Curtis Yarvin's Unqualified Reservations: An Open Letter to Open Minded Progressives
Sep 11, 2023
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Author Curtis Yarvin and Mencius Moldbug discuss the relevance of Moldbug's blog and the influence of counterculture movements on political ideologies. They critique Noam Chomsky's documentary 'Manufacturing Consent' and explore the concept of the 'cathedral'. The speakers also delve into the psychology behind people believing what they read in prestigious institutions and discuss the potential future of major news organizations relying on AI programs.
The Cathedral represents the collaboration between the university system, the press, and think tanks to perpetuate progressive ideologies.
Despite its decentralized nature, the Cathedral's alignment of individual interests and propagation of progressive ideas creates the perception of a conspiracy.
The integration and centralization of media organizations allow for the control and dissemination of a specific narrative, reinforcing dominant ideologies and maintaining the status quo.
Deep dives
The Cathedral and Progressivism
The concept of the Cathedral is a key aspect of Moldbug's analysis. According to Moldbug, the Cathedral represents the collaboration between the university system, the press, and think tanks to perpetuate progressive ideologies. It is a self-perpetuating system designed to establish and maintain power for progressives. The Cathedral sets the boundaries for acceptable political discourse and ensures that progressivism remains the dominant force in society. Moldbug argues that the progressive elites create an intellectual framework that restricts political debate, ensuring that only progressive ideas are promoted.
Decentralization and Conspiracy
Although the Cathedral operates in a decentralized manner, Moldbug acknowledges the perception that it resembles a conspiracy due to its shared ideology and self-perpetuating nature. The educational vanguard within the Cathedral shapes the culture and beliefs of its followers, making progressivism seem like the only logical worldview. Moldbug suggests that the Cathedral's power is not derived from collusion or a master plan but from the alignment of individual interests and the propagation of progressive ideas through institutions.
The Growth of Progressivism
Progressivism's reach has expanded over time, thanks to the Cathedral's efforts to recruit and indoctrinate new believers. The Cathedral's influence extends beyond the United States, encompassing individuals from various countries and cultures. This expansion has resulted in a leftward drift of political ideology and priorities, leading to a wider acceptance of progressive ideas and policies. Moldbug contends that progressivism's success is rooted in its ability to attract an increasingly diverse and globalized population.
The Effect of Incentives on Professional Behavior
In the podcast, the speaker discusses how professionals in various fields, such as doctors, journalists, and scientists, often prioritize self-interest and incentives over the objective pursuit of their respective professions. For example, doctors may be more motivated by financial gain or career advancement than genuinely prioritizing the well-being of their patients. Similarly, journalists may prioritize pushing their own ideologies or pleasing those in positions of power rather than presenting unbiased news. These behaviors are driven by the incentives and rewards set up within their professions.
The Self-Perpetuation of the System
The podcast also suggests that the current system, often referred to as the cathedral, has a self-perpetuating nature. Even if certain individuals or groups within the system were to disappear, the underlying incentives and processes would continue to produce similar outcomes. The system functions independently, and individuals within it often unknowingly contribute to its perpetuation. This can be seen in various professions where individuals conform to the dominant ideologies or practices in order to advance their careers or meet their personal needs.
The Integration and Manipulation of Media Messaging
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the increasing alignment and manipulation of media messaging. The integration and centralization of media organizations allows for the control and dissemination of a specific narrative or agenda. The speakers highlight how powerful institutions exert control over media platforms, shaping the information that is presented to the public. This alignment of messaging serves to reinforce the dominant ideologies and maintain the status quo of those in power. As technology advances, the ability to manipulate and control media messaging becomes more potent and far-reaching.
Todays episode is an excerpt of a much longer discussion among members of an online reading group that read Mencius Modlbugs "Open Letter to Open Minded Progressives" together. The full episode is five hours long and can be found in its entirety on my blog AstralFlight.Substack.Com.
There will be a part two coming soon.
Go to Passage.Press and buy the first ever hardcover edition of Unqualified Reservations and read along as you listen. And stay tuned for many more collaborations with Passage Publishing.
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