At the Crossroads: Nine short recordings
I haven’t been doing a lot of public speaking recently, but when I was in Taiwan a few weeks ago I gave an informal talk entitled “Taiwan at the Crossroads.” Well, a lot of more general themes came up, because after all, the whole world is at a crossroads that takes a different form in each country. So here are some outtakes that may be of general interest. The video quality was poor, so these are just audio:
Part 1: Science Through the Lens of Myth
Part 2: Why quantum physics has not changed us much
Part 3: Capitalism won't destroy itself
Part 4: Our choices determine human nature
Part 5: When the logical mind gets in the way
Part 6: Valuing All Sources of Knowledge
Part 7: The Mindset of Force and Control
Part 8: The Breakdown of Consensus Reality
Part 9: Development and the Myth of Progress
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Re: Part 4. Excellent summary of capitalist primitive accumulation. Capitalism appropriates from human community and sells it back to us as a commodity. In the process human qualities and connections are lost. Very clear.
But how is a choice made when these worlds are lost for ever? When languages, communities, bioregions etc have vanished and are not part of the collective memory?
Charles, your take on AI is very disappointing - there won't be any "choice" regarding the endgame of externalizing and commodifying human capabilities and faculties under the guise of "transcending corporality" as envisioned by the technocrats and transhumanists, now explicitly implementing their program. This process will culminate in a Cartesian cogito empty of any content (except for which it can buy), at best; more likely would be the utter elimination of human species as such. Or actually, soul death or biological extinction, maybe the latter is preferable.
I particularly resonate with the breakdown of consensus reality idea. Big truth in that. Thank you as always, Charles.