In this conversation, political theorist and artist Mike Watson shares insights from his book, 'Hungry Ghosts in the Machine.' He examines the influence of digital culture on community and identity, questioning whether our modern malaise stems from capitalism or human nature. Watson discusses the God Helmet's implications on spirituality, critiques the materialist left, and advocates for deeper engagement in philosophical discourse. He also explores the shift from meaningful online interactions to clout chasing, urging a return to community building.
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insights INSIGHT
Addiction in the Digital Age
Mike Watson's book, Hungry Ghosts in the Machine, explores addiction in digital capitalist society.
It examines how our constant search for satiation and comfort fuels addiction.
insights INSIGHT
The Opium of the People
There are many forms of "opium" in contemporary society that people turn to for comfort.
These addictions stem from a fundamental fear of death and a desire to recapture a lost sense of security.
insights INSIGHT
Existential Malaise
While capitalism contributes to societal malaise, existential anxieties like the fear of death exist independently.
These anxieties existed before capitalism and will likely persist even in a post-capitalist world.
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In this book, Herbert Marcuse integrates Freud's psychoanalytic theories with Marx's concepts of alienation and oppression to argue that modern capitalism prevents individuals from achieving true freedom. Marcuse examines the dialectical conflict between the 'life instinct' (Eros) and the 'death instinct' (Thanatos), and he proposes the idea of a 'non-repressive civilization' where the pleasure principle and the reality principle are reconciled. The book is a critical analysis of Western civilization, challenging the widespread repression of instincts and imagining a utopian society that emphasizes liberation and play[1][3][4].
The Fragile Absolute
The Fragile Absolute
Slavoj Žižek
While I don't have access to the specific content of Žižek's "The Fragile Absolute," his works generally explore complex philosophical and theological themes. He often engages with Lacanian psychoanalysis, Hegelian dialectics, and Marxist critiques of ideology. His writing style is known for its dense arguments and provocative interpretations of cultural phenomena. The book likely delves into the nature of belief, ideology, and the challenges of navigating a world without absolute foundations. It probably offers a unique perspective on the intersection of philosophy, theology, and political theory.
Focus on What Matters
None
Darius Faurot
Twilight of the idols
Friedrich Nietzsche
Twilight of the Idols, or How to Philosophize with a Hammer, is a collection of aphorisms and essays by Friedrich Nietzsche. It represents a sharp critique of traditional philosophical and religious systems, particularly targeting what he sees as 'idols' or false beliefs. Nietzsche's style is characterized by its provocative and often paradoxical statements, challenging readers to question established norms and values. The work explores themes of morality, truth, and the nature of power, influencing subsequent philosophical and cultural movements. It is considered one of Nietzsche's most accessible and influential works.
Can the Left Learn to Meme?
Can the Left Learn to Meme?
Mike Watson
The Puppet and the Dwarf
Slavoj Žižek
Nile Unbound
Nile Unbound
Ray Brassier
The God Helmet
The God Helmet
Michael Persinger
St. Paul
St. Paul
Alain Badiou
The War to Conceptual Militancy
The War to Conceptual Militancy
Mike Watson
Hungry Ghosts in the Machine
Digital Capitalism and the Search for Self
Mike Watson
Nietzsche's Antichrist
Nietzsche's Antichrist
Friedrich Nietzsche
In this episode, we welcome Mike Watson, political theorist, artist, and author, to explore the intersections of digital culture, socialism, and existential thought. We read Mike’s new book, Hungry Ghosts in the Machine, where he explores how online culture shapes community, addiction, and identity.
On this episode we ask, is our malaise in the digital age caused by capitalism or is it intrinsic to the human condition? We also explore how the left might help us escape these patterns of media consumption.