The Id is An Alien

If we consider the id as an alien, we could hypothesize that it is a separate entity that resides within the human psyche, perhaps even an extraterrestrial parasite that has evolved to influence human behavior for its own benefit. The id would then be seen as an intelligent, non-human force that exists within us and influences our actions, desires, and impulses. It would be an entity that is not subject to the same rules and constraints as the conscious mind, and its motivations and goals would be largely unknown to us.

One possible interpretation of the id as an alien could be seen through the lens of evolutionary psychology. From this perspective, the id would be an ancient, primitive force that evolved over millions of years to help humans survive and reproduce. It would be a survival mechanism that helps us respond quickly to threats and opportunities, without the need for conscious thought or deliberation. In this sense, the id could be seen as an extraterrestrial intelligence that has been co-opted by human evolution to serve its own needs.

Another possible interpretation of the id as an alien could be seen through the lens of psychoanalytic theory. From this perspective, the id is a repository of our most primitive and instinctual desires, such as aggression, sexuality, and self-preservation. It is an entity that is largely beyond our conscious control and operates according to its own logic and rules. If we imagine the id as an alien entity, we could see it as a force that is largely foreign to us, operating according to a different set of principles and motivations.

Overall, while it is not scientifically accurate or rational to view the id as an alien entity, the idea does raise interesting questions about the nature of the human psyche and our relationship with our own instincts and desires. Whether viewed as an ancient survival mechanism or a foreign entity that exists within us, the id remains a mysterious and powerful force that shapes our behavior and influences our lives in profound ways.

Vinyl and Proprioception

Vinyl records can be experienced through the following senses:

  1. Sight: The visual experience of vinyl includes the artwork and design of the record cover, the color and texture of the vinyl itself, and the movement of the record on the turntable.
  2. Sound: The most obvious sense involved with vinyl, the sound quality and characteristics of vinyl are often considered superior to digital formats, with vinyl’s warmth, depth and unique tone.
  3. Touch: The tactile experience of vinyl includes the feeling of the grooves on the vinyl, the weight of the record, and the sensation of handling the record itself.
  4. Smell: The smell of vinyl can be a sensory experience for some people, with the earthy, musty scent of an old record adding to the overall experience.
  5. Taste: While not a recommended or common practice, some people have reported the taste of vinyl after accidentally licking it.
  6. Proprioception: The physical sensation of moving and handling vinyl, the way it feels in your hands as it is placed on the turntable or lifted off the needle, is also part of the vinyl experience.

Proprioception is the sense of awareness and perception of one’s own body and its movements. When handling a striated spiral vinyl record, proprioception can include the physical sensations of the grooves and ridges as the record is held, rotated and placed onto a turntable, and the awareness of the positioning and movement of the stylus along the grooves. Proprioception of a striated spiral vinyl record can also include the sensation of the record’s weight and balance as it is held, as well as the sensation of the turntable’s movement and vibrations through the record and into the stylus. Overall, the proprioceptive experience of handling a striated spiral vinyl record can contribute to the overall sensory experience of listening to music on vinyl.

Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time

This is a famous quote attributed to American author Henry Ford. The quote suggests that stopping advertising in order to save money is a counterproductive strategy because advertising is a critical component of a successful business strategy.

Advertising helps businesses to build brand awareness, reach new customers, and communicate the benefits of their products or services. By stopping advertising, a business could potentially lose out on valuable opportunities to reach its target audience, which could lead to decreased sales and revenue in the long run.

The comparison to stopping your watch to save time is a metaphorical way of emphasizing the point that stopping advertising would not actually save money in the long run, just as stopping your watch would not actually make time go slower. Both actions would be futile and counterproductive.

Only one product can maintain value as everything else is devalued refers to the idea that in a market economy where goods and services are constantly being produced and consumed, the value of most products tends to decrease over time. However, advertising is the one product that can maintain its value because it has the ability to shape consumer behavior and create demand for products.

In other words, while physical products may lose value as they become outdated or are replaced by newer models, advertising has the power to influence consumer perception and convince them that a product is still valuable and relevant.

For example, consider a smartphone that is released today. Over time, as newer and more advanced models are released, the value of this phone will decrease as it becomes outdated. However, if the company invests in advertising that highlights the phone’s unique features and benefits, it may be able to maintain or even increase its value in the eyes of consumers.

