From Meta to Soma: Rushkoff on New Models

Published in 1950 and revised in 1954, 'The Human Use of Human Beings' argues for the benefits of automation to society, analyzing the meaning of productive communication and discussing ways for humans and machines to cooperate. Wiener emphasizes the potential for machines to amplify human power, release people from manual labor, and enable more creative pursuits. He also explores the risks of dehumanization and subordination and offers suggestions on how to avoid these risks, advocating for the use of machines to increase leisure and enrich spiritual life rather than solely for profits.

In this book, Douglas Rushkoff argues that in a world increasingly mediated by software, it is crucial to learn how to program in order to maintain control over one's life. He outlines ten commands or ideas that highlight the biases of digital technologies and how these can be turned into advantages. Rushkoff advocates for a broader understanding of programming as a necessary literacy for the digital age, similar to reading and writing. The book is designed to help both technophobes and cyber enthusiasts navigate the complexities of digital media and its impact on society.

In 'The God Delusion', Richard Dawkins argues that the belief in a supernatural creator, God, is almost certainly false and qualifies as a delusion. He examines God in various forms, from the Old Testament to the Celestial Watchmaker, and critiques the major arguments for religion. Dawkins discusses how religion fuels war, fosters bigotry, and abuses children, and he advocates for atheism as a morally and intellectually fulfilling worldview. The book also explores the relationship between religion and morality, suggesting that morality can exist independently of religion, and argues against the teaching of religion in schools as a form of indoctrination.

Douglas Rushkoff's "Media Virus" explores the ways in which ideas and information spread through culture, similar to biological viruses. Rushkoff uses the metaphor of a virus to describe how memes and other cultural phenomena can rapidly spread and influence large groups of people. The book examines the power of media to shape our perceptions and beliefs, and how this power can be used for both positive and negative purposes. Rushkoff's analysis delves into the dynamics of cultural transmission and the ways in which media can be used to create social change. The book's insights remain relevant in today's digital age, where the spread of information and ideas is faster and more widespread than ever before. It encourages critical thinking about the messages we consume and the impact they have on our lives.

In 'Present Shock: When Everything Happens Now', Douglas Rushkoff explores the human response to living in a world where everything happens in real-time. He argues that this 'presentism' has led to a collapse of narrative, displacing the traditional linear continuum of past, present, and future with a succession of moments. Rushkoff discusses how this phenomenon affects various aspects of life, including biology, behavior, politics, and culture, and offers insights into how to transcend the false immediacy of the digital age by favoring quality over speed and human quirks over digital perfection.

The Long Boom argues that the world is on the verge of an unprecedented global economic expansion, driven by technological advancements, alternative energy adoption, and increased productivity. The authors emphasize the importance of collective action to realize this vision and create a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable global society. They analyze trends from the early 1980s and predict significant economic growth by 2020, highlighting the role of emerging technologies and globalization.