Status Updates From Muskismus

„Das kybernetische Kollektiv war anfällig für Infektionen. So wie jedes biologische oder digitale System konnte es verletzt beziehungsweise beschädigt werden. Diese Möglichkeit und die panische Angst davor prägten Musks große Vorhaben in den folgenden Jahren - von der Übernahme Twitters bis zu deinem Ausflug ins Weiße Haus unter der zweiten Trumps-Regierung“

Super interesting point I haven’t heard before, that Musk’s purchase of Twitter was first and foremost about AI, as he sees social media as its training model. “Wenn die sozialen Medien der wichtigste Schauplatz für Cyborg-Symbiose waren, dann war eine Plattform wie Twitter sehr viel mehr als ein Ort, an dem man Scherze machen…“ (usw.)

Interesting point that the early 2010s optimism of renewable energy saving everyone from climate change transformed into a 2020s pessimism, where renewables are instead a solution for the rich (nations/individuals) to secure themselves against the threat of climate change, and insulate themselves against the collapse of broader power/energy systems and supply chains.

Not particularly insightful so far, the only interesting takeaway is how many people associated with PayPal lived at some point in South Africa. But they don’t really analyze this well, they sort of vibe code it by saying: these are the three reasons why apartheid South Africa is like Silicon Valley, all of which apply to a wide range of states and political imaginaries historical and present.

Omg why did they not let Ben read this????? His voice is great, and this reader is so incredibly dry and flat.