Douglas Rushkoff discusses being a presentist, sticky websites, and the importance of collaboration in the digital future. He explores the origins of capitalism, the concept of existence within a simulation, and the process of writing a book. He also examines the impact of America's lack of presence and advocates for actively shaping the future.
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Quick takeaways
Capitalism needs to be checked to prevent the dominance of big corporations and harmful practices.
Creating an environment where people feel welcome to question prevailing systems and denaturalize power.
Using technology to enhance physical experiences while being mindful of its environmental and societal consequences.
Sharing personal stories in a safe space like literature allows for deeper engagement with emotions and ideas.
Deep dives
The Capitalism
Capitalism, while having its merits and achievements, needs to be checked to prevent the negative consequences of its unchecked power, such as the dominance of big corporations. The growth-oriented nature of capitalism can lead to harmful practices and inequality. It is important to recognize that capitalism is a social construct and challenge its assumptions and impacts.
Engendering Change
To promote change, we need to create an environment where people feel welcome to question the prevailing systems and beliefs. This includes denaturalizing power by recognizing that many aspects of our world are social constructions and not natural conditions. Additionally, triggering agency, helping individuals feel empowered to take action and have influence over their own lives and communities. Resocializing people to foster connection and collaboration, overcoming the fear and isolation that often characterize modern society. Cultivating awe and promoting experiences that remind us of the vastness of the world and our interconnectedness, leading to a broader perspective and a sense of wonder.
The Impact of Technology
The advent of technology, like VR and holograms, offers new possibilities but also brings challenges. Unifying the physical and digital worlds can lead to the colonization of our real world by digital entities, using more physical resources to deny human presence. Technology should be used to enhance rather than replace actual physical experiences and social interactions, while being mindful of the environmental and societal consequences of its production and consumption.
Reflection on Trauma and the Value of Literature
Sharing personal stories, like the experience of trauma, is a complex decision. It can be seen as seeking sympathy or exploiting personal experiences. However, the audience of book lovers and writers, who engage with ideas and emotions over time through literature, offer a safe space for exploring such sensitive topics. Processing trauma takes time, and book people understand the value of engaging with emotions and ideas on a deeper level.
The value of shared resources and the limitations of capitalism
The speaker discusses the benefits of sharing resources, such as lawnmowers, to reduce production, pollution, and unnecessary spending. This challenges the premise of capitalism as the foundation of society, suggesting that the economy should serve people, not the other way around.
The question of living in a simulation
The speaker ponders whether humans exist in a digital simulation or if our reality is shaped by religious or philosophical beliefs. They argue that regardless of the nature of our existence, we are limited by our sensory organs and the illusions created by our perceptions.
The distinction between awe and spectacle
The podcast explores the difference between experiencing awe and being subjected to spectacle. While awe allows individuals to feel connected to something greater and escape the illusion of individuality, spectacle is designed to manipulate crowds and generate collective rage against a perceived enemy.
The role of spectacle in harnessing crowd energy and focus
The speaker explains that spectacle is engineered to unify a crowd, provoke passion, and assert authority in the name of God or nature. Spectacle aims to focus the energy of the crowd against a designated enemy, which can then be harnessed for various purposes, such as selling products or promoting political ideologies.
Douglas Rushkoff joined CSPAN's Book TV to discuss his career in a wide-ranging conversation with callers. Originally published by CSPAN on October 1, 2023.
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