It's impossible to understand Silicon Valley without grasping "hyperstition" Hyperstition describes self-fulfilling prophecies that come true through their hype and spread. Sci-fi that becomes real through mass belief. It is the goal of most Silicon valley start-ups to hype an imagined future system or product until it becomes a reality. Bitcoin and AI are seen as successful examples of hyperstition. Failed examples appear when a hyped future-product fails to become a reality or to live up to the hype, these include Theranos, WeWork and Juicero. Although the theory was coined by British academics Nick Land and Mark Fisher of the CCRU - Hypersitition has deeper roots in Californian New Age culture - in beliefs like 'manifestation' in which people believe they can manifest wealth or health or world peace just by the power of thinking about it. We could redefine it as 'magical thinking that becomes real'. Achieving AI superintelligence and the colonisation of Mars are examples of hyperstitious beliefs today, this is why defenders of these endeavours become so emotional if you questions whether these things will ever be possible. You, by being skeptical, are ruining the accumulated flow of hype and belief that will force the dream to become real through the magic of hyperstition.

yes. i wish more people saw further ahead on this. if we’ve become too selfish to care about others’ safety, then think about the implications for creativity & innovation

Your observation touches upon a crucial aspect of human psychology: the malleability of moral standards under certain conditions. Indeed, the human capacity to shift moral stands, sometimes under the influence of external pressures like state policy, propaganda, or societal norms, is a significant phenomenon. The Nazi regime adeptly manipulated these norms through the systematic dehumanization of certain groups, portraying them as lesser or subhuman. This facilitated a disturbing shift in societal moral values, making previously unthinkable acts seem justifiable or necessary. The state's role in this transformation was pivotal, as it not only propagated these ideas but also codified them into laws and regulations, thus normalizing and legalizing evil acts. Individuals found themselves in an environment where atrocious acts were not only legal but often rewarded, further entrenching these behaviors. This process underscores the dangerous power of dehumanization and the role of authoritative structures in shaping moral norms. It serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance and critical thinking in any society to prevent the erosion of universal human rights. Because there are situations when definitions of good and bad can be shifted, eroded, and manipulated. You can also say that many believed in what they were doing, but at some point they also got the understanding that the world around them - that begins to win the war - does not share this view and will hold them accountable of the crimes they perpetrated.

Reading Levinas