By ambrit, who lives in the North American Deep South
Have you ever had someone you know ask you; “Why do you read that blog? Do you like being depressed? “
Such a direct question generally throws you off balance. How do you respond to such an “innocent” sounding question? It subtly undermines your sense of balance. It makes you feel like an “oddball” and an “other.” Do not despair; forewarned is forearmed. Naked Capitalism and fellow traveler blogs provide the resources you need to be forewarned.
My personal favourite reply to such “innocent” questions is to remark that we live in dangerous times. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness can enhance and encourage depression. Being forewarned and forearmed is essential for the maintenance of your mental, physical, and financial balance. Naked Capitalism supplies the resources you need to attain and protect that balance. In essence, Naked Capitalism is a mental health resource for the awake and aware.
Naked Capitalism has gone to a lot of trouble and expense to provide these resources to us. We owe it to Naked Capitalism to return the favour. Not to be shy about it, money. The Tip Jar is over there. As greater minds than mine have declared; “From each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs.”
The basic structure of any well-designed mental health program has three divisions.
First, one must acknowledge that there is a problem.
Second, one must understand the problem.
Third, one must adapt appropriate healing strategies.
Insofar as we need to admit that there is a problem, really, problems, plural, Naked Capitalism provides the hard data and reasoned analysis that are needed to establish that. Links and Water Coolers abound with articles, both internally and externally sourced, that shine the spotlight of honest inquiry on the myriad examples of folly that infest the world we live in.
Naked Capitalism is an oasis of sanity in the “Vast Wasteland” that constitutes the public forum today. To prove this, spend some time on the Main Stream Media (MSM) offered to us today. Now, while viewing the MSMs, try to stop your eyes from glazing over. Since the eyes are the windows to your soul, after your eyes glaze over, your mind will follow.
The Cynics among us will argue that this process is by design. Regardless if you be a Cynic or an Optimist, the deep rot pervading the sources of our information is irrefutable. We are now living in that “Vast Wasteland” that Newton Minnow predicted in his speech to the National Association of Broadcasters in May 9 1961.
To combat the “Vast Wasteland,” we must join in the good fight in defense of critical thinking and the free expression of ideas. For some of us, it means getting “down in the trenches” and arguing in the Comments Section of Naked Capitalism and other like-minded blogs.
Whether you are an active commenter or a lurker you can advance the cause financially. Money has been called the “Universal Solvent.” To that end, contribute as much of the “solvent” as you can. With it Naked Capitalism can continue its never-ending campaign to dissolve and erase the fogs and illusions spun up by the MSMs to blind and enfeeble us all. The Tip Jar stands waiting.
On the subject of the importunings her for financial support; let us realize that our financial abilities are varied. Some have nothing to give but their local evangelization for Naked Capitalism and informed comments. Others of us are financially “comfortable” and can afford contributing various sums. At the end of the day, it all evens out.
This appeal for funds is not about status, shame, or ‘belonging.’ It is about faith. Faith that the people can rise above the sterile wastelands of the MSMs. Faith that there is an oasis still within the ‘Wasteland’ that supplies the awake and aware with the resources and moral support that we all need from time to time. Faith that possessing the knowledge and critical thinking skills that Naked Capitalism provides characterize functioning members of a Civilized Society.
Being such a member of a Civilized Society is a double good; both a Public good and a Private good. Privately, you can manage the stresses that assail you more efficiently. You are forewarned and forearmed. Publicly, you can effectively either oppose the evils that threaten yourself and the rest of us, or you can begin to develop ‘survival strategies; for when ‘things’ go bad. Either is a superior outcome to what is on offer from the MSMs.
One impetus that pushes me towards the oasis that is Naked Capitalism in the MSM Vast Wasteland is the constantly reinforced perception that we now live in what Bill Black so eloquently described as a “criminogenic environment.”
Coping mechanisms for the experience of living in this society wide “criminogenic environment” include: severely limiting exposure to the MSMs, regular exposure to alternative media (such as Naked Capitalism,) proffering our own Zeitgeist Reports in various comment sections, and most importantly, learning to think for, ourselves. Naked Capitalism is a prime resource in carrying out that task. Naked Capitalism deserves our support for that fact alone. Support for Naked Capitalism is simple self-survival.
Support comes in many guises. The preferred method today entails a visit to the Tip Jar.
