Age of Fantasy: Mob Elites, Obsequious Clowns

Transition from reality to fantasy and symbol manipulation. Being grounded in reality is a maladaptation. Rise of fantasy-based narcissism as a positive lifelong adaptation.

Digital natives are skilled in the paracosm and self-sufficient, aided by technology. Atomization is a rational optimal choice.

Maintenance is relegated to technologies such as AI. Symbols generate meta-symbols and meta-meaning, so are self-referential, self-generating, and self-enhancing.

All these inexorable trends result in a transformation in the Zeitgeist and work ethos. Emphasis now is on the Self as an exclusionary project.

Work and others are evils to be minimized or, whenever possible, shunned. Shortcuts are in.

Ochlocracy deposes of established elites and replaces them with new ones: dumb politicians, ignorant “experts”, inane influencers, quack healers.

Stupid people are – justly! – paranoid. Conspiracies serve to self-enhance (grandiosity) and as organizing and hermeneutic principles.

Intellectuals and otherwise gifted people are confronted with a choice: remain authentic and alienate the masses (be perceived as haughty and contemptuous), risking punishment and cancellation – or clown oneself and gain celebrity, influence, and leverage.

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