Similarly, think of a fast-food chain that introduces a new menu item. Initially, the item may be popular and in demand, but over time, as customers try it and move on to other options, the value of the item may decrease. However, through effective advertising campaigns that emphasize the item’s taste, quality, and affordability, the chain can maintain interest and demand for the product.

In essence, advertising has the power to create perceived value in the eyes of consumers, even when the intrinsic value of the product itself may be decreasing. As a result, advertising can be a valuable and effective tool for businesses looking to maintain or increase the value of their products over time.

Retrogression – Time loops

The phenomenon of nostalgia and its effects on contemporary culture often involving a longing for a simpler or more idealized time is pervasive in contemporary culture and has many effects on society, including:

  1. Cultural revival: Nostalgia often leads to the revival of cultural artifacts, such as music, fashion, and film. For example, the popularity of 80s and 90s fashion trends in recent years can be seen as a nostalgic longing for a simpler time.
  2. Idealization of the past: Nostalgia often involves an idealization of the past, where the present is seen as inferior to a time that is remembered as better or more authentic. This idealization can lead to a rejection of contemporary culture and values.
  3. Consumerism: The nostalgia industry, including merchandise, fashion, music, and movies, is a lucrative market. The commodification of nostalgia can lead to a consumerist culture where people are encouraged to buy products that evoke feelings of nostalgia.
  4. Political implications: Nostalgia can have political implications, with some politicians using nostalgia as a tool to appeal to voters. For example, a politician might appeal to nostalgia for a past era of economic prosperity or national pride to gain support.

Our culture’s obsession with its own history is stifling innovation and creative expression.

The past has always been an important influence on the present. However, in recent years, the pace and intensity of this influence have reached unprecedented levels. With the rise of digital technology and the Internet, the past is more accessible than ever before, and that this constant availability of nostalgic artifacts has led to a kind of cultural feedback loop in which the past is endlessly recycled and rehashed.

This preoccupation with the past has had a negative impact on creativity and innovation. The constant rehashing of old ideas and cultural artifacts has led to a kind of stagnation in the cultural sphere, in which new ideas and voices struggle to be heard. The constant recycling of the past has led to a kind of cultural homogenization, in which everything begins to look and sound the same.

Moreover, this preoccupation with the past has also had a negative impact on our ability to engage with the present. Our constant immersion in nostalgia has created a kind of cultural myopia, in which we are unable to see beyond the past and engage with the challenges and opportunities of the present. This, in turn, has led to a kind of cultural paralysis, in which we are unable to confront the complex and urgent problems facing our society.

There have been several periods throughout history in which people have looked to the past as a source of inspiration or guidance. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Renaissance: During the 14th to 17th centuries, there was a renewed interest in the arts, culture, and learning of ancient Greece and Rome. This “rebirth” of classical ideals was a reaction to the perceived cultural and intellectual decline of the Middle Ages.
  2. Neoclassicism: In the 18th century, there was a revival of interest in the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. This was seen as a way of reviving the principles of reason, order, and rationality that were associated with classical antiquity.
  3. The Romantic Era: In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, there was a nostalgic longing for the simpler, more authentic world of the past. This was expressed in literature, music, and art that often evoked medieval or folk traditions.
  4. The Victorian Era: In the 19th century, there was a fascination with the past that manifested in the Gothic Revival architecture, medievalism, and interest in historical costume and artifacts.
  5. The Belle Époque: This period in European history, roughly spanning from the late 19th century to the outbreak of World War I, was characterized by a fascination with the past, particularly the 18th century. This was reflected in fashion, architecture, and art that drew on the rococo and neoclassical styles of the previous century.
  6. The 1960s: This decade saw a resurgence of interest in 1920s and 1930s culture, particularly in fashion and music. This was seen as a way of rejecting the conformism and conservatism of the 1950s and embracing a more liberated and avant-garde sensibility.
  7. The 1980s: This decade saw a revival of 1950s and 1960s culture, with a particular emphasis on music, fashion, and film. This was seen as a reaction to the political and social upheaval of the 1970s.
  8. The 1990s: In the aftermath of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall, there was a nostalgia for the optimism and idealism of the 1960s and 1970s. This was reflected in music, fashion, and popular culture that drew on the aesthetic and political ideals of the counterculture.

In each of these periods, people were drawn to the past as a way of understanding their own present and finding meaning and inspiration in history. While there are similarities between these periods and our contemporary culture’s obsession with nostalgia, it is important to note that each era had its own unique cultural and historical context that shaped its relationship to the past.

