What is Left Accelerationism and Post-Work? Interview with Nick Srnicek
Sep 10, 2023
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Guest Nick Srnicek, author of 'Platform Capitalism' and 'Inventing the Future', discusses left accelerationism, the trend of crypto enthusiasts identifying as accelerationists, and the fight for freedom from work. They also touch on their latest book about the history of the home and the fight for free time.
Left accelerationism challenges the idea of capitalism as the final stage of human history and advocates for leveraging technologies to create a future beyond its constraints.
Accelerationism intersects with de-growth and neoluddism, as they share the recognition of the need for conscious technology use and the critique of relentless economic growth.
Accelerationism appeals to individuals in the crypto space due to its under-determined nature, allowing different interpretations and the potential for technology to augment freedom.
Deep dives
Accelerationism as a response to neoliberalism
Accelerationism is seen as an answer to the struggles of the left in the era of neoliberalism. It aims to bring forth the idea that capitalism is inherently unable to generate a more modern and alternative modernity. It challenges the notion that neoliberalism is the pinnacle of human society and argues that capitalism, despite its promises of freedom and innovation, is a highly constraining system. Accelerationists advocate for moving beyond capitalism to achieve true freedom and dynamism.
Differences between right and left accelerationism
Originally, there was no clear divide between right and left accelerationism. However, over time, a split emerged. Right accelerationism, associated with figures like Nick Land, embraced capitalism as the driving force of history and focused on its destructive powers. Left accelerationism, on the other hand, questioned the notion of capitalism as the final stage of human history and critiqued its oppressive and exploitative aspects. Left accelerationists argued for leveraging technologies like automation, universal basic income, and a shorter working week to undermine the key linchpins of capitalism and create a future beyond the constraints of the current system.
De-growth and neoluddism in relation to accelerationism
De-growth and neoluddism are two other movements that intersect with accelerationism. De-growth challenges the pursuit of infinite economic growth and calls for a shift in focus towards sustainable and equitable alternatives. It emphasizes the need to rethink our habits, question the value of constant economic growth measured by GDP, and use technology consciously to address environmental concerns. Neoluddism, inspired by the historical luddites, questions the unbridled embrace of technology and emphasizes the importance of collective determination and small-scale technologies. While these movements may seem opposed to accelerationism at first glance, there are areas of convergence, such as the recognition of the need for conscious technology use and the critique of the prevailing economic growth paradigm.
Accelerationism and its Appeal in the Crypto Space
One main idea discussed in the podcast is the appeal of accelerationism to individuals interested in cryptocurrency. The speaker suggests that accelerationism is attractive in the crypto space due to its under-determined nature, allowing different interpretations and the ability to align with different ideologies. Furthermore, the concept of acceleration allows individuals to focus on various aspects of technology, such as artificial intelligence or crypto, and see them as potential accelerators. However, the speaker also highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of accelerationism, shifting the focus from merely accelerating things to a broader notion of freedom and its augmentation through technology.
The Burden of Care Work and the Ideology of Hustle Culture
Another major topic discussed in the podcast is the burden of care work and the impact of hustle culture on society. The speakers explore the privatization of care and the expectation that individuals should personally provide for their families. They criticize hustle culture for promoting the idea that hard work is the solution to financial struggles and creating a hierarchy that divides people into hard workers and the lazy. They also highlight that technology introduced in the home has not necessarily reduced the drudgery of care work, as increased standards and expectations have led to more work rather than more free time. The podcast suggests the need for alternative social structures and an understanding of the true meaning of freedom, which includes free time and alleviating burdens through technology in a bottom-up approach.
I spoke to Nick Srnicek, author of 'Platform Capitalism', 'Inventing the Future' and the 'MANIFESTO FOR AN ACCELERATIONIST POLITICS'. Together we dissect the roots of accelerationist politics of which Nick is known for his work on left accelerationism, its controversial implications, and its ongoing interpretation.
We discuss why he doesn't like the term accelerationist anymore, the trend of many people in crypto world identifying as accelerationists without knowing what it means, and the fight for freedom from work. We also talk about his latest book 'After Work: A History of the Home and the Fight for Free Time' which he co-wrote with his partner Helen Hester.
Big thank you to Dallas Taylor for helping edit this episode!
If you liked the podcast be sure to give it a review on your preferred podcast platform. If you find content like this important consider donating to my Patreon starting at just $3 per month. It takes quite a lot of my time and resources so any amount helps. Follow me on Twitter (@TBSocialist), Mastodon (@theblockchainsocialist@social.coop), or Bluesky and join the r/CryptoLeftists subreddit and Discord to join the discussion.
ICYMI I've written a book about, no surprise, blockchains through a left political framework! The title is Blockchain Radicals: How Capitalism Ruined Crypto and How to Fix Itand is being published through Repeater Books, the publishing house started by Mark Fisher who’s work influenced me a lot in my thinking.
The book is officially published and you use this linktree to find where you can purchase the book based on your region / country.
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