You cannot begin to work out the methods of avoiding the traps and snares involved in living in our modern “Vast Wasteland” until you are made aware of those traps and snares. Such an awareness needs knowledge; knowledge acquired laboriously, generally by others. This knowledge is the distillation of hard lessons learned. Naked Capitalism is the messenger that brings this knowledge to us all. Absorbing the knowledge and acting upon it requires critical thinking skills, which Naked Capitalism also offers to us.
The ‘lessons’ that engender knowledge do not spring to mind unbidden. These ‘lessons’ are collected and presented for our benefit in blogs and websites, substacks and reddits, tweets and squawks. Among all these resources, Naked Capitalism fills an almost unique position. Naked Capitalism is a news aggregator, but not just any old news aggregator. It specializes in deeper dives into often obscure and esoteric subjects. Do not be fooled. Just because a subject is obscure or esoteric does not mean that it does not affect you personally. Naked Capitalism is often your first line of defense. Keep those defenses strong.
Without the valiant efforts of all the people who produce, manage, and curate the Naked Capitalism website, most of us would be much the poorer, in all senses of the word. Paradoxically, by contributing funds to Naked Capitalism, you make yourself richer. Richer in knowledge, richer in understanding, often richer by avoiding costly traps and schemes designed to impoverish you, in all senses of that word too.
Thus, my exhortations throughout for you to contribute financially to Naked Capitalism. As I have said before, give what you can. Every bit helps.
The next time some “well meaning” “friend” asks you why you read Naked Capitalism, tell them in no uncertain terms that they should read it too. Naked Capitalism is the best thing yet found to combat the often-overwhelming sense of helplessness and hopelessness that pervades our world today. That sense of helplessness robs up of our ‘joy’ of living. It steals from us our sense of self-worth and value. Tell that “friend” that seeing the world clearly and understanding it honestly is the basis of living an “authentic existence.”
Let me stop here lest I begin to explicate the mystical secrets of Naked Capitalism. That is for another, more auspicious time; when the stars are aligned.
Stay safe and that Tip Jar is over there.
42 comments
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I am grateful that you, Ambrit, are a part of this community. As our resident philosopher you speak for many who perhaps cannot speak for themselves. Like Diogenes you see through the hypocrisy and corruption all around us but unlike him you do not insult and excoriate but rather radiate profound compassion.
Plus you have a sly sense of humor and we could all use a chuckle these days!
You and NC are a match made in heaven. I already gave but since it is you passing the plate I will now give again. 🙏🏽
Oh good heavens. Now I really am embarrassed. As Phyl has said to me once or twice; learn how to accept a compliment. Thank you ChiGal.
I’m in the second string when it comes to the philosophical pursuits. However, learning to live a “good” life without becoming ‘crazy,’ into which classification I place the unlimited pursuit of wealth, seems to be one of the core goals of Philosophy. (You wouldn’t believe how many years it has taken me to comprehend that simple fact.)
One of the true and good attributes of Naked Capitalism is its focus on letting the reader make up his or her own mind. To that end, the emphasis on Critical Thinking leads to a superior outcome, Civilized People.
Welcome to Trantor ChiGal. You’ll like it here.
Thanks again.
Are you sure you mean Trantor and not Terminus?
Good question, but I am leaning towards Trantor. It was hidden within that festering pile of “Civilization” that the original movement towards the Foundation began. Likewise, the readers here are caught within the putrefying, shambling, half alive ‘thing’ that is our Empire. Finding oases of sanity within the Empire is our task. Better yet, creating oases of sanity is the work that needs to be done so that something can be salvaged from the wreckage once Entropy does its thing.
I don’t know where Terminus would be, and that is exactly how “they” would like it.
Stay safe, and, considering the subject, stay centered.
Great post.
Your opening line – Have you ever had someone you know ask you; “Why do you read that blog? Do you like being depressed? “ – reminds me of essays about how to argue with a narcisist.
Which opening line you follow with comments on maintaining mental health. Perfect.
To your last line about the mystical secrets of NC… what? You know and don’t tell? I’ll have to keep reading. / ;)
“The Secrets That Cannot Be Spoken Aloud” are indeed core principles of the Naked Capitalism Enlightenment. Be forewarned; Naked Capitalism is a heterodox branch of the Esoteric Order of Economics. You will be tasked with various and sundry heresies and varieties of “wrongthink.” To follow this path is not for the faint of heart. However, keep to the Infinitely Folded Path and you will win the Golden Prize.
Be strong, stay safe. We have faith in you.
Personally I’d like to see more focus on workable solutions. Like – finding ways for working people to run for office without facing bankruptcy.
