System Failure

System Failure explores the dynamics of economic systems, labor structures, debt mechanisms, and religious influences on societal evolution. It critically analyzes historical patterns of wealth inequality, consumption patterns, and the impact of technology on labor. The substack also delves into ancient religious practices and their socio-economic implications, offering perspective on potential systemic shifts.

Economic Systems Labor and Wages Debt and Financial Systems Religion and Society Wealth Inequality Technological Impact on Society Historical Socio-Economic Patterns Consumerism and Consumption Ancient Religious Practices Systemic Shifts and Paradigm Changes

The hottest Substack posts of System Failure

And their main takeaways

Caesar & The Banks

137 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
  1. In the Middle Ages, the Pope elevated himself above rulers by surprising Charlemagne with a coronation, setting the stage for 800 years of political hierarchy.
  2. The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 ended the Medieval period, establishing state sovereignty and formalizing borders of sovereign nations.
  3. The Bank of England's establishment in 1694 marked a shift in power as bankers replaced the church, using symbols like the pyramid and the all-seeing eye to conceal their authority.

Finance, Religion, and Drugs (Part 4)

117 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
  1. The Holy Grail represents the idea that we are progressions of people, not just individual beings.
  2. Psychoactive compounds in plants were used in ancient Greece and Rome to dissolve ego and show a shared humanity.
  3. The rise and fall of societies throughout history show a continuous struggle between power and love, with inevitable shifts toward communal control.

Finance, Religion, & Drugs (Part I)

196 implied HN points • 31 Aug 22
  1. In ancient societies, canceled debts prevented citizens from falling into irrecoverable debt and becoming unruly.
  2. Under democracy, without a check on private fortunes, wealth inequality can spiral out of control.
  3. The lack of sophisticated legal mechanisms for debt cancellation can lead societies down a disastrous path.

The Broccoli Analogy

98 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
  1. Time and distance can be interchangeable, leading to mind-bending implications.
  2. Our existence as individuals is an illusion, and we are truly interconnected.
  3. Understanding the illusion of individuality can lead to a more united global community.

By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know Them

98 implied HN points • 21 Mar 23
  1. Drugs have played a significant role in shaping history and influencing social structures.
  2. The legality of drugs is often determined by profit rather than concern for public well-being.
  3. Certain substances have the potential to challenge established beliefs and mental structures, impacting religion and society.
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Immortality

78 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
  1. The persecution of witches evolved to control people and preserve power structures throughout history.
  2. Intoxicating substances like wine and potions played a significant role in ancient religious practices and were demonized by authorities.
  3. The battle for power and control encompasses repression of alternative medicine, democratic ideals, and the understanding of the Sacred Feminine.

Banking & Magic Artifacts

78 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
  1. Legends about holy artifacts are linked with key moments in banking history.
  2. The greatest secret in history challenges our egoic identities and the power dynamics they perpetuate.
  3. Understanding and sharing critical ideas can lead to positive change in a deteriorating world.

Platonism & Collapse

78 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
  1. Platonism suggests that the higher realm of ideas is true reality, and our physical world is just a shadow of it.
  2. Throughout history, Platonism has played a significant role in reviving collapsed societies during major system breakdowns.
  3. Platonism has resurfaced in various forms such as Christianity, Magic, and the psychedelic tradition, influencing societal transformations and creative expressions.

Magic & the Apocalypse

78 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
  1. When mythological beliefs get overturned, reality feels like it's collapsing.
  2. The collapse of Medieval reality was apocalyptic, leading to a shift in power dynamics.
  3. The decline of church power allowed for the resurgence of old magical traditions and fueled the rise of science and capitalism.

Apocalypse (Part 3)

196 implied HN points • 25 May 22
  1. Economic systems in history have collapsed due to unsustainable growth models.
  2. Different historical eras relied on different labor structures, such as masters and slaves or lords and serfs.
  3. The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping the relationship between employers and employees in our modern economic system.

Apocalypse (Part 2)

196 implied HN points • 24 May 22
  1. Collapse is looming in the banking system as growth stalls.
  2. Unrealistic expectations of infinite growth are unsustainable in a finite system.
  3. Attempts to prop up growth with printed money have only inflated asset prices without stimulating real economic activity.

Apocalypse (Part 1)

196 implied HN points • 23 May 22
  1. Our economic system is on the verge of collapse.
  2. Economic systems have life cycles and we are at the end of one.
  3. There is an opportunity for us to build a new and better system for the future.

