At age 72 almost everything I find myself thinking about the world — as it is and seems determined to become — bores me, depresses me, or both. And so I read. I read fiction and non-fiction about the world as it was before digitization and its noise. This reading and echoes of it, while they last, bring respite, mostly borne of gauzy nostalgia, but also comforting insights and hope. This reading … and your writing … are my lough. And I try to ignore the irony of the machines that bring them to me. Thank you … Ken
I look forward to your continued writings. I always learn so much, and strangely get a little bit a peace from them. I say strangely because the world isn’t pretty right now and your words illuminate that plainly. You’ve given voice to things I’ve long wondered about and did not have the outlet for exploring outside myself. That brings me some peace. Many thanks!
Strangely, I get a little bit of peace from them, too. When I read Paul's essays (and listen to him on Youtube), I think that maybe things aren't as hopeless as they seem.
I think we are going to have to go through the storm upon us. We already are. There is no avoiding it I fear. My hope is that, even if I don't get to see it, there is something good, human-scaled, and beautiful on the other side. We can carry the fire and try to hand it on. It won't be easy, to say the least. We need each other.
I agree with you. Carry the fire and hand it on, indeed. I am beginning to think this storm has raging for decades and has only increased in intensity because of the wild, unfettered, cancer-like growth in computer technologies and all that that has birthed. My wife and I were listening to the wonderful novel by Wallace Stegner, "Angle of Repose," and struck by how much the time and textures of the early 1970s - as related by the narrator of the story - would also describe now. And to borrow Stegner's borrow of that mining phrase, best to keep from sliding into the abyss and find our own angle of repose.
As Paul has written the intention to control has been there for a long time. To the beginnings of civilization, alas. The new technologies, as you point out, have allowed that intention to control to become more of a reality. The net (pun intended) becomes harder to elude.
The time before the "smart" phone seems like an entirely different world to me. All the way back in ancient days of 2007. The New World Order, though, is a fantasy that has much deeper roots. And a dangerous fantasy, at that.
And how not to slide into the Abyss is a very central question. An unavoidable question. The skids are well greased, I fear.
Good question. I don't know. Maybe someone else can jump. In any case, you can launch Youtube, search by his name, and you'll get a bunch of hits. The minions of the Machine don't seem to be censoring him. . .yet.
I had the good luck to have discovered your writing just before you began this series and have since followed it with great interest. In many ways I feel as though you've put words to thoughts and feelings I haven't been able to clarify. I look forward to continuing to read this series.
Yes.... There's a power greater than ourselves, and a power greater than the Machine. When we realise that, we can be lifted gently but firmly out of the clutch of darkness.
Take the time you need. It’s always well worth the wait. Looking forward to the next part (but in a non-pressurising way ;) and very glad to have had the opportunity to read and absorb your work so far.
Thanks to everyone below the line for all your comments, insights and reading recommendations too. Learning so much. I don’t usually add anything to the conversation, because half the time I feel like a spaniel trying to follow a physics lecture, but it’s really inspiring. What a great bunch of thinkers you’ve gathered here, Paul.
Keep up the good work sir. I appreciate it, stimulates the mind. It is the writers and readers of the world who are carrying the fire thru this dark valley.
Thank you, Paul, for the first installment of essays. I very much look forward to the next set.
What you have created here is the necessary--even essential--conversation as far as I am concerned. I am thankful to you (and to everyone here) that I can, in whatever small way, participate.
No rush at all on future essays. Though periodic updates are always appreciated to keep the conversation going.
I hope all is well with you and your family. Be well.
At age 72 almost everything I find myself thinking about the world — as it is and seems determined to become — bores me, depresses me, or both. And so I read. I read fiction and non-fiction about the world as it was before digitization and its noise. This reading and echoes of it, while they last, bring respite, mostly borne of gauzy nostalgia, but also comforting insights and hope. This reading … and your writing … are my lough. And I try to ignore the irony of the machines that bring them to me. Thank you … Ken
I thoroughly enjoy your work, Paul. I'll wait as long as you need: It's worth the wait.