Progress and endofhistoritarians

There three kinds of people, those conflate progress with market efficiencies and those who conflate culture with market inefficiencies

So real progress is allowing a certain amount of market inefficiencies combined with a bunch of cultural efficiencies?

Progress is the continuous discarding of simplifications when they obviously become albatrosses around your neck while in search of simplicity

progress is a continuous process of refinement and improvement. It involves a constant reevaluation of our assumptions and simplifications, and a willingness to discard them when they no longer serve us.

As we learn and grow, we accumulate knowledge and develop mental models to help us make sense of the world. These models can be useful in many situations, but they can also become limiting when they no longer accurately reflect reality or prevent us from seeing new possibilities.

Ultimately, progress is not about achieving a final destination but about continually striving to improve and evolve. By discarding simplifications that no longer serve us, we can uncover new opportunities for growth and innovation, and create a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the world around us.

End of history

The concept of the “end of history” can be seen as a rent-seeking behavior because it seeks to establish a final and unchanging order that benefits those who have gained power and influence under the current system. By arguing that liberal democracy and free-market capitalism have emerged as the ultimate and final form of government and economics, those who have benefited from these systems seek to entrench their position of power and influence by discouraging further political and economic experimentation and innovation.

This behavior is rent-seeking because it seeks to extract economic or political rents, or benefits, without creating any new value or innovation. By trying to establish the “end of history” as a final and unchanging state, these actors seek to prevent new political and economic systems from emerging, thus limiting competition and innovation.

However, as I mentioned earlier, the idea of the “end of history” is myopic precisely because it ignores the ongoing complexity and dynamism of human societies and the world in which we live. While liberal democracy and free-market capitalism may have emerged as dominant systems in the late 20th century, there is no guarantee that they will continue to be successful in the future. New challenges and opportunities may require new forms of governance and economics, and preventing experimentation and innovation could limit our ability to respond to these challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, the idea of the “end of history” can be seen as a rent-seeking behavior because it seeks to entrench the position of those who have benefited from the current system by preventing further experimentation and innovation. However, this behavior is short-sighted and ignores the ongoing complexity and dynamism of human societies and the world in which we live.

Yes, the idea of the “end of history” can be seen as a toll on innovation because it seeks to establish a final and unchanging order that discourages experimentation and innovation.

This can have negative consequences for human progress because innovation is a key driver of progress and social advancement. Without innovation, we are unlikely to be able to address new challenges and opportunities that arise over time. Moreover, by discouraging experimentation and innovation, we limit our ability to improve upon existing systems and create new possibilities for human flourishing.

In conclusion, the idea of the “end of history” can be seen as a toll on innovation because it discourages experimentation and innovation, which are key drivers of progress and social advancement.

Simplicity, Entropy and Simplification

The relationship between simplicity and complexity is a fundamental aspect of many systems and processes, ranging from the natural world to human-made technologies. While simplicity is often associated with clarity, elegance, and efficiency, the process of simplification can sometimes lead to oversimplification or loss of important information, which may reduce clarity and increase disorder in the long run.

One example of this tension between simplicity and complexity is the role of history in shaping our understanding of the world. The statement “history is randomness retconned as necessity” suggests that events in history may appear to have been necessary in hindsight, but in reality, they may have been the result of chance or randomness. This idea is often attributed to the concept of the “butterfly effect,” which suggests that small, seemingly insignificant events can have far-reaching and unpredictable consequences. In this sense, our understanding of history may be oversimplified or incomplete, leaving out important details that may have led to different outcomes.

Similarly, the statement “simplicity is not the same as simplification” highlights the difference between the concept of simplicity and the process of simplification. While simplicity is often associated with clarity, elegance, and efficiency, simplification involves reducing complexity to achieve simplicity. However, simplification may sometimes lead to oversimplification or loss of important information, which may reduce clarity and increase disorder in the long run. For example, in the field of science, oversimplifying a complex system may lead to inaccurate or incomplete models, which may hinder our ability to predict or understand the system.

Simplicity = easy to understand, clear, straightforward, associated with elegance and efficiency.

Simplification = making something simpler, reducing complexity, can improve clarity, but may oversimplify or lose important info.

Black boxes

Black Box (ie artist) simplifies by hiding complexity and showing inputs/outputs, reducing tech knowledge needed but can hinder troubleshooting/changes due to lack of transparency/understanding.

