It seems to me that the existential terror that brings on bullying (as with Trump) or the never ending quest for more wealth (as with Musk and many technocrats) has psychological roots in low self esteem. This never ending quest for more at the expense of those with less is toxic. Toxic for the victims and ultimately for the perpetrators.
Provocative conversation. I am unable to fashion a pithy response, so much ground was covered....so much thought and inquiry stimulated.
I will say that I feel hollow and kinda hopeless about the way forward, outnumbered by psychologically unevolved white boys, at the top, in the middle and at the bottom.
Thank you! A fitting metaphor for my earlier comment. This article, and you, exists on one side of the firewall and I live on the other side. Things look very different from here.
I hope I find something new in the article. I wish you and I could trade places for a week — that you could see what I see and hear what I hear in the places where I see and hear them — and then talk.
Excellent episode once again!
It seems to me that the existential terror that brings on bullying (as with Trump) or the never ending quest for more wealth (as with Musk and many technocrats) has psychological roots in low self esteem. This never ending quest for more at the expense of those with less is toxic. Toxic for the victims and ultimately for the perpetrators.
It's time to look behind the curtain.
Provocative conversation. I am unable to fashion a pithy response, so much ground was covered....so much thought and inquiry stimulated.
I will say that I feel hollow and kinda hopeless about the way forward, outnumbered by psychologically unevolved white boys, at the top, in the middle and at the bottom.
I often feel that too. But there are green shoots, including the demise of Tesla, the rehiring of federal employees, and Trump's latest poll numbers—his approval ratings are underwater, 45%-54%. This is worth a read: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/03/elon-musk-human-meme-stock/682023/
Thank you! A fitting metaphor for my earlier comment. This article, and you, exists on one side of the firewall and I live on the other side. Things look very different from here.
I will give it a read. Thanks.
I hope I find something new in the article. I wish you and I could trade places for a week — that you could see what I see and hear what I hear in the places where I see and hear them — and then talk.
I drove past a Musk protest the other day, honked loudly, smiled and waved…from my 2018 “before times” Model 3 (with “NO Elon” stickers).
Couldn’t be more disgusted by what Musk is doing. Greatly appreciate this discussion.