More on 'Tension'

Why do we rarely talk about the "underlying tension"?

I said something yesterday:

it is a wonder no one talks about it.

Talks about what exactly? Ah. The “underlying social tension,” I believe so. It is something you never see a discussion of. And yet, one feature of Western life is that much of this tension was channeled into radicalism or Marxism. More or less the same thing but I used two different words.

Aside from that, however, there is always one group that dominates, which we call the “ruling class,” usually. As capitalism develops, and with it the liberalisms of J. S. Mill, which mean freedom of speech and diversity, the underlying tension increases. In resultant capitalist societies there are two parties. One (conservative) says just stamp out these people, with the other one saying everyone has the right to free speech. So, this is certainly tension. So, the underlying tension builds.

Radical dreamers arise, who say “another world is possible.” That seems actually doubtful to me, and I suspect that it is a kind of promotion they are doing for their cause. Possible, maybe. But not likely. And what are the radicals doing using promotional strategies? Should they be doing that? It seems facetious.

but, on the basic level: “this capitalism thing is not quite right.” There just has to be something else. I mean, of course there does.

But when you get down to the question of what is it and how could it manifest, these are great mysteries, and it looks like the human race will go through a catastrophe and that means back to a primitive state, maybe not like the stone age, but a great recession(?). This is all due to our fear stopping us, before anything fundamentally changes.

Yeah, another world is possible. Whatever. Looking at the world as it is, it does not seem very likely. I am amazed at those who are still oprimistic.

So. What can we do in the meantime? This is the question, I think!

(You should read more cool stuff on the Substack platform!)

The idea that “there must be something else” seems to be an inevitable offshoot of the liberal society. People naturally have the desire to see a bigger picture. Capitalism needs to lead somewhere but conservatives rule and change is disallowed. This does not change the way the world is by its own nature. It is never static, it is progressive. Today’s capitalism is far different from that of the 1950s, and etc.

Everything changes and yet nothing changes. Do you really want a “Better world”? Hang on. It’s going to be a long ride.

Well, I suppose.

I habe said all I can, so I had better give up on the fascinating subject of “the underlying social tension” and come up with something more productive for next time.

All the rebels can go back to their underground bunkers. I am through here.