Carole is a hero. For staying true to her moral compass, she has suffered a lot. I am ever so grateful for her investigative journalism that pulled the curtain down from Brexit, from the organizers of Brexit connected to Trump, and always … connected to Putin.
Here’s the piece you’re missing 🌺 Peter Thiel bought & installed Vance - with Musk & Curtis Yarvin they’re using Trump to create a DICTATORSHIP through their plan - DARK ENLIGHTENMENT or neo reactionary movement nrx (through the Heritage Foundation)
Thanks for posting this. We must help independent journalists - who come under fire like Carole - and internet organisations like Wayback and Internet Archive to stay afloat and function.
In considering Carole Cadwalladr’s warnings about the erosion of democracy through technology, a pertinent question arises: so what makes this moment in time any different? To address this, I’d like to draw your attention to a historical perspective offered in The School of Life video “History as a Cure for Our Times” from a 2016 YouTube upload. It provides a framework for understanding today’s challenges within the continuum of societal crises.
The presentation offers the example of ancient Rome, as chronicled by Suetonius, where emperors like Caligula and Nero embodied chaos and tyranny—moments that might have signaled the end of a civilization. Yet, Rome persisted, later flourishing under the wise governance of Marcus Aurelius. This historical arc underscores a recurring truth: societies frequently confront threats that appear existential, only to adapt and endure. Bear with me now. The crises of today—marked by data manipulation, the pervasive influence of AI, and the consolidation of power among tech giants—bear similarities to past struggles with unchecked authority and influence, whether wielded by industrial magnates (Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, etc or master propagandists, like Edward Bernays, who ushered in the era of manipulating the masses).
What distinguishes this moment, however, lies in the nature and scale of the tools at play. Yes, while power has always found ways to concentrate, the current era equips it with a global, instantaneous reach and an unparalleled capacity to harvest personal data. Unlike the visible despots of history, today’s forces operate through subtle, pervasive systems—algorithms and surveillance networks—that shape collective behavior without a single, identifiable face. This invisible consortium of influence marks a departure from the more tangible adversaries of the past.
Yes, we should unite against the ever-present despair lurking in every corner of our psyche—a despair amplified by the legacy media's fear narratives—a despair that is also easily triggered by alarmist messages, Carole's, (though often sincere in their intent) Should we not highlight our resilience as the thread that has historically sustained societies in the past? Rome’s survival through its darkest rulers illustrates that adaptation, not capitulation, SHOULD be the response to such threats. In our time, this might translate to deliberate efforts (as Carole suggested), safeguarding personal data, advocating for transparency in technological systems, and cultivating a critically engaged public. These actions, though not definitive solutions, reflect the same steadfastness that carried past generations through turmoil. Am I wrong here?
Thus, this moment is distinct not because it is uniquely apocalyptic—history is replete with such episodes—but because of the sophistication of its challenges and our heightened awareness of them. By situating Cadwalladr’s concerns within this broader narrative, we see that the difference lies in our opportunity: equipped with historical insight, we possess the means to respond thoughtfully, channeling resilience into action rather than yielding to fear.
It’s easy to feel trapped by the specter of a dystopian future—whether it’s technocratic control, ecological collapse, or eroding freedoms. But there’s a practical alternative worth exploring: the "parallel polis." This concept, pioneered by Czech dissidents like Václav Benda and Václav Havel under Communist oppression, is about building autonomous communities and networks that operate independently of failing or oppressive systems—it’s about creating resilient, self-governing spaces right where we stand. I know that for many, this engagement might seem impossible or far-fetched, but it’s the only true way to exist within the oppressive system.
The "parallel polis" means carving out physical and social spaces—think land, tech networks, or even urban enclaves—where communities can thrive free from state overreach. It’s about self-reliance, from food production to education, rooted in shared values like faith or cultural heritage (e.g., Building a Parallel Polity).
Czech dissidents built parallel structures—cultural hubs, info networks—to resist totalitarianism. Native Americans in California did something similar, reclaiming land and health systems through trust and tenacity
Instead of begging for change within broken systems, it’s about creating new ones that meet our needs—like mutual aid or decentralized tech—shifting power to the grassroots
It’s a rejection of technocratic lies and dehumanization, favoring human-scale solutions like local farming or traditional tools over soul-crushing bureaucracy
This isn’t just theory—it’s a call to action. Here’s a resource list to dive deeper.
