"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture

Is Bureaucracy Killing Civilization?

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Nov 1, 2024

Explore the warnings from early 20th-century thinkers about the collapsing civilization under the weight of bureaucracy. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of modern governance on personal freedoms and societal health. Learn how historical philosophies reflect current political dynamics and the challenges posed by oppressive bureaucratic systems. The conversation also tackles the evolution of governance and the consequences of growing state control, revealing a pressing need for spiritual and intellectual revival in today's society.

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INSIGHT

Historic Predictions on Bureaucracy

World War-era historians like Spengler and Quigley predicted 21st-century collapse themes such as atheism and bureaucracy-driven tyranny.
Our society has intellectually regressed, ignoring their urgent warnings about bureaucracy destroying Western civilization.

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INSIGHT

Bureaucracy as Civilizational Threat

The greatest threat to Western civilization is the unchecked rise of bureaucracy.
It destroys what made the West great, transforming it into a broken tyranny.

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ANECDOTE

Trash Can Fines Example

Rudyard Lynch recalls living where the town fined him for leaving his trash can out early.
This exemplifies how bureaucracy controls even trivial aspects of personal life.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

The Dangers of Bureaucracy and the Quest for Empowerment

01:57 • 5min

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Class Analysis and Political Power Dynamics

06:54 • 2min

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The Evolution of Governance: From Monarchy to Bureaucracy

09:13 • 13min

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The Nanny State Tyranny of Britain

22:16 • 2min

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The Rise and Fall of Bureaucracy

24:24 • 28min

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The Old Regime and the French Revolution

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Alexis Henri Charles Maurice Clérel de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville's "The Old Regime and the French Revolution" offers a profound analysis of the social, political, and economic factors that led to the French Revolution. Tocqueville examines the complexities of the Ancien Régime, highlighting the deep-seated inequalities and tensions that existed within French society. He provides insightful observations on the role of the bureaucracy, the aristocracy, and the peasantry in shaping the course of the revolution. His work is notable for its nuanced understanding of the interplay between class conflict and ideological forces. Tocqueville's analysis remains relevant today, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of social change and revolution.

Bullshit Jobs

A Theory

David Graeber

In 'Bullshit Jobs: A Theory', David Graeber argues that a significant portion of jobs in modern society are meaningless and contribute little to no value. He categorizes these jobs into five types: flunkies, goons, duct tapers, box tickers, and taskmasters. Graeber contends that these jobs are not only inefficient but also psychologically destructive, leading to chronic misery and social divisions. The book is based on his 2013 essay 'On the Phenomenon of Bullshit Jobs' and includes testimonials from workers who feel their jobs are pointless. Graeber suggests solutions such as unions and universal basic income to address the issue of meaningless work.

The Total State

Peter Turchin

The storm before the storm

The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic

Duncan, Michael (Podcaster)

Mike Duncan

This book chronicles the years 146-78 BC, a period marked by the rise of economic inequality, social and ethnic prejudice, and rampant corruption, which ultimately led to the collapse of the Roman Republic. Duncan explores how men like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set new precedents that undermined the traditional principles of the Republic, leading it towards destruction. The book also draws parallels between the decline of the Roman Republic and contemporary political issues, highlighting the importance of maintaining democratic norms and addressing social and economic inequalities.

The decline of the West

Oswald Spengler

The managerial revolution

James Burnham

Tragedy and hope

A History of the World in Our Time

Carroll Quigley

In 'Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World in Our Time', Carroll Quigley provides a detailed world history spanning from the industrial revolution and imperialism through two world wars and a global economic depression. The book examines the transition from a world dominated by Europe in the 19th century to the three-bloc system of the 20th century. Quigley, as an interpretative historian, analyzes the complex historical context of these events, highlighting the influence of science and technology on human life and the intricate financial and commercial patterns of the West. The book also discusses the role of an Anglo-American banking elite in shaping global events and the impact of various secret societies and organizations on world history.

The road to serfdom

Friedrich Von Hayek

In this influential book, Hayek argues that the abandonment of individualism and classical liberalism leads to a loss of freedom, the creation of an oppressive society, and ultimately, the tyranny of a dictator. He challenges the view that fascism and Nazism are capitalist reactions against socialism, instead positing that these ideologies share common roots in central economic planning and the empowerment of the state over the individual. The book emphasizes the dangers of collectivism and the importance of maintaining a free market system to preserve human freedom and dignity.

Leviathan and its Enemies

Sam Francis

The World War-era historians—Spengler, Toynbee, Quigley—operated at intellectual levels we can't match today. Despite our "progress" myth, we've intellectually regressed. These giants accurately predicted our 21st century collapse: atheism, caesarism, social alienation, population decline. Their most urgent warning? BUREAUCRACY would destroy Western civilization if left unchecked. We ignored them, and now it's devouring everything that made our civilization great, exactly as they predicted.

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Bibliography: * means book was really important for this video

The Managerial Revolution by James Burnham**

Tragedy and Hope by Carroll Quiggley

The Evolution of Civilizations by Carroll Quigely

The Old Regime and the French Revolution by De Toqueville

A New World Begins by Poptkin

Fire in the Minds of Men by Billington

Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber

Leviathan and Its Enemies by Sam Francis**

Strategy by Lawrence Freedman

On Grand Strategy by John Lewis Gaddis

Decline of the West by Oswald Spengler

War in Human Civilization by Azar Gat

Sex and Power in History by Amaury de Riencourt

The Soul of China by Amaury de Riencourt

The Ruling Classes by Gaetano Mosca

The Fate of Empires by Hubbard

The History of Philosophy by Bertrand Russel

Why Nations Fail by Robinson and Acemoglu

A Secular Age by Charles Taylor

The Gulag Archipelago Solzenitsyn

The Total State by Auron Macintyre*

The Revolt of the Elites by Christopher Lasch

The Storm before the Calm by George Friedman*

Rise of the West by McNeil

On Politics by Aristotle

The Soul of India by Amaury de Riencourt

The Sea and Civilization by Lincoln Payne

The West and the Rest by Niall Ferguson

Reason and Faith by Sam Gregg

The Shaping of America by Meinig

Caesar and Christ by Will Durant

The Life of Greece by Will Durant

Destiny Disrupted Tamim Ansary

Empires of the Atlantic World by Elliot

The 13th Century World System by Abu Laughed

Colonial Empires from the 18th century by Fieldhouse

War What is it good for by Ian Morris

The Lonely Crowd by David Riesman

Regime Change by Deenan

Atrocities by Matthew White

The Road to Serfdom by Hayek

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