Or – running in an “un-winnable” race as a way of applying pressure to your own party – the only party you MIGHT be able to change. Being a candidate gives a tiny bit of leverage among your local party leaders which can be used to confront them.
Or – looking for ways to help build a broad based grassroots coalition – the way oligarchies have been successfully confronted in the past. (See “The People? No!” by Thomas Frank.)
Yes, by all means contribute to NC. The work being done here is the “putting your money where your mouth is” approach. Much more is needed from all of us.
Best…H
If I remember correctly, you are “Pointing the Way” forward in that field. I don’t know anybody in these environs of the North American Deep South who have the courage and drive to even try to run for office.
Perhaps an occasional Links or Water Cooler segment concerning “Practical Political Activism.”
Reports from you about the roadblocks you have encountered in your candidacies would be a teaching resource for like minded NC readers. Strange to say, you are the only “out” political player I’ve seen commenting. (I’m guessing that there are some others who are concealing their ‘true’ identities for various reasons.)
Be safe. Keep the faith.
Figured your post must have got kicked in the NADS, as to why it up and disappeared for awhile.
That’s a very Limey thing to say. :-)
I think Yves accidentally posted two fundraiser posts yesterday.
And took it down again! Impressive how many of you manged to comment in that time!
Yes, I screwed up. I had intended to bump the whole roster back a day because of an earlier screw up. I moved albrt’s post back a day and then failed to move back ambrit’s. So both were up in close proximity for a few hours.
Oh yes. A good swift tolchie in the yarbles that was! I will be able to walk upright again in a day or two.
Oh, and Happy Friday the Thirteenth!
This is a deep subject, far beyond the abilities of one person. I keep collecting elements that are somehow related in this effort to address the severe shortcomings of our political system. It’s by no means complete, but I’m sensing a structure that could be made from these pieces.
Such as: the books of Thomas Frank, Wendell Berry, Jonathan Haidt & Greg Lukianiof, Batya Unger-Sargon’s “Second Class”, many others.
The work of Braver Angels seems crucial to me – they are at least trying to cross the divide between left and right, rural and urban, educated elite meritocracy (not my fave term) and working people. Much of their approach is “let’s see if we can find things we agree on.”
As a candidate, I have experienced much of the dysfunction of politics firsthand, the blind reliance on “data and dollars”, the complete absence of long term vision within my party, the insistence on a top down structure, the simple unwillingness to meet the people whose votes you need.
LOVE LOVE LOVE your idea of “Practical Political Activism.” My current idea is that social justice needs to align with labor – instead of advocating for your identity, advocate for higher wages, safer places to work, a schedule so you can have a family, effective health care that won’t bankrupt you if someone you love gets sick. If you are obviously trans, or a person of color, you can advocate for labor without mentioning your identity and you will have advocated for that as well. Politics is leverage; there is not enough leverage in social justice, but a broad based alliance of working people could counter the overwhelming power of “a tiny minority of the wealthiest people.” (Wendell Berry)
DEI comes up a lot in public meetings, it has been reduced to oversimplification and contradictory definitions by proponents & opponents. When it comes up, I suggest the ideals of DEI need to be applied to working people. Something like 2% of our government was working when they got elected, yet working people are 60% of the country. Can you imagine a government with 60% working people?
The real goal is balance – a moving target, difficult to define, impossible to hold on to – but required if humanity is ever to face the issues of climate change, plastics, war, inequality and so on. Meaning, even though I am pro labor, it’s not hard to imagine the pendulum swinging too far in the other direction.
NC is at its best (IMO) when it faces divisive issues head on, while preventing toxic discourse. Not an easy task…
Thank you ambrit, truly. I’d enjoy a deeper conversation if you have the bandwidth. I’m pretty easy to find.
I appreciate the work that you have put into ‘local’ politics. When life calms down a bit, I’ll reach out.
Thanks, Hank and Ambrit!
All politics is local; the web is not, and we at times seem lost in the interstices. Until we make better connections, we can still connect through the Tip Jar..
We here (and those there: I know they’re out there, the Grayzones, the Caitlin Johnstones, really many, many more) are the 10% of the inhibitory connections of social neocortex. Habit will dominate, but when it fails, as it must (was it Hegel who said that?), our influence will be determinate.
Stay safe; stay strong; stay united; visit the Tip Jar.
Stay safe (you too)!
