Such a strong piece - incredibly well thought through and to the point while still making room for encouragement. Really enjoyed reading this, thank you for sharing.
I say let's not "rage against the machine." Let's figure out subtle ways to pull the machine's plug or throw a wrench (or ten) into its works. Rage gets you no where fast, but clever and ingenuous actions can really add up over time and may get us to where we want to be in the end. Keep the faith and keep the sabotage of the system going strong.
“How does one cog resist the machine it’s designed to fit?” — I do not agree the cogs (we, the people) are actually Designed to fit. We’re merely trying to ‘fit in’, as you described in the first paragraphs.
I believe your penultimate paragraph makes that clear: “Maybe the end of the world is easier to imagine than the end of capitalism. So practice imagining anyway.”
Maybe we’re “educated out of our imagination”? (Quote from Sir Ken Robinson, watch his TEDx Talk btw)
This is a strong piece. And well thought out, too. Thanks for sharing
The machine feeds our rage, and resistance at times feels futile.
Such a strong piece - incredibly well thought through and to the point while still making room for encouragement. Really enjoyed reading this, thank you for sharing.
Hey thank you so much Helen!
Another great piece. Man. Sharing widely.
Superb writing, so clear and unshowy and precise.
thank you! glad you liked it
I say let's not "rage against the machine." Let's figure out subtle ways to pull the machine's plug or throw a wrench (or ten) into its works. Rage gets you no where fast, but clever and ingenuous actions can really add up over time and may get us to where we want to be in the end. Keep the faith and keep the sabotage of the system going strong.
Clever is good.
“How does one cog resist the machine it’s designed to fit?” — I do not agree the cogs (we, the people) are actually Designed to fit. We’re merely trying to ‘fit in’, as you described in the first paragraphs.
I believe your penultimate paragraph makes that clear: “Maybe the end of the world is easier to imagine than the end of capitalism. So practice imagining anyway.”
Maybe we’re “educated out of our imagination”? (Quote from Sir Ken Robinson, watch his TEDx Talk btw)
You speak to my soul. And, yes, I still have one, or rather I got it back recently. Great piece 🙏
This really resonated. I write in a similar space, would love to co-write something sometime if it ever clicks. Thanks for this.
I like your focus on realistic solution in small steps -- with a call for some individual imagination; there is no silver bullet.
Very powerful. Depersonalization. Objectively evaluating as a system allows space for ones heart to exist.
And also maybe some rational action. Build redundant structures. Play the long game. Don't be desperate.
Thank you!