society

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The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. …We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society. …In almost every act of our daily lives, whether in the sphere of politics or business, in our social conduct or our ethical thinking, we are dominated by the relatively small number of persons… who understand the mental processes and social patterns of the masses. It is they who pull the wires which control the public mind.

– Propaganda (1928) pp. 9–10

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The manifesto written by Theodore John Kaczynski

The manifesto written by Theodore John Kaczynski, titled “Industrial Society and Its Future”, was published in 1995. It consists of 232 paragraphs outlining his critiques of modern technological society, its effects on human freedom, and his views on what could be done to address these issues.

Here’s a broad outline of the manifesto’s main topics:

1. Introduction (Paragraphs 1-6)

  • Kaczynski introduces his thesis: The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been disastrous for humanity.
  • He sets the foundation for why he believes modern technology erodes freedom and causes widespread psychological suffering.

2. The Power Process (Paragraphs 7-37)

  • Explains the concept of the “power process”—a framework of achieving goals and experiencing autonomy in life.
  • Argues that industrial society disrupts this natural process because basic needs are too easily met, leading to psychological issues.
  • Introduces terms like “surrogate activities” (unnecessary hobbies or pursuits) that people turn to in order to feel purpose.

3. The Problems of Modern Society (Paragraphs 38-76)

  • Highlights the growing control of individuals by large systems (e.g., governments, corporations).
  • Discusses the impact of technology on human autonomy, nature, and small communities.
  • Critiques the loss of personal freedom due to modern societal rules.

4. The Psychology of Leftism (Paragraphs 8-36, 83-120)

  • Kaczynski claims that modern “leftism” stems from feelings of inferiority, oversocialization, and a desire for control.
  • He argues that leftists often oppose technology in ways that still reinforce technological systems, undermining true revolution.

5. Disruption of Human Behavior (Paragraphs 121-144)

  • Explores how technological systems force humans to behave in unnatural ways.
  • Asserts that people are manipulated into conformity by bureaucratic systems and societal norms.

6. The Future of Industrial Society (Paragraphs 145-182)

  • Predicts two potential outcomes:
  1. Technology continues to advance, leading to complete control over human behavior and loss of freedom.
  2. The industrial system collapses, providing an opportunity to rebuild society on a smaller, more natural scale.
  • Warns that technological “solutions” to problems often create worse consequences.

7. Strategy for Revolution (Paragraphs 183-232)

  • Advocates for the elimination of the technological system rather than reforming it.
  • Rejects political reform or violence aimed at small issues; instead, he calls for a comprehensive rejection of industrial society.
  • Suggests focusing on spreading anti-technology ideology to prepare for a potential collapse.

Conclusion:

The manifesto concludes with a reiteration of the main point: technology is incompatible with human freedom, and radical action is necessary to dismantle the system.

The full text can be found in archives or historical repositories under its title “Industrial Society and Its Future.”

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How to Be Happy

Behavioral scientists have spent a lot of time studying what makes us happy (and what doesn’t). We know happiness can predict health and longevity, and happiness scales can be used to measure social progress and the success of public policies. But happiness isn’t something that just happens to you. Everyone has the power to make small changes in our behavior, our surroundings and our relationships that can help set us on course for a happier life.

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How the FBI Caught the Unabomber

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“We give up a piece of ourselves whenever we adjust to conform to society’s standards. That, and we’re too plugged in. We’re letting technology take over our lives, willingly.”

— Theodore John Kaczynski

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Adult bullying: The epidemic no one talks about | Kevin Ward | TEDxSantaBarbara

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“Is society healthy, that an individual should return to it? Has not society itself helped to make the individual unhealthy? Of course, the unhealthy must be made healthy, that goes without saying; but why should the individual adjust himself to an unhealthy society? If he is healthy, he will not be a part of it. Without first questioning the health of society, what is the good of helping misfits to conform to society?

To help the individual to fit into a society which is ever at war with itself – is this what psychologists and analysts are supposed to do? Is the individual to be healed only in order to kill or be killed? If one is not killed, or driven insane, then must one only fit into the structure of hate, envy, ambition and superstition which can be very scientific?” — Jiddu Krishnamurti

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