More important, how to not be co-opted by the “Man” if you do all those things… and then stay alive…
Thanks for putting into words the thoughts that I share with you but can’t articulate well. And yes indeed, forewarned is forearmed, and Himself and I are examples of this.
In the early-to-mid noughties, we were both in decent paying jobs (tech), but mostly without any wealth (renters, not much savings or pension, etc.). Lots of pressure to get “on the property ladder” no matter what (“prices will never go down nyuk nyuk”). But sites like Naked Capitalism (and Angry Bear…. I still miss Tanta), and Dean Baker, kept us informed, making their points understandable to us mostly uneducated peeps.
Because of this understanding and advice, we husbanded our resources, made it through the GFC and long-term unemployment (we had to leave Ireland; as I am a naturalized citizen, Himself joked that now that I emigrated to find work I had finally gotten the full Irish experience), got stable jobs with defined benefit pensions (that’s really lucky, but we were looking for that due to the online advice.), bought a small house at the bottom of the market, and now can likely afford to retire, and we just paid off the mortgage.
Because of Naked Capitalism, and its fellows, our future changed dramatically in a couple of decades. Yves, Lambert, Jules, katiebird, Jeri-Lynn, Conor, Nick, Mr. Urie, all the rest…. You all did that for us.
I’m actually tearing up writing this.
I am very glad to read your comment. It reinforces the upside of this blog experience. Gaining wise council is never easy. That you and yours have navigated through the dangers and come to safe harbour is the cherry on the cake.
Keep being awake and aware. Be safe.
Gadzooks! A reply to you I just typed was eaten by Ye Internet Dragons.
Roughly, keep working upwards and onwards to where you want to be. This site really is a source of useful information. I’m very glad you have managed to make your way through the dangers of ‘moderne ‘life to a safe harbour.
It is a testimonial to the benefits of reading this site.
Be safe, be aware.
Is it better to know, or better to not know?
I don’t know enough to be at all sure, even for myself. I do find that learning some of what msm doesn’t want known is interesting in an absolute sense, as well as what it implies re msm owners’ objectives.
On the down side so many interesting things are going on in these times I spend a lot of time trying to follow along that some, not least my wife, might say I’m obsessed.
Ah, but tell her the next time the subject comes up that your “obsession” could save your lives some-day. Forewarned really is forearmed.
I missed this one yesterday when it was gone for awhile. Thanks fellow Johnny Reb. You and Katniss and a few others have been commenting here even longer than me.
So thanks also for the blog that lets us do that.
Yes to your last line. I have been “cancelled” several times on other blogs, mainly MSM adjacent sites for heterodox opinions. To that end, Naked Capitalism really is a lifeline for the perplexed.
The other ‘leg’ of the success of the comments section at Naked Capitalism is the moderation system. Except for those oh so predictable spam bots, winnowing the wheat from the chaff online is mental labour intensive. Luckily, this site does not seem to be obsessed with the Quarterly Reports. I see the malicious effects of short-term financial thinking everywhere I look today. Phone trees proliferate. Live agents take three or four ‘extra’ steps to gain access to. The soundscapes played as ‘background’ during ‘hold time’ seem designed to give you a headache. Let us not even mention ‘canned’ advertising now being deployed against the captive audience that is the patient customer on the line. All this made to manipulate and fleece the ‘customer.’
One big thing that differentiates Naked Capitalism from almost every other website is its respect for the readers. No out of tune Vivaldi playing in the background. No insistent flashing shiny things demanding your attention when all you want to do is read something of interest to you.
Keep ’em coming and spare not the invective!
Stay safe Carolinian.
100% in agreement with the moderation system. Honestly, moderators dessrve a big hug and warm cookies for putting up with all the junk coming this way, not just from trolls and other villains, but alao those of us when we get too agitated (I have to plead guilty to that multiple times).
PS. And thank you to ambrit and all other posters who bring forth so much insights and perspectives.
Thank you ambrit.
Do you like being depressed?
I find it far more depressing the MSM. As a matter of fact, the MSM is very divisive and tries constantly to inspire phobias and fears.The MSM is frequently vomitive and i really don’t like retching in the lavatory every day. Even in the occasions when they try to bring the bright side of life they fail. At NC, when some reporting comes particularly dark, you can count on some humorous writing here and with the antidotes.
Indeed, you hit upon a valid critique of the MSMs. They tend towards sensationalism. Naked Capitalism does not. The MSMs seem to be run purely upon emotionalism. Naked Capitalism seems to be run on logical and rational lines. Balance is all.