Books and Essays
* Václav Havel, "The Power of the Powerless" (1978) - A foundational text on resisting oppression by living authentically.
* Václav Benda, "The Parallel Polis" (1977) - The original blueprint for parallel structures.
* Ivan Illich, "Tools for Conviviality" (1973) - Critiques technology’s dominance and champions human-centered tools.
* Czeslaw Milosz, "The Captive Mind" (1953) - Explores how societies conform to control and how to break free.
* Rudolf Steiner & Guido Preparata - Ideas on perishable currency for sustainable economies.
Historical Examples
* Czech Dissident Movement (1970s-1980s) - Parallel culture and education under Communism.
* Native American Activism in California - The Potawot Health Village as a modern parallel polis.
* CSA Movement & Herd Shares - Community-supported agriculture for food sovereignty.
Modern Applications
* Digital Privacy & Decentralized Tech - Tools to resist surveillance and control (e.g., vTaiwan’s civic tech experiments).
* Localism - Building resilient communities against globalized dysfunction.
Practical Steps
* Economic Independence: Start local currencies or barter systems.
* Alternative Education: Create "hedge schools" or community learning hubs.
* Food Systems: Join or launch CSAs and herd shares.
* Communication Networks: Build offline or encrypted channels.
The parallel polis isn’t a quick fix—it takes time, grit, and collective will. But it’s a proven way to reclaim agency and build something real. What do you think—could this be a path out of fear and into hope?
This is a difficult subject because we humans often engage in the type of cheating we accuse AI of. If it’s using one source without attribution it’s called plagiarism but if it’s from multiple sources with some kind of twist then it’s viewed as creative thinking.
Is AI in its current form capable of the type of creative thought that Darwin or Copernicus had ? I don’t believe so, but can I definitively prove that it will never happen ? I’m not sure.
She paints a scary and valid analysis. If try we either tax oligarchies out of existence (Rockefellers in the early 50’s) or criminalize the taking of knowledge or information without someone’s clear permission. Was it rape or simply passion. You better be able to prove the consent was given.
Carole is a hero. For staying true to her moral compass, she has suffered a lot. I am ever so grateful for her investigative journalism that pulled the curtain down from Brexit, from the organizers of Brexit connected to Trump, and always … connected to Putin.
Watched earlier. Carol is incredibly brave!
Me too. Impressive!
Same works for the oligarchs - they’ve left their interviews and intentions laying around for a decade and now here we are - living out their dream
‼️ How tech's richest plan to save themselves after the apocalypse
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/jul/23/tech-industry-wealth-futurism-transhumanism-singularity
Here’s the piece you’re missing 🌺 Peter Thiel bought & installed Vance - with Musk & Curtis Yarvin they’re using Trump to create a DICTATORSHIP through their plan - DARK ENLIGHTENMENT or neo reactionary movement nrx (through the Heritage Foundation)
‼️ hostile takeover
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHcL78lRAM9/?igsh=eHQzN2J5NnMybGNw
‼️Morgan
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1A4Gx1QEuq/?mibextid=uSdriS
‼️new
https://www.threads.net/@pahl.amanda/post/DIKuqugS5e6?xmt=AQGzL9QMec6QgJZQ2O6Pf40q1Z69RbwJe68_W1l_j_47JQ
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIJXRfHRLmC/?igsh=eThibTZ4cmc4d3lj
‼️ Dr smrtmth
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BiBpDgDEq/?mibextid=K35XfP
‼️The sinister plan
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGgjiB4xjeA/?igsh=MTY1MHozMmJvMTl2eA
‼️ msnbc
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGiEHYrRCVg/?igsh=MWtrbGc2MjdtbW80aQ==
‼️ RACHEL MADDOW realdlhughley
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/19vLK7Ca59/
‼️50501 Substack
https://open.substack.com/pub/50501ny/p/its-even-worse-than-you-think?r=5coyuf&utm_medium=ios
‼️resistance radio
https://substack.com/@resistanceradio/note/p-160078980?r=5coyuf&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
‼️sugarrhi https://open.substack.com/pub/sugarrhi/p/the-heritage-foundation-and-the-dark?r=5coyuf&utm_medium=ios
