"If we trace a quick portrait/caricature of contemporary Man, we’re talking about: a neurotic being floating about a matrix-like world where nothing is real, yet convinced absolutely everything is about power structures (which are, paradoxically, very real according to them), crammed into a hyper-capitalistic society where production and achievement are never-ending goals, trapped in a God-less, a-moral materialistic worldview. What could go wrong?
Yet we wonder why teenagers are nervous wreaks plagued by anxiety, depression, cutting, suicide attempts, designer drugs and no sex. We’ll see where this goes from here; the lack of real philosophers, instead of the pastiche influencers who pass as thinkers today, isn’t going to help…"
"I held no coherent values—I had one set of rules for Bad people and another set for Good people, as determined by gossip and emotional impulsivity."
This is dead-on. The wokeists, social-justice set, whatever you call them, adhere to no consistent, underlying moral principles. They have a series of sympathies, and may the gods help you when that sympathy ends.
Thanks Hailey! I've found it freeing to realize that, once I put something out into the world, its meaning becomes a collective endeavour that is outside of my control. Surely the world Is better with messy/honest art than timid/cautious art, or not art at all!
Me too! I've had those exact same thoughts about writing and painting pieces whose themes were the death or George Floyd, and subsequent rioting, or uncovering of mass graves at the sites of residential schools... I felt uncertain about creating those pieces... but firm in that we can all experience the shame and sadness of this legacy
I think it's a deeply human impulse you're describing. While it didn't provide easy answers, I found reading Kwame Anthony Appiah's book "The Lies That Bind," particularly the section on cultural appropriation, challenged my opinion on the subject in a really good way.
I think it would be lovely to gather folks who have made their various exits together to talk about where they all landed and what possibilities have emerged in their many iterative leavings. What a gift to share those stories and to bear witness to one-another's humanness.
"If we trace a quick portrait/caricature of contemporary Man, we’re talking about: a neurotic being floating about a matrix-like world where nothing is real, yet convinced absolutely everything is about power structures (which are, paradoxically, very real according to them), crammed into a hyper-capitalistic society where production and achievement are never-ending goals, trapped in a God-less, a-moral materialistic worldview. What could go wrong?
Yet we wonder why teenagers are nervous wreaks plagued by anxiety, depression, cutting, suicide attempts, designer drugs and no sex. We’ll see where this goes from here; the lack of real philosophers, instead of the pastiche influencers who pass as thinkers today, isn’t going to help…"
https://vicenteulive.substack.com/p/the-constructivist-paradigm-shift
Intriguing!
That was raw to read. I've been on the wrong end of people carrying these tropes, especially what you say about trying to write a book.
That’s really tough. There will always be something to criticize if one is determined enough. It’s a real creativity killer.
Yes, basically. There are solutions, but they involve an awful lot of writing off sunk cost.
Another bang-on-point instalment. You’re an inspiration and I’ll leave a better comment after more thought. Thanks so much for this!
Thanks friend!
"I held no coherent values—I had one set of rules for Bad people and another set for Good people, as determined by gossip and emotional impulsivity."
This is dead-on. The wokeists, social-justice set, whatever you call them, adhere to no consistent, underlying moral principles. They have a series of sympathies, and may the gods help you when that sympathy ends.
The smear campaigns often seem to target the poor soul who, intentionally or not, exposes the lack of coherent principles.
Thank you for this 🧡
You are most welcome :)
Really appreciated this, especially the paragraph where you highlighted the contradictions that arose when you tried to create. Thank you!
Thanks Hailey! I've found it freeing to realize that, once I put something out into the world, its meaning becomes a collective endeavour that is outside of my control. Surely the world Is better with messy/honest art than timid/cautious art, or not art at all!
Me too! I've had those exact same thoughts about writing and painting pieces whose themes were the death or George Floyd, and subsequent rioting, or uncovering of mass graves at the sites of residential schools... I felt uncertain about creating those pieces... but firm in that we can all experience the shame and sadness of this legacy
I think it's a deeply human impulse you're describing. While it didn't provide easy answers, I found reading Kwame Anthony Appiah's book "The Lies That Bind," particularly the section on cultural appropriation, challenged my opinion on the subject in a really good way.
I think it would be lovely to gather folks who have made their various exits together to talk about where they all landed and what possibilities have emerged in their many iterative leavings. What a gift to share those stories and to bear witness to one-another's humanness.
What a wonderful idea! Related scheming shall commence shortly.