Interesting commentary from Noam Chomsky about the probable collapse of western civilization by the end of the 21st Century:
There have been serious debates over the years about whether capitalism is compatible with democracy. If we keep to really existing capitalist democracy – RECD for short – the question is effectively answered: They are radically incompatible.
It seems to me unlikely that civilization can survive RECD and the sharply attenuated democracy that goes along with it. But could functioning democracy make a difference?
Chomsky also highlights the reason for the dumbing down of the climate change debate:
The propaganda campaign has apparently had some effect on U.S. public opinion, which is more skeptical than the global norm. But the effect is not significant enough to satisfy the masters. That is presumably why sectors of the corporate world are launching their attack on the educational system, in an effort to counter the public’s dangerous tendency to pay attention to the conclusions of scientific research. Article in full
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools - Douglas Adams.
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools - Douglas Adams.
Frightening to think that big corporations are moving into the education system to brainwash the kids.
Get them when they're young.
"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated, and scorned. When his cause succeeds however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."
With the coming crisis of resources, capitalism is going to morph into fascism (if we are unlucky and too lazy to stop it) or socialism (if we are lucky and finally find a way to manage greed and fear).
For the first time in human history, humans are facing the significant prospect of severe calamity as a result of their actions – actions that are battering our prospects of decent survival.
Previous civilisations have done this already, Easter Island being just one. Read Jared diamond to see the extent of the problem.
We have to accept that many of those people who get extremely rich have a personality disorder which needs treatment rather than lauding them as an example to be followed.
We have to accept that many of those people who get extremely rich have a personality disorder which needs treatment rather than lauding them as an example to be followed
+1
Also I'm just reading Diamond's 'Gun, Germs and Steel'-recommended.
Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Frederick Douglass
We have to accept that many of those people who get extremely rich have a personality disorder which needs treatment rather than lauding them as an example to be followed
+1
Also I'm just reading Diamond's 'Gun, Germs and Steel'-recommended.
frank_begbie wrote:Frightening to think that big corporations are moving into the education system to brainwash the kids.
Get them when they're young.
They've been at it since at least 1870. It used to be partially nationalised but is now being privatised. The purpose of state education is to inculcate the next generation with the belief systems of the previous generation.
A few radical teachers have tried to get their pupils to think for themselves.
frank_begbie wrote:Frightening to think that big corporations are moving into the education system to brainwash the kids.
Get them when they're young.
They've been at it since at least 1870. It used to be partially nationalised but is now being privatised. The purpose of state education is to inculcate the next generation with the belief systems of the previous generation.
A few radical teachers have tried to get their pupils to think for themselves.
Such teachers end up getting pushed out or they burn out.
A simple bind
To blind the mind
Of those too young to see
We educate
To dissipate
All curiosity
We have to accept that many of those people who get extremely rich have a personality disorder which needs treatment rather than lauding them as an example to be followed
+1
Also I'm just reading Diamond's 'Gun, Germs and Steel'-recommended.
you have to look at the book in context and ask well what cant it say .
its a book of its time
"What causes more suffering in the world than the stupidity of the compassionate?"Friedrich Nietzsche