This refers to a system or process that is viewed in terms of its inputs and outputs, without knowledge of its internal workings. The black box simplifies complexity by hiding details of its inner workings, making it easier for users to interact with it. However, this simplicity can also limit transparency and understanding, which may hinder troubleshooting or modifications. For example, in the field of software development, a black box approach may simplify the user experience but may make it difficult to diagnose and fix bugs or other issues.

Simplification as entropy collaborationist

while simplification may reduce complexity in the short term, it may also increase disorder and unpredictability in the long run, especially if important details are oversimplified or lost. This highlights the importance of considering the long-term implications of simplification when making decisions about how to approach a complex system or process.

Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system, and in the context of simplification, it can refer to the increase in disorder or unpredictability that can result from attempts to reduce complexity. Collaborationist refers to the idea that simplification can work in tandem with entropy, effectively making it easier for disorder to spread or take hold.

In other words, simplification may make it easier to manage or interact with a complex system, but it can also increase the potential for disorder to emerge or spread. This can happen in a variety of ways. For example, simplifying a complex social system may make it more vulnerable to unintended consequences, such as unintended biases or discrimination. Simplifying a complex technological system may make it more prone to bugs, vulnerabilities, or other security issues.

To understand how simplification can act as an entropy collaborationist, it’s useful to consider the example of a complex ecosystem. Ecosystems are composed of many different species, each with its own unique role and niche. When one species becomes dominant or goes extinct, it can have ripple effects throughout the entire system, leading to unpredictable and potentially harmful consequences. Simplifying the ecosystem by reducing the number of species or ignoring their individual roles can make it easier to manage or exploit, but it can also make it more vulnerable to disruptions and collapses.

Similarly, in the context of human-made systems, simplification can lead to unintended consequences or negative outcomes. For example, simplifying a financial system by reducing regulations or oversight may make it easier to navigate or conduct business, but it can also increase the potential for fraud or systemic risk. Simplifying a political system by reducing the number of checks and balances or suppressing dissent may make it easier to govern, but it can also increase the potential for corruption or authoritarianism.

Composition

The mind naturally seeks out patterns and structure in the world around us, and this tendency is a key factor in how we perceive and understand visual information.

simplicity is not merely a matter of reducing complexity or minimizing visual elements. Rather, simplicity is a function of the underlying structure and organization of a visual composition. A composition may contain many elements, but if they are organized in a clear and logical way, the overall effect can be one of simplicity and coherence.

simplicity is closely tied to the idea of economy, or the idea that a composition should contain only the elements necessary to convey the intended message or meaning. In this sense, simplicity is not merely an aesthetic principle, but also a practical one. By minimizing unnecessary elements and focusing on the essential aspects of a composition, an artist or designer can create a more effective and impactful work.

This highlights the importance of structure and organization in visual perception and aesthetics. By understanding the principles of simplicity and economy, artists and designers can create compositions that are not only visually appealing, but also clear, coherent, and effective in conveying their intended message or meaning.

Counterpoint and the Wave function

Counterpoint is a musical technique that involves the interplay between multiple melodic lines that are played simultaneously. This can be a useful analogy for understanding the wave-particle duality of quantum objects.

In quantum mechanics, the wave-particle duality describes how particles, such as electrons or photons, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior. The wave function is a mathematical representation of a quantum particle’s state that contains information about both its wave-like and particle-like properties.

Just as in counterpoint, where multiple melodies are played simultaneously, the wave function can be seen as a combination of different waves, each with its own frequency and amplitude. These waves interfere with each other to create a complex pattern that describes the particle’s behavior.

When a measurement is made on the particle, the wave function collapses and the particle’s properties are determined. This collapse can be thought of as a single melody emerging from the interplay of multiple melodies in counterpoint.

So, in a sense, counterpoint can help us visualize the invisible transformation of the wave function into a particle, as it captures the idea of multiple entities coexisting and interacting to create a complex whole.

Convenience

Overproduction of convenience creates codependency. If we produce too many useful things, we create a surplus of people who are no longer necessary or useful to our goalpost changing. Which in turn can create a pool of Übermensch who are dependent on these conveniences and may become less self-sufficient as a result

“Groucho’s quote exposes the paradox of adhering to protocols and values, especially when it comes to honesty and integrity. In capitalist societies, success often requires prioritizing self-interest and competition over ethical considerations. On the other hand, success and recognition may also demand conformity to prevailing norms, irrespective of one’s personal beliefs.