I look forward to your continued writings. I always learn so much, and strangely get a little bit a peace from them. I say strangely because the world isn’t pretty right now and your words illuminate that plainly. You’ve given voice to things I’ve long wondered about and did not have the outlet for exploring outside myself. That brings me some peace. Many thanks!
Strangely, I get a little bit of peace from them, too. When I read Paul's essays (and listen to him on Youtube), I think that maybe things aren't as hopeless as they seem.
I think we are going to have to go through the storm upon us. We already are. There is no avoiding it I fear. My hope is that, even if I don't get to see it, there is something good, human-scaled, and beautiful on the other side. We can carry the fire and try to hand it on. It won't be easy, to say the least. We need each other.
I agree with you. Carry the fire and hand it on, indeed. I am beginning to think this storm has raging for decades and has only increased in intensity because of the wild, unfettered, cancer-like growth in computer technologies and all that that has birthed. My wife and I were listening to the wonderful novel by Wallace Stegner, "Angle of Repose," and struck by how much the time and textures of the early 1970s - as related by the narrator of the story - would also describe now. And to borrow Stegner's borrow of that mining phrase, best to keep from sliding into the abyss and find our own angle of repose.
Michael-
As Paul has written the intention to control has been there for a long time. To the beginnings of civilization, alas. The new technologies, as you point out, have allowed that intention to control to become more of a reality. The net (pun intended) becomes harder to elude.
The time before the "smart" phone seems like an entirely different world to me. All the way back in ancient days of 2007. The New World Order, though, is a fantasy that has much deeper roots. And a dangerous fantasy, at that.
And how not to slide into the Abyss is a very central question. An unavoidable question. The skids are well greased, I fear.
Does Paul have a YouTube channel?
Good question. I don't know. Maybe someone else can jump. In any case, you can launch Youtube, search by his name, and you'll get a bunch of hits. The minions of the Machine don't seem to be censoring him. . .yet.
I do, as it happens, quite a new one, with a few podcasts and interviews and things on it:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYXs7_8M-NcB6P-ADbGOnEQ
Super, thanks!
I had the good luck to have discovered your writing just before you began this series and have since followed it with great interest. In many ways I feel as though you've put words to thoughts and feelings I haven't been able to clarify. I look forward to continuing to read this series.
Yes.... There's a power greater than ourselves, and a power greater than the Machine. When we realise that, we can be lifted gently but firmly out of the clutch of darkness.
"This too shall pass."
Simultaneously the darkest and most uplifting phrase that I can think of.
I look forward to seeing where these plans end up.
Take the time you need. It’s always well worth the wait. Looking forward to the next part (but in a non-pressurising way ;) and very glad to have had the opportunity to read and absorb your work so far.
Thanks to everyone below the line for all your comments, insights and reading recommendations too. Learning so much. I don’t usually add anything to the conversation, because half the time I feel like a spaniel trying to follow a physics lecture, but it’s really inspiring. What a great bunch of thinkers you’ve gathered here, Paul.
Thanks Paul. This weekend I printed out the essays to date, to read through as one and share with my wife.
I look forward to part two.
Keep up the good work sir. I appreciate it, stimulates the mind. It is the writers and readers of the world who are carrying the fire thru this dark valley.
Well worth the wait!
Looking forward to the Underworld tour!
Take however much time you need between essays. They are worth the wait.
Thank you, Paul, for the first installment of essays. I very much look forward to the next set.
What you have created here is the necessary--even essential--conversation as far as I am concerned. I am thankful to you (and to everyone here) that I can, in whatever small way, participate.
No rush at all on future essays. Though periodic updates are always appreciated to keep the conversation going.
I hope all is well with you and your family. Be well.
GodSpeed.
Look forward to part two and three. No need to rush anything. This is important writing.
Thank you for all your work Mr. Kingsnorth. It is very much appreciated.