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PaperclipPerfector  1yr ago (text post)   33388 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of April 17, 2023

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Frankly at this point I'm just riding the tides. Whatever happens, happens. This will be like the fifth once in a generation event I've lived through, and like the 20th doomsday scenario. I don't have the energy to care anymore. I have apocalypse fatigue.

Once you accept that these are forces which you can't individually impact, the path forward becomes pretty clear.

Just set things up to maximize your chances of living to see whatever crazy future we end up with.

And maybe have some fun along the way.

But there could be a utopia! Unlike Nuclear and other scenarios, I think it's likely this moves us far closer to a utopia, soon.

People thought this about Nuclear and the other ones too if you remember.

There will be no utopia, because utopia is not a thing that exists. Our lives might get better and worse in various ways, but the idea of a perfect society, and by extension of moving towards a perfect society, has always been delusional.

No utopia, just a shifted technological landscape.

but the idea of a perfect society, and by extension of moving towards a perfect society, has always been delusional.

Some delusions are worth chasing my friend. Chasing the delusion of truth, intellectual honesty, and rigor led us to the Scientific revolution, which brought us where we are today. Just because you don't think it's likely doesn't mean those seeking utopia are fools.

Utopia doesn't exist the same way any other ideal doesn't exist. Does that mean you shouldn't strive to be kind or love others?

There could be a utopia but it could only be achieved by either

  1. Changing the human race fundamentally to remove the desire for accomplishment or status

  2. Hiding the true nature of reality and creating a unique simulation for each human that would provide a fulfilling life path for that person

Why do you think this is the case? And what does a 'fundamental' change mean?

The goal of the axial revolution has always been to improve ourselves. We are slowly becoming better, in my opinion. Less violent, more understanding, more focused on technical accomplishment. If we continue on that path and eventually eschew (most) status, is that a fundamental change or an incremental one?

There could be! And that would be nice! But like with giving in to doom-mongering, I'm also not going to get my hopes up, either. Realistically, whatever's going to happen is going to happen regardless of whether I get hyped up or stressed out about it.

Yeah I try and keep a cool head as well. I'd love to quit my job and party till the singularity comes but it may not be the best idea...

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