Be safe in Iberia.
Thank you, ambrit. I always enjoy reading what you write.
No, I do not enjoy being depressed. At all. However, in order to sit amidst the flames with my mug and my hat and a smile on my face, I would require some heavy-duty pharmaceuticals which (so far) I do not find appealing. I much prefer to come to NC every day and read the comments of like-minded folk trying to find a way forward. With gratitude to you all.
Funny you should say that. I was thinking yesterday concerning my contention that Naked Capitalism is a mental health resource that NC would be the Thorazine of the internet. This blog is an analogue to the “Talking Cure” so beloved of therapists everywhere. Call it the “Reading Cure.” “I’ll buy that for a dollar!”
Stay alert, stay safe.
Now that I look closer, I find that my piece is published on Friday the Thirteenth. Oh auspicious time that we endeavour to transcend.
As the Grateful Dead put it in one of their more well-known songs, “Truckin'”; “What a long, strange trip it’s been.”
And this ride isn’t anywhere near over yet.
I am grateful to have a place, even if virtual, where I can “fit in.” I think that Naked Capitalism fulfills that function in a lot of lives.
“Despair not. You are not alone. You are not crazy. You are not corrupt. Be satisfied in yourself. If you can lead just one other person to sanity, you are way ahead of the game. Don’t preach, push, belittle, or otherwise try to impose on anyone else. Lead by example. Those ready to understand will recognize the virtue within you and the virtue within them will respond in kind.”
Oh bloody H—! I’m starting to sound like some sort of ‘Life Coach.’ Hah! I’m the last one to deserve that status.
Be safe all.
Thanks ambrit. The only person who knows I read this depressing blog is my wife and we both know that I spend too much time doing it. But I sent my check a week ago all the same.
One of the sources of my anxiety is the feeling of isolation I get from having a view of things independent of the orthodox brain viruses circulating out there. Reading NC contributes to that I suppose but the commentary provides some relief. We can’t all be experiencing the same paranoid delusions, can we?
Yes. A lot of us are so suffering. Thus, make resource to the theory that “in numbers is strength.” I find that having a few evidently stable and well-read commenters publicly admit to holding views similar to mine is a life saver. Just viewing that from the sidelines, as I imagine most of the ‘lurkers’ do, validates one’s holding of “unconventional” opinions.
Also remember, one is not paranoid when maleficent actors really are “out to get you.” As the blond sociopath character in “Breaking Bad” put it as he shot someone; “Nothing personal.”
That is why the meme of “The Jackpot” is growing so widespread.
Be safe.
Thank you, ambrit, sage and philosopher of NC. When you end your comments with “Be safe”, I always find it comforting.
I have been reading NC since 2008 but never felt smart enough to comment. My background is in the humanities, not economics. Indeed, the only economics course I ever took in college was ‘East European Economic Systems’ in the latter days of the Soviet era, which shows how old I am! But I feel I have found a home at NC with the extremely knowledgeable and diverse group here, even if they are way above my pay grade. I learn so much.
What depresses me these days is the ‘head buried in the sand’ mindset of so-called liberal websites. ‘Joy to the World!’ never sounded so muffled and sour. At one time, I thought I had something in common with those people but no more. Rather, I will take the cold hard truth where I can find it, and I can find it at NC, along with much wit and wisdom and cat videos.
Thank you.
You underestimate yourself. I am not alone in reading your comments attentively. And, really, since when has “economics” been a ‘real’ science? I’ll posit that the psychological insights you have learned from the “humanities” will stand you in good stead going up against the geekiest quant when the “economic” actions of people are in the focus. Numbers do not lie, but people are not numbers. Thus the division between ‘macro’ and ‘micro’ economics.
Also consider that one’s “pay grade” is not the be all and end all. This life is infinitely varied and convoluted. Making sense of it all can be a daunting task. Often, one needs to settle for an approximation of the “truth” of the matter. Nuance is a peculiarly Terran human characteristic. (Although, I would wonder about the whales and dolphins. I have personal experience that suggests that dolphins have a sense of humour.) Nonetheless, training in the “humanities” is uniquely suited to the study of those pesky Terran humans.
Consider too that I am not the only philosophically minded person commenting here. Throw your net out wide and you’ll be surprised at what you catch.
Thinking on it, I would characterize Naked Capitalism not only as an Economics blog, but also, considering the evidence all around us of venality, peculation, and corruption, as a Criminal Studies blog. There is so much to learn, I sometimes despair of it.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Stay very safe.
