The concept of the “end of history” has been a topic of debate in political theory for many years. The notion that history has ended and that there is no longer a need for serious politics or ideological conflict has been propagated by scholars such as Francis Fukuyama. According to this theory, the end of history represents the culmination of human progress, with the triumph of liberal democracy and capitalism over all other ideologies. However, some critics argue that this theory represents a dangerous illusion that obscures the true nature of politics.

One such critic argues that the left-right divide is nothing more than an illusion that has been conjured to obscure the fact that there is no serious divide at all. Instead, there is only a broad consensus on a bureaucratic anti-politics that has taken hold in modern society. In this view, no serious politics is necessary anymore, and history has ended. Instead, there is only space for some perennial bureaucratized technical management.

According to this perspective, left and right can only adopt positions around the center and fight the culture wars under the flag of “capitalism realism,” individualism, universalism, and “meliorism” (the belief in perpetual progress à la Steven Pinker). In other words, politics has become a contest of who can best manage the status quo rather than a battle of competing visions for the future.

This view of politics is deeply troubling, as it implies that there is no longer any need for serious political engagement or debate. Instead, politicians are reduced to mere technocrats who are tasked with managing the existing system, rather than changing it. This has serious implications for democracy, as it suggests that the public’s role is limited to choosing between slightly different variations of the same technocratic approach while a bureaucratized technical management and capitalism realism sips our lives.

Bureaucratized technical management has its roots in the industrial revolution, where the need for efficient management of large factories and production lines was paramount. Over time, this approach to management has become increasingly sophisticated, with the development of techniques such as scientific management, which seeks to optimize efficiency through the application of scientific principles. Bureaucratized technical management is now the dominant form of management in most large organizations, including governments and corporations.

While bureaucratized technical management has been successful in achieving its goal of increasing efficiency, it has also had some negative consequences. One of the most significant of these is the dehumanization of work. The focus on efficiency and productivity has led to workers being treated as mere cogs in a machine, with little consideration given to their individual needs or aspirations. This has led to widespread dissatisfaction with work, which can have a negative impact on mental health and overall wellbeing.

Capitalism realism is the idea that capitalism is the only viable economic system, and that there are no realistic alternatives. This idea has become increasingly prevalent in modern society, with many people accepting it as an indisputable truth. However, this acceptance of capitalism realism has also had some negative consequences.

One of the most significant of these is the perpetuation of inequality. Capitalism rewards those who are able to accumulate wealth and power, often at the expense of those who are less fortunate. This has led to a widening wealth gap, with the rich becoming richer and the poor becoming poorer. This inequality can have significant social and political consequences, including increased crime rates, social unrest, and political instability.

Furthermore, the acceptance of capitalism realism has led to a lack of imagination when it comes to considering alternatives. This has limited the development of new economic models that could potentially address some of the problems inherent in capitalism. As a result, we are left with a system that is increasingly unsustainable, both economically and environmentally.

In conclusion, bureaucratized technical management and capitalism realism are two concepts that have had a significant impact on modern society. While they have both been successful in achieving their respective goals, they have also had negative consequences that must be critically examined. It is important that we continue to question these concepts and explore alternatives, in order to create a more equitable and sustainable society.

Furthermore, this perspective obscures the fact that there are still significant differences between different political ideologies. While it is true that the left-right divide has become blurred in recent years, there are still meaningful differences between those who advocate for greater social and economic equality, and those who prioritize individual freedoms and the free market. To suggest that these differences do not matter is to deny the very essence of political debate and democratic choice.

In conclusion, the idea that history has ended and that there is no longer a need for serious politics is a dangerous illusion that obscures the true nature of politics. While the left-right divide may have become less clear in recent years, there are still meaningful differences between competing ideologies. To suggest that these differences do not matter is to deny the very essence of democratic debate and choice. Rather than accepting the end of history as an inevitability, we should continue to engage in meaningful political discourse and work towards a more just and equitable future.

Cold Medium in 10 Technologies

The lockdowns imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted our daily routines and forced us to confront the reality of isolation and social distancing. For many people, this has been a difficult and challenging time, but for some, it has provided an opportunity for self-reflection and creative exploration. One such individual is myself. During the lockdown, I have discovered a new appreciation for engaging with music and media in different ways, and this has been a positive and transformative experience.