Finance, Religion, and Drugs (Part 4)

78 implied HN points • 23 Jan 23
  1. The tale of Jesus is actually an allegory for the sun, represented by the number 12 and various symbols.
  2. Isaac Newton, born on December 25th like Jesus, was fascinated by time and invented calculus to show time and distance are intertwined.
  3. The connection between time and ego, finance, and salvation highlights how ancient beliefs and systems are still relevant today.

Finance, Religion, and Drugs (Part 3)

98 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
  1. Certain elements of Christianity were influenced by ancient pagan practices and Greek mythology, like the use of wine mixed with other ingredients symbolizing intoxication.
  2. Historically, the use of drugs and intoxication was significant in the religious practices of various cultures, leading to altered states of consciousness and ego dissolution.
  3. The influence of visionary drugs in religions like Christianity has been downplayed over time as societal norms and power dynamics changed, despite their potential for spiritual experiences and insight.

The Matador's Cape (Part 1)

137 implied HN points • 01 Aug 22
  1. America built a strong middle class in the 1930s through programs like the New Deal
  2. High tax rates on the wealthy during the New Deal jump-started the economy and prevented a communist revolution
  3. Propaganda and lower tax rates quietly reversed the New Deal, leading to increased wealth inequality and a shrinking middle class

Wage & Labor (Part 1)

157 implied HN points • 31 May 22
  1. Employers may not raise wages even when there's a labor shortage, because workers are willing to accept lower pay due to desperation.
  2. Wages are not determined like other business inputs, as workers often undervalue themselves in the labor market.
  3. Desperate employees willing to work for less drive down the baseline price of labor, benefiting employers at the cost of workers' financial stability.

Platonism

58 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
  1. Reality is often an abstraction built by science that may not fully capture our human experience.
  2. Our memories and perception of reality can be faulty and influenced by collective delusions.
  3. Our understanding of reality is heavily shaped by language, storytelling, and the authorities we trust.

Finance, Religion, and Drugs (Part 2)

98 implied HN points • 05 Oct 22
  1. Debt is dangerous because it is easily made and can lead to societal collapse.
  2. Ancient societies had debt forgiveness practices to prevent societal instability.
  3. Christianity's teachings on debt forgiveness have been interpreted and modified over time.

The Matador's Cape (Part 2)

117 implied HN points • 09 Aug 22
  1. American capitalism has been sequestered from democratic redistribution by clever deceptions
  2. The Women's Liberation Movement of the 1970s played a role in reversing the New Deal by throwing women into the labor market
  3. Ultra-wealthy individuals distract and deceive the majority with tactics like controlling media outlets and social media companies

The Female Trinity (Part 1)

137 implied HN points • 13 Jun 22
  1. The traditional Catholic trinity had an all-female reflection as the virgin, the mother, and the crone.
  2. The crone has ancient roots in the mystery rites at Eleusis, but was banished due to her association with psychoactive plants as Christianity sought a monopoly on sacraments.
  3. Early church fathers demonized the crone, Hecate, to suppress the magical properties associated with ancient folk knowledge passed down through the mystery religions.

The Holy Grail (Part 1)

137 implied HN points • 06 Jun 22
  1. Magical chalices predate the Holy Grail legend and have roots in pagan traditions.
  2. Eleusis was a significant site in Classical civilization with enduring influence.
  3. Chalices and psychoactive plants have a intertwined history, impacting significant historical events.

Main Thesis

98 implied HN points • 31 Aug 22
  1. Pre-Greek and Roman societies had a tradition called 'Jubilee' which prevented citizens from falling into irrecoverable debt.
  2. Jesus incorporated knowledge of debt jubilees into his teachings, influenced by events like the Babylonian Captivity.
  3. Ancient Greek and Roman religious practices involved magical potions from plants, reflecting the idea that we are timeless progressions of people beyond individuality.

The Female Trinity (Part 2)

117 implied HN points • 15 Jun 22
  1. Priestesses at Eleusis and indigenous Amazonians had secret potions tested over generations.
  2. The crone was the keeper of magical plant knowledge that threatened early church control.
  3. The Holy Grail symbolizes the lost sacred feminine and the demonization of magic potions.

The Holy Grail (Part 3)

117 implied HN points • 08 Jun 22
  1. After Christianity became the state religion, the church wanted a monopoly on access to God.
  2. The Renaissance revived classical pagan culture and challenged the Vatican's control of literature.
  3. Suppression by the church kept the secrets of classical mystery religions for nearly two millennia until the resurgence of psychedelic plants in the 20th century.

The Holy Grail (Part 2)

117 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
  1. The secret ingredients of the magic cup from Eleusis were eventually shared, leading to wild ceremonies outside the rituals.
  2. Dionysus's rise to the Greek pantheon reflected a class war and social changes in mythology.
  3. The magic-cup religions of Eleusis and Dionysus were managed by women, showing gender and class divisions in ancient rites.