This paradox of values/protocols, coupled with a preference for the dominant economic paradigm over relaxed attitudes, can result in an overproduction of convenience goods to maintain the illusion of progress and prosperity. However, this overproduction can exacerbate the underlying issues we are attempting to address through protocols.”

The New Emperor’s New Clothes: “Empirethink”

Twitter, a platform that was once seen as a catalyst for political change and social justice, has now become a breeding ground for propaganda, misinformation, and hatred. The ability to connect and communicate with people from all over the world in real-time has been exploited by those with vested interests, leading to the mirroring of “empirethink” and the capture of whole sectors of the economy.

It is no surprise that when a new leader comes into power, people expect change. However, the reality is often disappointing, and it seems that no matter how much people voice their opinions on Twitter, little seems to change. It’s as if Twitter has become a primordial soup of ideas, but soup of ideas can only seem to be translated into empirethink.

“Empirethink” is not limited to any one political ideology or party, but rather is a widespread phenomenon that transcends the traditional left-right divide. It is a way of thinking that prioritizes the interests of the elite and powerful over the needs of the wider society.

On the right, “empirethink” can be seen in the form of corporate capture of government and regulatory bodies, where powerful interests are able to shape policy in their own favor, often at the expense of workers and consumers. This can also manifest in the form of nationalist rhetoric that seeks to maintain the status quo and protect the interests of a privileged few.

On the left, “empirethink” can take the form of the belief in a centralized, technocratic approach to governance that is disconnected from the needs and desires of everyday people. This can lead to policies that are out of touch with the realities of people’s lives, and can result in a sense of disempowerment and alienation.

Regardless of the specific manifestation, “empirethink” is ultimately a mindset that perpetuates the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few, and perpetuates a system of inequality and exploitation.

The solution to “empirethink” is not to simply replace it with a different, more “breezy” version of the same mindset. Rather, it requires a fundamental deconstruction of the underlying framework of power and privilege that enables it to thrive. This means challenging the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few, and working to build a more just and equitable society.

This will require a reorientation of our political and economic systems, away from the interests of the elite and towards the needs of the wider society. It will require empowering everyday people to take control of their own lives and communities, and building structures of governance and decision-making that are more transparent, participatory, and accountable.

The truth is that Twitter was never the problem. The problem lies in the capture of entire sectors of the economy by those who seek to maintain their power and privilege. This “empirethink” has become so entrenched that it is nearly impossible to challenge, let alone change.

The rise of Trump and the veer to the right are not a result of Twitter or social media. Rather, they are a symptom of a society that has been controlled by the elite for far too long. The failure to address this issue and acknowledge the miscalculations of the so-called “non-elite” only exacerbates the problem.

It is tempting to focus on destroying Twitter or other platforms that have been hijacked by those in power. However, this is a misguided approach that will only serve to reinforce the status quo. Instead, we must address the root cause of the problem and work to dismantle the structures of power that have enabled “empirethink” to thrive.

Body Without Organs

The “body without organs” is a central concept in the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari. It refers to a state of being or a mode of existence in which the body is no longer defined by fixed or predetermined structures, functions, or meanings.

According to Deleuze and Guattari, the body without organs is a state of pure potentiality, in which the body is free to explore and experiment with new modes of existence, without being constrained by social norms, expectations, or categories. In this sense, the body without organs is a kind of “undifferentiated” or “unformed” body that is open to new possibilities and experiences.

One example of the body without organs can be found in the realm of art, where artists often strive to create works that challenge established norms and conventions. For example, the avant-garde movements of the 20th century sought to break down traditional forms and structures in art, such as the representational or narrative forms found in painting and literature, and to explore new modes of expression that were more abstract, experimental, and open-ended.

Another example of the body without organs can be found in the realm of politics and social movements. In movements such as feminism, queer activism, and anti-racism, activists have sought to challenge established norms and power structures that define and constrain the body, such as gender roles, sexual norms, and racial categories. By disrupting these norms and creating new modes of existence, they seek to create a more liberated and equal society.

Overall, the concept of the body without organs is an important part of Deleuze and Guattari’s philosophy, and it has been influential in a wide range of fields, from art and literature to politics and social theory. It highlights the potential for creativity, experimentation, and liberation in the human body, and the importance of breaking down fixed or predetermined structures in order to create new possibilities and modes of existence.