In the past, I found myself constantly consuming media in the form of hot mediums such as television, YouTube, and streaming services like Netflix. However, over time, I began to realize that these platforms had reached their shelf life and were no longer providing me with the same level of satisfaction or engagement. I began to crave something new and different, and I found this in the form of cooler mediums such as turntables and streams, as well as my own creative pursuits.

I have always been an avid reader, but during the lockdown, I found myself delving even deeper into literature, exploring new authors and genres. I also picked up my guitar and began strumming more often, letting my mind wander and getting lost in the music. And, of course, I turned to social media platforms like Twitter, where I found myself engaging with others in new and exciting ways.

These changes in my media consumption habits have not only been a welcome distraction from the stresses of the pandemic but have also allowed me to tap into my own creativity and explore new avenues of self-expression. I am no longer content to simply consume media that is handed to me by others. Instead, I am actively seeking out new and interesting ways to engage with the world around me.

Marshall McLuhan was a Canadian philosopher, writer, and communication theorist who gained worldwide recognition for his groundbreaking work on media and its effects on human society. One of his most significant contributions to this field was the concept of “hot” and “cold” mediums.

According to McLuhan, a medium can be classified as “hot” if it is high in definition and low in participation. In contrast, a medium is considered “cold” if it is low in definition and high in participation. A hot medium, such as a television, demands a high level of attention and provides a complete sensory experience that requires little interpretation or participation from the viewer. In contrast, a cold medium, such as a book, requires active interpretation and participation from the reader to create a complete sensory experience.

McLuhan’s theories on hot and cold mediums had significant implications for our understanding of media and its impact on human society. He argued that hot mediums tend to create a sense of uniformity and passivity in society, while cold mediums encourage participation, interaction, and critical thinking. In this sense, cold mediums can be seen as more democratic, as they require a higher level of engagement and participation from the user.

One of the key characteristics of cold mediums is their ability to be inclusive and participatory. McLuhan argued that cold mediums, such as the telephone or the internet, allow for greater interaction and exchange of ideas between individuals, leading to a more democratic and participatory society. In contrast, hot mediums, such as television or radio, tend to create a more passive and homogeneous society, where individuals are more likely to consume information than to actively participate in its creation or dissemination.

Furthermore, McLuhan believed that cold mediums encourage greater creativity and innovation. In his view, the low definition of cold mediums requires the user to fill in the gaps and create their own meaning, leading to a more active and creative engagement with the medium. In contrast, hot mediums provide a complete and highly structured sensory experience, leaving little room for interpretation or creativity.

In conclusion, Marshall McLuhan’s theory of hot and cold mediums has had a profound impact on our understanding of media and its role in shaping human society. His work has highlighted the importance of participatory and interactive media in promoting democracy, creativity, and innovation. As we continue to develop new technologies and media, it is essential to consider the implications of hot and cold mediums for our society and our individual experiences.

Next a list of ten technologies listed can be considered a cold medium:

1. Augmented Reality (AR) – AR is considered a cold medium because it requires active participation and engagement from the user to interpret and integrate the digital information into the real world.
2. Virtual Reality (VR) – VR is a cold medium because it creates a fully immersive environment that demands active engagement from the user to interact with and navigate.
3. Haptic Feedback – Haptic feedback is a cold medium because it involves physical sensations that are less intense than those experienced in the real world, and therefore require more active interpretation by the user to understand and respond to.
4. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) – BCIs are considered a cold medium because they involve a direct interface between the user’s brain and a digital device, requiring conscious interpretation and control by the user.
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI is a cold medium because it involves the simulation of human-like intelligence and decision-making, but does not engage the senses or require active participation from the user.
6. Blockchain – Blockchain is considered a cold medium because it creates decentralized, secure systems for exchanging data and transactions that do not require active participation from the user once they are set up.
7. Internet of Things (IoT) – IoT is a cold medium because it involves the connection of everyday objects and devices to the internet, but does not necessarily require active participation or engagement from the user once they are connected.
8. 3D Printing – 3D printing is considered a cold medium because it involves the creation of physical objects from digital designs, which do not necessarily engage the senses or require active interpretation by the user once the design is created.
9. Quantum Computing – Quantum computing is a cold medium because it involves the processing of information using quantum-mechanical phenomena, but does not necessarily engage the senses or require active participation from the user once the system is set up.
10. Nanotechnology – Nanotechnology is considered a cold medium because it involves the manipulation of matter at the nanoscale, which is too small to be directly perceived by the senses, and does not necessarily require active interpretation or participation from the user once the materials or devices are created.