Lena,
You are a gem, as is Ambrit…
You got me in, Ambrit. Always a pleasure to read your comments and just now threw in another donation to the Tip Jar and being for Karōshi prevention, made it more important to ante up. I must admit it gets weird sometimes being the only person I know that understands the sort of things we talk about on Naked Capitalism but it is what it is. I don’t know what it would be like without Naked Capitalism but I for one do not want to find out. As for being depressed at the news, I always remember what our British cousins say and take it to heart-
‘Never let the bastards get you down!’
That’s good advice that.
Karoshi prevention! Those giant walking monsters are a real challenge. Not even the Federal Reserve can quantitatively ease them.
I too wonder about what to do when the Censors come for the ‘real’ independent blogs. They are already making some moves at the present time. Orwell was bloody prescient with his “wrongthink” formulation. We face constant agitation for the banning of “wrongthink” today. So, I suggest that you join we other crypto-preppers and become known in your immediate geographical region as a “good fellow” to have ‘on your side’ in a brawl. The brawl doesn’t have to be a proper punch-up. It can be a local political battle over water usage, or food plots, or speech.
It’s the other side of the world, but Terran humans are similar the world over.
Be safe.
I’ll echo that last quote…never let them greedy vultures and bastards get you down. I say greedy since it is mostly here that we can find, and learn to acknowledge the rapacious nature of the PE business model for acquiring all manner of business ventures, and in a few instances at a minimum wrecking the whole institution. Thriving to dying in short order, but hey those PE guys are so super smart…amirite?
Just one of so many relevant, current information that we get to absorb like a sponge. I pushed the button on my generally meager contribution yesterday.
Ha … ambrit what can I say … been doing this since I was born it seems. Never understood the distinctions that drove wedges between individuals/groups against a common good for all. All set to a back drop of both elite privilege and depression era farmers of the Midwest sticks, moving from the later to AZ and then back and forth due to school holidays. So mixed religious and social environments spanning half the nation with networks across the nation and across the pond. Jewish on call trauma surgeon with second wife post death of first to MS and German Lutheran, sticks people being strict Southern Baptist.
Then the Military whoboy … C-Corp MBA in Calif, part time Murc, partner in national business servicing warehouses/distribution centers, lots of international travel, only to land in Oz 95.
During that whole time I was a rabid reader of everything, history, sciences, philosophy, the lot, and only came to economics just before the GFC. Boom the internet … even before NC I saw Yves doing early podcasts, became aware of others via that in positions of knowledge and experience divulge their views from it just to inform others, which was not about making them rich but, giving others information to make decisions in life, spur them to dig deeper.
To this post GFC I ran off with Pilkington and some others of note to go Crimson Permanent Assurance on many FB econ/idological sites. On that note I would like to observe/share that every time you nail down neoliberal sorts they just respond with your incapable of understanding or a socialist commie. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSO9OFJNMBA – bent on totalitarianism …
Well I have regressed it seems lol … anywho … been working on a huge house for a lovely lady a few years older than me, so much life experaince and knowledge, was a teacher, talks, dropped NC on her, later on she was telling me whilst listing to a podcast about how a historian was talking about Marx …. wait for it … that one of his biggest dramas was how industrialism stole the creativity away from the ***individual*** … cough … without enough capital an individual could not bring an idea to reality without the support of others that had Capital aka gate keeping. Basically can front run everything and never be subject to social Darwinism, that is for lesser beings.
Good to hear from you skippy. That last line gives the Neo-liberal game away; “…that is for lesser beings.” Lesser than who pray tell?
You, among the crew of the Crimson Permanent Assurance? Gadzooks! I’ll bet you lot held “Letters of Charter” from the Crown so as to have cover for going all Marketeer on the sad old world!
I was not aware that Marx was a Luddite. His purported support for Rugged Individualist Proto-Merchant Princes is news to me. (Probably the influence of Engels, with his mercantile background.)
Proper “understanding” is all well and good until you begin to miss a few meals. Then the Categorical Imperative kicks in and you focus on the equitable redistribution of available resources.
Be careful about those “older women.” I have experience in exactly that and can attest that it becomes complicated quite quickly.
Be safe Down Under.
Just wanted to say that, while it’ll still be a couple of weeks before I can donate, that if I hadn’t been planning to give already, this post and its comments would’ve tipped the balance. Speaking of tipping, the tip jar is just over to the left at the top of the page.