‼️Jon
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16Ziw33Cx2/?mibextid=WC7FNe
‼️alluring 2
https://www.notesfromthecircus.com/p/the-plot-against-america
‼️alluring
https://www.threads.net/@alluring/post/DIK-uO8tO32?xmt=AQGzLZfmGSDeUnBv5puItrS
‼️ Ftboy
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16CK7UiNY1/?mibextid=uSdriS
‼️ Peter Thiel
https://www.facebook.com/100079779344617/posts/637359518933354
‼️ Curtis Yarvin
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BgPoc9QKo
‼️ Time
https://time.com/7269166/dark-enlightenment-history-essay/%20https://time.com/7269166/dark-enlightenment-history-essay/
Curtis Yarvin
‼️https://open.substack.com/pub/closertotheedge/p/curtis-yarvin-the-man-who-wants-to?r=5coyuf&utm_medium=ioso
‼️ Curtis Yarvin - the end of American Democracy
https://youtu.be/NcSil8NeQq8?si=Y7YAtmzhLCQSl9C8
☎️☎️☎️
‼️ BEHIND the BASTARDS
Part 1 - the GRAVEDIGGER of DEMOCRACY
https://youtu.be/mfXbyQ9KFdg?feature=shared
Part 2
https://youtu.be/AeDA8hwQ3Fo?feature=shared
Part 3
https://youtu.be/lX-EgbauuOo?feature=shared
Part 4
https://youtu.be/Z8fBqRa2NLQ?feature=shared
🛑🛑🛑
Thanks for posting this. We must help independent journalists - who come under fire like Carole - and internet organisations like Wayback and Internet Archive to stay afloat and function.
We know what's happening!! How do we make it stop???
"Resisting" will never make it stop, it will only postpone it at best.
I watch her TED talk this morning… So grateful to know her! Bravo!
I would not have known about this TED talk if you had not told me. Thank you.
🗽🗽🗽
In considering Carole Cadwalladr’s warnings about the erosion of democracy through technology, a pertinent question arises: so what makes this moment in time any different? To address this, I’d like to draw your attention to a historical perspective offered in The School of Life video “History as a Cure for Our Times” from a 2016 YouTube upload. It provides a framework for understanding today’s challenges within the continuum of societal crises.
The presentation offers the example of ancient Rome, as chronicled by Suetonius, where emperors like Caligula and Nero embodied chaos and tyranny—moments that might have signaled the end of a civilization. Yet, Rome persisted, later flourishing under the wise governance of Marcus Aurelius. This historical arc underscores a recurring truth: societies frequently confront threats that appear existential, only to adapt and endure. Bear with me now. The crises of today—marked by data manipulation, the pervasive influence of AI, and the consolidation of power among tech giants—bear similarities to past struggles with unchecked authority and influence, whether wielded by industrial magnates (Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, etc or master propagandists, like Edward Bernays, who ushered in the era of manipulating the masses).
What distinguishes this moment, however, lies in the nature and scale of the tools at play. Yes, while power has always found ways to concentrate, the current era equips it with a global, instantaneous reach and an unparalleled capacity to harvest personal data. Unlike the visible despots of history, today’s forces operate through subtle, pervasive systems—algorithms and surveillance networks—that shape collective behavior without a single, identifiable face. This invisible consortium of influence marks a departure from the more tangible adversaries of the past.
Yes, we should unite against the ever-present despair lurking in every corner of our psyche—a despair amplified by the legacy media's fear narratives—a despair that is also easily triggered by alarmist messages, Carole's, (though often sincere in their intent) Should we not highlight our resilience as the thread that has historically sustained societies in the past? Rome’s survival through its darkest rulers illustrates that adaptation, not capitulation, SHOULD be the response to such threats. In our time, this might translate to deliberate efforts (as Carole suggested), safeguarding personal data, advocating for transparency in technological systems, and cultivating a critically engaged public. These actions, though not definitive solutions, reflect the same steadfastness that carried past generations through turmoil. Am I wrong here?