The collapse of the electric medium that has shaped our postwar consensus has significant implications for our sense of identity and the way we engage with the world around us. As we move towards a new era of media and communication, it is important to consider how we can adapt and evolve our identities to meet the challenges of this changing landscape.

One possible approach is exit through exaptation. This concept involves taking existing features or functions and repurposing them in new and unexpected ways. By doing so, we can create novel solutions and pathways that were not possible before. This approach allows us to break free from the constraints of the old medium and explore new avenues of creativity and innovation.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether these changes will coalesce into a new form of media or art. However, I believe that the potential is there. If someone can find a way to combine these different mediums and approaches into something truly innovative and inspiring, the future is theirs for the taking.

In the meantime, I am content to continue exploring and experimenting with different forms of media and creative expression. I believe that the surest bet is to turn all of this into an art form and to attach ourselves to the objects and atmosphere around us. We must resist the urge to always seek out the familiar and known, and instead embrace the unknown and explore the uncharted territories of our own creativity.

In closing, I am reminded of the Brian Eno prompt, “Think desires and convert to sources.” This is a powerful reminder that we must tap into our own desires and passions in order to create something truly original and inspiring. By doing so, we can unlock new levels of creativity and innovation and chart a course towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.

The development of behavioral technologies intended for military-grade persuasion in cyber-operations has its roots in a particular perspective on human beings. This perspective views individuals as manipulable subjects rather than rational agents, which is at odds with the way they should be viewed in democratic societies. As a result, the use of these technologies raises important ethical and moral questions about the nature of democracy, human freedom, and individual autonomy.

Behavioral technologies are designed to influence and manipulate the behavior of individuals, and they often rely on the exploitation of cognitive biases and psychological vulnerabilities. In the context of cyber-operations, these technologies are used to target individuals with personalized content and messaging, often with the goal of changing their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors. The development of such technologies is based on the assumption that individuals can be easily influenced and manipulated, and that their behavior can be predicted and controlled through the use of targeted interventions.

This perspective on human beings is at odds with the way they should be viewed in democratic societies. In democratic societies, individuals are viewed as rational agents who are capable of making their own decisions and choices, and who have the freedom to express their views and opinions without fear of coercion or manipulation. Democracy requires the active participation of citizens, who are expected to be informed and engaged in the political process. The use of behavioral technologies in cyber-operations undermines this ideal by treating individuals as passive subjects to be manipulated rather than as active citizens with agency and autonomy.

Moreover, the use of behavioral technologies raises important ethical and moral questions about the nature of freedom and individual autonomy. The ability to influence and manipulate individuals’ behavior can be seen as a form of coercion that violates their autonomy and freedom. In a democratic society, individuals are entitled to make their own choices and decisions, even if those choices or decisions are not in line with the preferences of those in power. The use of behavioral technologies to influence and manipulate individuals’ behavior can be seen as a violation of this fundamental principle, as it seeks to undermine individuals’ agency and autonomy.

In conclusion, the development of behavioral technologies intended for military-grade persuasion in cyber-operations is rooted in a specific perspective on human beings, one that is at odds with the way they should be viewed in democratic societies. The use of these technologies raises important ethical and moral questions about the nature of democracy, human freedom, and individual autonomy. As such, it is important to carefully consider the implications of these technologies and to ensure that they are used in ways that respect individuals’ autonomy and agency, and that do not undermine the principles of democracy.

The problem with Incrementalism: Unless the trick is to dabble incrementalism as an infinite series 1 + 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + 1/32 + … where “…” means keep going. What is supposed to add up is 2 ends up in the Zeno’s paradox, the arrow sneaks on his victim, Achilles sneaks up on the tortoise It is how you can do infinitely many things in a finite time. Do the first thing; do the second thing one minute later; do the third thing half a minute after that; then the fourth thing and so on. After a while you’ve done infinitely many things but you still didn’t get to 2 You did a lot of other stuff but you didn’t get to 2. Some futures are harmless, others are not. How do you tell? I have no answer but I’d use a heuristic that if your concept does not lead to red flags and contradictions, then it’s safe to use, but if it does, then it isn’t.

