful of billionaires fighting each other through puppet shows.
In some regards it's like the battles of the Greek Titans, in reality far away removed from us. No one we put in power makes a difference, unless, revolution.
I liken it to Godzilla vs Mothra....Whoever wins, we know for a fact that the city will be destroyed at the end of it....
Ultimately, all cities must die, the demise is simply beyond our pay grade :)
https://x.com/StudentLoanJus1/status/1939841010466791932
Yay! You’re on!
The idea is to give you the interpretation of the facts so that you will not interpret the facts and to hold off on giving you important facts long enough so that you no longer care. That way, there will be no thinking for yourself. Here's what we know about the unknown situation. That's right!
Is it supposed to be video?
I don't think so. At least I don't see any video option either. Which I guess makes sense...?
Coverage of this in 1986 would have lasted for months and months. Today, this is already last week's news. Literally and figuratively.
The P Diddy story is getting more coverage than this story today.
I don't even hear about the UN freaking out, New coalitions in the mid-east being formed, etc. Just crickets...
57:00 For over a year, I have been saying that we are regressing to a pre-Gutenberg world. Very soon the only things you can even consider trusting will be your own recollections, physical clippings or other evidence, and perhaps a very few people to whom you are very close and can trust implicitly. Everything else will be unreliable.
We are always being played—that is the only thing we really know to be true.
It's quite possible that printing was a terrible invention, because lies spread faster than truth, and 99% of the books of the world are lies.
Compare to prehistoric sacred oral traditions, where kids were taught to repeat their mentors stories/histories, in sacred manner, over and over again, til the youth knew their story perfectly.
I think "99% lies" is an overstatement, but I take your point. Though, maybe you are thinking more about writing than moveable type? There was a world of scribes and clay tablets and papyrus and parchment lasting about 3 or 4 millennia between oral traditions and mass-produced reading materials. Essential question still valid to ask, either way.
Back when I was growing up in the 1950s-60s, humanity was still trying to make sense of nuclear weapons, and it was an open question whether human intelligence and hands with opposable thumbs would, in the fullness of time, turn out to be successful evolutionary adaptations, or lead to extinction. Still no answer, 2 weeks shy of 80 years since Trinity and 72.6 years since Ivy Mike.
The libertarian/anarchist author James C. Scott published a book in 2017, "Against the Grain," where he marshals considerable evidence that the invention and diffusion of agriculture has on the whole been a serious mistake if human health and well-being is the criterion. I do not know the answer, but the thinking is interesting.
So, yeah, inventions that confer immediate advantage may, or may not, be net benefits in the very long run.
But, I am wondering, even if we believe the Gutenberg Revolution a good thing, is it now reaching its end, and a new world is dawning.
Every step away from nature is a step towards death. Every muscle not used in manual labour is a muscle with no purpose.
The greatest evil ever created by man was stepping away from the Garden of Eden and creating 7000 years of civilisation, or shall we say, self-aggrandizing. Our species is simply weird! (I say this as a political biologist)
~ bravo gentleman! the combo of face to face & live audience raised your game. ~
Outstanding - one of your very best.
A masterpiece in content and delivery
Brilliant. I found the analysis of the news and not answering questions to be brilliant. I’d add the assassination attempts of the President to that long list.
And the Lahaina devastation fire - has it even happened?
No turn unstoned…
That was great, guys. Thank you so much.
Great discussions. Thought I would loose context by not seeing these two but the opposite happened. Concentrates the senses. Excellent podcast….