The Sunday Read: ‘The Strange, Post-Partisan Popularity of the Unabomber’
Apr 27, 2025
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Charles Homans, a reporter for The New York Times, discusses the unsettling phenomenon of 'Tedpilling,' where people find resonance with the Unabomber's manifesto, especially regarding technology's impact on society. He explores the growing sympathy for Kaczynski's critiques across political divides, raising alarm about how his ideas are shaping modern debates. Homans delves into the cultural dialogue surrounding his radical beliefs, igniting reflection on the implications for today's youth and the tech industry amidst ongoing technological anxieties.
The resurgence of interest in Ted Kaczynski’s manifesto highlights a growing societal skepticism towards technology and its effects on well-being.
Kaczynski's ideas are increasingly being co-opted across the political spectrum, merging critiques of technology with existential concerns in a postpartisan context.
Deep dives
The Resurgence of Kaczynski's Ideas
Ted Kaczynski's manifesto, once seen as radical, has gained unexpected traction in contemporary society, particularly among younger generations. While it was primarily ignored post-September 11, recent years have seen a revival, with individuals from diverse political backgrounds expressing interest in his critiques of technology. This phenomenon, termed 'Ted-pilling,' describes the experience of resonating with Kaczynski's observations on the detrimental effects of technological advancement, prompting some to view his predictions as eerily accurate as modern issues like AI and societal disconnection come to light. The public's growing unease with technology has allowed Kaczynski's once-dismissed ideas to be reconsidered, largely reflecting the changing political landscape and societal attitudes towards innovation.
Diverse Audience for Kaczynski's Philosophy
The appeal of Kaczynski's manifesto has become notably postpartisan, capturing attention across a political spectrum that includes both right-wing extremists and more mainstream figures. Prominent commentators and politicians have increasingly described Kaczynski’s insights on technology as valid, albeit with an understanding of his violent actions. For example, figures like Tucker Carlson and Blake Masters have acknowledged Kaczynski's criticisms of modern society, suggesting that a recognition of the negative aspects of technological dependence transcends traditional political affiliations. This cross-political interest highlights a shared anxiety regarding the consequences of advanced technology, leading to a complex reassessment of Kaczynski's ideology.
Cultural Reflection and 'Doomerism'
In contemporary discourse, Kaczynski's manifesto has been co-opted to reflect a sense of existential dread known as 'Doomerism,' where individuals perceive technology as an inescapable menace. This mindset combines apocalyptic fears with a hopeful notion that beyond the dystopia lies potential for transformation. Social media has amplified Kaczynski's reach, with memes and discussions framing him as a voice to be heeded, often blending humor with serious contemplation about modern life's challenges. Such discussions reflect a broader cultural need to reconcile the growing realities of technological influence with personal and societal well-being, positioning Kaczynski as a bizarre icon of resistance in a tech-saturated world.
Online, there is a name for the experience of finding sympathy with Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber: Tedpilling. To be Tedpilled means to read Paragraph 1 of Kaczynski’s manifesto, its assertion that the mad dash of technological advancement since the Industrial Revolution has “made life unfulfilling,” “led to widespread psychological suffering” and “inflicted severe damage on the natural world,” and think, Well, sure.
Since Kaczynski’s death by suicide in a federal prison in North Carolina nearly two years ago, the taboo surrounding the figure has been weakening. This is especially true on the right, where pessimism and paranoia about technology — largely the province of the left not long ago — have spread on the heels of the coronavirus pandemic and efforts to police speech on social media platforms.
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