I know your Substack focuses almost exclusively on technological change, but I hope you spare a though for cultural change as well. It's possible that we've gotten a little too far over our skis, in terms of progressive ambitions, and should return to some old human fundamentals in order to improve our lives: family, religion, restrictive (although not coercive) public morality, community.
Will our lives be better if the current cultural and social and demographic trends accelerate and we have AI and neuralink and green energy-fueled abundance? Or would they bet better without those advances and stronger communities, closer families, stabler norms and roles (even without the increased wealth and opportunity)? We don't have to pick between the two options, of course. I just think it's good to remember that humans aren't built to live as individuals. We're not designed to choose among unlimited options and to fulfill ourselves with careers and consumption. We shouldn't pursue heedless technological change, even at the risk of social corrosion, or people will suffer.
I know your Substack focuses almost exclusively on technological change, but I hope you spare a though for cultural change as well. It's possible that we've gotten a little too far over our skis, in terms of progressive ambitions, and should return to some old human fundamentals in order to improve our lives: family, religion, restrictive (although not coercive) public morality, community.
Will our lives be better if the current cultural and social and demographic trends accelerate and we have AI and neuralink and green energy-fueled abundance? Or would they bet better without those advances and stronger communities, closer families, stabler norms and roles (even without the increased wealth and opportunity)? We don't have to pick between the two options, of course. I just think it's good to remember that humans aren't built to live as individuals. We're not designed to choose among unlimited options and to fulfill ourselves with careers and consumption. We shouldn't pursue heedless technological change, even at the risk of social corrosion, or people will suffer.
https://jmpolemic.substack.com/p/the-new-right
I'm reading through your catalog right now.