The author argues that images have replaced real human interaction, leading to a society where social life is based on appearances.
The Sovereign Individual: The Coming Economic Revolution – James Dale Davidson, William Rees-Mogg: This book explores the economic and political transformation of the shift from an industrial society to an information society. American Gods – Neil Gaiman: In this book, ancient gods such as Odin, Loki, and Anansi have been living among humans in the United States.
However, they have lost their faith due to high technology, media, and other modern-day advancements. The author also explores the idea of an antimeme – an idea that has self-censoring properties – and how it can be used to manipulate people.
Society of the Spectacle – Guy Debord: This book critiques contemporary consumer culture and commodity fetishism, and discusses issues such as class alienation, cultural homogenization, and mass media. There Is No Antimemetics Division – qntm: This science fiction novel is based on the concept of SCP, which is a cultural phenomenon that relies heavily on the community. Malign Velocities: Accelerationism and Capitalism – Benjamin Noys: This book rejects the idea that we are not moving fast enough, and instead embraces the ever-accelerating pace of capitalist production.
It argues that this “accelerationism” is a symptom of the misery and suffering of workers under capitalism. Critical Transitions in Nature and Society – Marten Scheffer: This book provides an introduction to critical transitions in complex systems, including catastrophe theory, bifurcation, chaos, and more.
It also offers practical guidance on anticipating tipping points and preventing negative transitions.
The Future of Religion and the Religion of the Future – Theodore John Rivers: This book delves into the changing relationship between technology and religion, and how Christianity and monasticism in the Middle Ages may play a role in shaping the way we interact with modern technology. Ultimately, technology may become the next form of religion.
The Religion of the Future – Roberto Mangabeira Unger: This book presents the content of a religion that can survive without the belief in a transcendent God or life after death, and how humans can become more like God on earth. A new generation of gods has taken their place, becoming more powerful as humans become more reliant on them. The authors argue that this shift will liberate individuals and change the power of government.