Here are 10 historical examples where incrementalism failed to achieve success over time:

1. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States: Despite incremental progress, the movement faced significant setbacks and backlash, and it wasn’t until more radical and confrontational tactics were employed that significant changes were made.
2. The War on Poverty in the United States: Despite incremental efforts to alleviate poverty through programs such as food stamps and Medicare, poverty rates remained relatively unchanged, and the program has been criticized for not addressing the root causes of poverty.
3. The British policy of appeasement in the lead-up to World War II: Despite incremental concessions to Nazi Germany, Hitler continued his aggressive expansionist policies, leading to the outbreak of war.
4. The Kyoto Protocol on climate change: Despite incremental reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by participating countries, global emissions continued to rise, and the agreement ultimately failed to meet its targets.
5. The United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals: Despite incremental progress towards reducing poverty and improving access to education and healthcare, many of the goals were not met by the 2015 deadline.
6. The gradual abolition of slavery in the United States: Despite incremental measures such as the Fugitive Slave Act and the Emancipation Proclamation, the institution of slavery was not fully abolished until the end of the Civil War.
7. The War on Drugs in the United States: Despite incremental efforts to reduce drug use and trafficking through increased law enforcement and mandatory minimum sentencing, drug use and trafficking rates remained high, and the policy has been criticized for its disproportionate impact on communities of color.
8. The United Nations’ efforts to prevent genocide in Rwanda: Despite incremental warnings and attempts to intervene, the international community failed to prevent the genocide that took place in 1994.
9. The Chinese policy of gradual economic reform in the 1960s and 1970s: Despite incremental efforts to liberalize the economy, economic growth remained stagnant until more radical reforms were implemented in the late 1970s.
10. The American policy of containment during the Cold War: Despite incremental efforts to contain Soviet influence through military alliances and economic aid, the policy ultimately failed to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The phrase “Government as the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex” is a play on a quote from musician Frank Zappa, who said, “Politics is the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex.” Zappa was known for his satirical and critical views of American politics and society, and this quote is often cited as an example of his commentary on the relationship between government and the military-industrial complex.

The phrase “military-industrial complex” was first coined by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address to the nation in 1961. He warned of the dangers posed by the close relationship between the military and the defense industry, and the potential for them to exert undue influence over government policy. Over the years, this relationship has only grown stronger, and it has become increasingly clear that the government serves as the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex.

The military-industrial complex is a term used to describe the relationship between the government, the military, and the defense industry. This relationship is characterized by the close cooperation between these entities, with the government providing the military with funding and support, and the defense industry supplying the military with weapons and other equipment. This relationship has been responsible for some of the most significant technological advances in history, but it has also given rise to concerns about the influence of the defense industry on government policy.

One of the most significant ways in which the government serves as the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex is through the use of propaganda. Propaganda is a tool used by governments to shape public opinion and influence behavior. In the context of the military-industrial complex, propaganda is used to promote war and military spending. Governments use the media to create a narrative that justifies military action, portraying it as a necessary response to a threat or an act of self-defense. The government also uses propaganda to promote military spending, framing it as an investment in national security and economic growth.

Another way in which the government serves as the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex is through the promotion of military culture. The military is often portrayed in popular culture as heroic and glamorous, with films, TV shows, and video games depicting soldiers as brave warriors who are willing to sacrifice everything for their country. This portrayal of the military creates a sense of patriotism and nationalism, which in turn helps to justify military action and military spending. It also encourages young people to join the military, creating a steady supply of new recruits for the armed forces.

Finally, the government serves as the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex by creating a spectacle of war. War is often portrayed as an exciting and dramatic event, with the media providing constant coverage of battles, bombings, and other military action. This coverage creates a sense of drama and excitement around war, making it seem like a thrilling adventure rather than a tragic and devastating event. This spectacle of war creates a sense of detachment from the reality of war, making it easier for the government to justify military action and military spending.

In conclusion, the government serves as the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex by using propaganda to promote war and military spending, promoting military culture through popular culture, and creating a spectacle of war that glamorizes and justifies military action. This relationship between the government, the military, and the defense industry has been responsible for some of the most significant technological advances in history, but it has also given rise to concerns about the influence of the defense industry on government policy. It is important for the public to be aware of this relationship and to be critical of the government’s actions in promoting war and military spending.