Thus, this moment is distinct not because it is uniquely apocalyptic—history is replete with such episodes—but because of the sophistication of its challenges and our heightened awareness of them. By situating Cadwalladr’s concerns within this broader narrative, we see that the difference lies in our opportunity: equipped with historical insight, we possess the means to respond thoughtfully, channeling resilience into action rather than yielding to fear.
It’s easy to feel trapped by the specter of a dystopian future—whether it’s technocratic control, ecological collapse, or eroding freedoms. But there’s a practical alternative worth exploring: the "parallel polis." This concept, pioneered by Czech dissidents like Václav Benda and Václav Havel under Communist oppression, is about building autonomous communities and networks that operate independently of failing or oppressive systems—it’s about creating resilient, self-governing spaces right where we stand. I know that for many, this engagement might seem impossible or far-fetched, but it’s the only true way to exist within the oppressive system.
The "parallel polis" means carving out physical and social spaces—think land, tech networks, or even urban enclaves—where communities can thrive free from state overreach. It’s about self-reliance, from food production to education, rooted in shared values like faith or cultural heritage (e.g., Building a Parallel Polity).
Czech dissidents built parallel structures—cultural hubs, info networks—to resist totalitarianism. Native Americans in California did something similar, reclaiming land and health systems through trust and tenacity
Instead of begging for change within broken systems, it’s about creating new ones that meet our needs—like mutual aid or decentralized tech—shifting power to the grassroots
It’s a rejection of technocratic lies and dehumanization, favoring human-scale solutions like local farming or traditional tools over soul-crushing bureaucracy
This isn’t just theory—it’s a call to action. Here’s a resource list to dive deeper.
Books and Essays
* Václav Havel, "The Power of the Powerless" (1978) - A foundational text on resisting oppression by living authentically.
* Václav Benda, "The Parallel Polis" (1977) - The original blueprint for parallel structures.
* Ivan Illich, "Tools for Conviviality" (1973) - Critiques technology’s dominance and champions human-centered tools.
* Czeslaw Milosz, "The Captive Mind" (1953) - Explores how societies conform to control and how to break free.
* Rudolf Steiner & Guido Preparata - Ideas on perishable currency for sustainable economies.
Historical Examples
* Czech Dissident Movement (1970s-1980s) - Parallel culture and education under Communism.
* Native American Activism in California - The Potawot Health Village as a modern parallel polis.
* CSA Movement & Herd Shares - Community-supported agriculture for food sovereignty.
Modern Applications
* Digital Privacy & Decentralized Tech - Tools to resist surveillance and control (e.g., vTaiwan’s civic tech experiments).
* Localism - Building resilient communities against globalized dysfunction.
Practical Steps
* Economic Independence: Start local currencies or barter systems.
* Alternative Education: Create "hedge schools" or community learning hubs.
* Food Systems: Join or launch CSAs and herd shares.
* Communication Networks: Build offline or encrypted channels.
The parallel polis isn’t a quick fix—it takes time, grit, and collective will. But it’s a proven way to reclaim agency and build something real. What do you think—could this be a path out of fear and into hope?
Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve subscribed to her podcasts.
This is a difficult subject because we humans often engage in the type of cheating we accuse AI of. If it’s using one source without attribution it’s called plagiarism but if it’s from multiple sources with some kind of twist then it’s viewed as creative thinking.
Is AI in its current form capable of the type of creative thought that Darwin or Copernicus had ? I don’t believe so, but can I definitively prove that it will never happen ? I’m not sure.
Powerful!!
She paints a scary and valid analysis. If try we either tax oligarchies out of existence (Rockefellers in the early 50’s) or criminalize the taking of knowledge or information without someone’s clear permission. Was it rape or simply passion. You better be able to prove the consent was given.
Thank you for sharing Carole’s talk. After her last talk, she is incredibly brave to get back on the red circle and speak out again.
Her substack has a post about how she felt about this
https://open.substack.com/pub/broligarchy/p/speaking-truth-to-tech-gods-i-return?r=2dmes&utm_medium=ios
This is breathtakingly scary.