Interesting reference to Aleksandr Dugin. I have a far-right nephew who recommended reading The Fourth Political Theory by that asshole and another book by Jordan Peterson, whom I think you mentioned as well in another post. What a couple… I also agree we should be in the same time zone as Portugal and the UK. The Greenwich meridian crosses Spain close to its east coast.
Regarding the apologists for autocracy: Ideology and hate go together like birds of a feather. Propagandizing the global populace to divide and conquer itself, or leading the more intellectually engaged on a wild goose chase, has an intended consequence: to stop people from organizing. Manufacture consent to deprive them of freedoms, and distract them from their rapidly degrading material reality while extracting as much from them as possible.
Similar to you, I have a far-right relative in his early twenties who, get this, wants to join a labor union so he's treated better in the workplace. Upon hearing this, I nearly suffered a fucking brain aneurysm. This kid — who's previously subjected me to monologues about "corrupt union bosses" collecting modest dues from their members — somehow doesn't recognize the irony of his situation. With all due respect, I can only hope for his sake and your nephew's that, at some point, the realization dawns upon them that they've been misled.
Rant incoming: I'm from the most capitalist country in the world, which is, let's be honest, collapsing. Nobody who's intellectually honest or has any sense can possibly divert scrutiny from its dominant economic model, which happens to be the foundation of the far-right credo. I understand the desire for a socioeconomic "theory of everything" that, if implemented properly, would make Plato weep. Unfortunately for anyone who wants an easy answer, I think the best we can do is a well-regulated market economy requiring constant oversight to maximize individual flourishing. Emphasis on investing in people and giving them hope is what scales up to societal flourishing in the long run — that's my opinion, anyway.
On a lighter note, the time zone here in Spain is weird. It doesn't bother me personally. Longitudinally, it probably should be the same as Portugal and the UK, but changing it would cause initial confusion. There may be sustained long-term confusion for anything cross-border, like transit or remote work. I think it's a funny peculiarity, not really an urgent problem to be solved. It at least provided me an excuse to go on several tangents! 😀
I believe we share a lot of ideas about our societies. Happy to have e-met you! If you ever come near Barcelona and have some free time, perhaps we could meet in person. Best regards.
Absolutely, the feeling is mutual. I'm down for that! I'll message you ahead of time when I head that way. Alternatively, should you find yourself in Galicia, let me know!
Interesting reference to Aleksandr Dugin. I have a far-right nephew who recommended reading The Fourth Political Theory by that asshole and another book by Jordan Peterson, whom I think you mentioned as well in another post. What a couple… I also agree we should be in the same time zone as Portugal and the UK. The Greenwich meridian crosses Spain close to its east coast.
Regarding the apologists for autocracy: Ideology and hate go together like birds of a feather. Propagandizing the global populace to divide and conquer itself, or leading the more intellectually engaged on a wild goose chase, has an intended consequence: to stop people from organizing. Manufacture consent to deprive them of freedoms, and distract them from their rapidly degrading material reality while extracting as much from them as possible.
Similar to you, I have a far-right relative in his early twenties who, get this, wants to join a labor union so he's treated better in the workplace. Upon hearing this, I nearly suffered a fucking brain aneurysm. This kid — who's previously subjected me to monologues about "corrupt union bosses" collecting modest dues from their members — somehow doesn't recognize the irony of his situation. With all due respect, I can only hope for his sake and your nephew's that, at some point, the realization dawns upon them that they've been misled.
Rant incoming: I'm from the most capitalist country in the world, which is, let's be honest, collapsing. Nobody who's intellectually honest or has any sense can possibly divert scrutiny from its dominant economic model, which happens to be the foundation of the far-right credo. I understand the desire for a socioeconomic "theory of everything" that, if implemented properly, would make Plato weep. Unfortunately for anyone who wants an easy answer, I think the best we can do is a well-regulated market economy requiring constant oversight to maximize individual flourishing. Emphasis on investing in people and giving them hope is what scales up to societal flourishing in the long run — that's my opinion, anyway.
On a lighter note, the time zone here in Spain is weird. It doesn't bother me personally. Longitudinally, it probably should be the same as Portugal and the UK, but changing it would cause initial confusion. There may be sustained long-term confusion for anything cross-border, like transit or remote work. I think it's a funny peculiarity, not really an urgent problem to be solved. It at least provided me an excuse to go on several tangents! 😀
I believe we share a lot of ideas about our societies. Happy to have e-met you! If you ever come near Barcelona and have some free time, perhaps we could meet in person. Best regards.
Absolutely, the feeling is mutual. I'm down for that! I'll message you ahead of time when I head that way. Alternatively, should you find yourself in Galicia, let me know!