Wage & Labor (Part 2)

117 implied HN points • 01 Jun 22
  1. Minimum wage should be tied to the cost of living.
  2. A livable minimum wage can help limit cost-of-living inflation.
  3. Employers need to cover the cost-of-living for their employees to address the current workforce crisis.

Apocalypse (Part 5)

117 implied HN points • 27 May 22
  1. Science and technology from the Renaissance fueled economic growth for 600 years.
  2. Technology is essentially applying science to industry, which expands economies.
  3. Science and technology alone cannot continue to meet the banking industry's demand for endless economic growth.

Apocalypse (Part 4)

117 implied HN points • 26 May 22
  1. Our economy needs constant growth to prevent sudden collapse.
  2. Banks play a central role in fueling economic expansion through loans and reinvestments.
  3. The historical roots of our economic system trace back to banking practices during the Renaissance.

Sacrifice

137 implied HN points • 21 Mar 22
  1. The concept of sacrifice for future generations is missing in modern society.
  2. Sacrifice is evident in raising children and in building monumental structures like cathedrals.
  3. Our modern economy resembling a Ponzi scheme highlights issues with wealth transfer and sustainability.

Paradigm Shift (Part I)

157 implied HN points • 10 Jan 22
  1. Consider reducing the work week to address unemployment due to technological advancements.
  2. John Maynard Keynes predicted a 15-hour work week due to technology but changes were not implemented.
  3. Automation can lead to increased productivity without fair compensation, calling for labor bargaining power.

Betraying the Flock

39 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
  1. Christianity historically elaborated ideas that benefitted political powers.
  2. Roman emperors supported a version of Christianity that reinforced their authority.
  3. Questioning established concepts in religion and society is crucial for progress.

The Matador's Cape (Part 3)

78 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
  1. The wealth of American capitalism has been sequestered from democratic redistribution by clever deceptions.
  2. Identity politics were used to divide and distract the electorate, hindering movements like Occupy Wall Street.
  3. The internet's democratizing power can help in the ongoing class war by allowing people to connect directly and access alternate sources of information.

Impending Collapse

38 HN points • 07 Aug 23
  1. Historically, there has been a progression from top-down rule towards more democracy.
  2. Technological advancements are predicted to lead to a shift in control of production towards a more democratic model.
  3. The current economic system may be on the brink of collapse due to unsustainable practices.

Paradigm Shift (Part II)

98 implied HN points • 07 Mar 22
  1. The growing problem of technology making human labor redundant is explored in this two-part essay.
  2. Historical examples show that even our oldest systems have life cycles and change is inevitable.
  3. Understanding the broad sweep of history helps us have faith that better times may follow periods of chaos.

A Tale of Two Generations

137 implied HN points • 08 Oct 21
  1. Beethoven captured the optimism and grandeur of a generation in his music.
  2. Dickens portrayed the harsh realities of poverty and class divide in Victorian society.
  3. Marx's analysis of wealth inequality and capitalism still holds relevance today.

Minimalism

117 implied HN points • 16 Nov 21
  1. America's issue with too much stuff is due to advertising manipulation and consumerism.
  2. The economic system in the US fuels the constant need for more consumption and growth.
  3. Raising awareness and avoiding manipulative marketing can help combat the problem of excess consumption.

The Monkey's Paw (Part II)

98 implied HN points • 22 Oct 21
  1. Interest has a dual nature - it builds societies but can also create financial separation and instability.
  2. Private citizens entering the lending game for profit led to predatory lending practices.
  3. Interest can drive wealth accumulation from the poor to the wealthy, creating economic inequality and societal instability.

The Monkey's Paw (Part I)

98 implied HN points • 15 Oct 21
  1. The story of the monkey's paw warns about being careful what you wish for.
  2. Cooperation has been crucial to human survival and evolution.
  3. Interest, like the monkey's paw, is a tool with both benefits and consequences.

Digital Faneuil Hall

98 implied HN points • 07 Sep 21
  1. The United States has an unofficial state religion: money.
  2. Our institutions are self-preserving as societal problems grow.
  3. Consensus building among independent-minded individuals is key for tackling the issue of infinite growth.

Real Magic (Part III)

78 implied HN points • 16 Dec 21
  1. Historical pandemics have triggered paradigm shifts and changes in society
  2. Loss of faith in institutions can lead to revolutionary changes
  3. Challenging long-held beliefs can pave the way for new perspectives and advancements