I see the conversion phenomenon you identify in myself. Specifically, although I am sure there are likely other examples in my past, when I began Jiu Jitsu, I couldn’t shut up about it. My friends would politely listen at first, then I received some jovial ribbings about my interest.
Thanks for the recommend Rhyd. I will have to sit down and re-read Rewilding Witchcraft. I don't like to go back and adjust what I've previously written, as I believe that a writer should relinquish control once a text is published. However, the situation has developed with the fourth industrial revolution co-opting the environmental movement, and, as you say witchcraft has become further dirtied with rank commercialism. These will need new work to address, and substack is where I will do that.
I've given up on discussing Trump with everyone that I know. The last time I had a conversation about Trump, the other person denied that any of the polling or demographic data was real - it was all made up or biased against Biden.
Zealotry, to me, is like some sort of malignant version of external validation. Not only is it not enough that other people acknowledge & validate their beliefs, but also any disagreement or disinterest is an affront to their core. The mere possibility of some other possibility is enough to cause them cognitive dissonance and to lash out. I think it occurs in some new converts as they're integrating something new into their identity because everything is novel, they're trying to differentiate themselves as member of the in-group, and it's not really fully incorporated into their identity/beliefs yet.
The social justice framework is certainly could be ideal for reinforcing and essentializing identity, since the us-versus-them dynamic is so powerful.
':Very lightly scratch the surface of any politician and you’ll find the putrid rot of corruption'' This is obviously wrong and excessively cynical. The charges against Lula were almost certainly fabricated. I'm not sure what laws Joe Biden has allegedly broken, nor why the Biden family are supposedly corrupt. His son might be but he is also being prosecuted. False equivalence I fear is being used to make one feel superior and objective. The 'fanaticism of the convert' is a long recognised phenomenon.
Regarding III., Rhyd, do I have this right? I read your posts, but I have not read "Here Be Monsters: How to Fight Capitalism Instead of Each Other". Did the publisher have other authors, who were making them more money, object to your book because they misread it, thinking you were not woke enough? So, they deprecate your book to keep the other writers happy? A short answer is good enough for me.
Not sure how much is safe for me to say, but it’s as you said except they weren’t more money-making,, just authors with large twitter followings and an axe to grind against anyone talking about class.
Why does this remind me of high school conversations, talking about someone unlike your publisher, that ended with, "At least she is an honest hoar...". (rhetorical, no response necessary).
I found a relevant quote over on John Michael Greer's site. He says, "...when people give up on love and seek power instead, their behavior becomes very predictable. That’s what lies behind the woke business, of course, and they’re doing a fine imitation of Alberich." https://www.ecosophia.net/the-nibelungs-ring-prelude/
I see the conversion phenomenon you identify in myself. Specifically, although I am sure there are likely other examples in my past, when I began Jiu Jitsu, I couldn’t shut up about it. My friends would politely listen at first, then I received some jovial ribbings about my interest.
Thanks for the recommend Rhyd. I will have to sit down and re-read Rewilding Witchcraft. I don't like to go back and adjust what I've previously written, as I believe that a writer should relinquish control once a text is published. However, the situation has developed with the fourth industrial revolution co-opting the environmental movement, and, as you say witchcraft has become further dirtied with rank commercialism. These will need new work to address, and substack is where I will do that.
Looking forward to the adder. Will be a nice antidote to Paul Kingsnorth's recent mimsyness.
Venom / Antivenom
RE: IV. Eric Hoffer, "The True Believer", (1951).
Desperately. I look forward to your further evolution of shared understanding in these mechanisms. Thank you Rhyd! 🦋
I dig this new format Rhyd. I'm always up for a juicy miscellany
I've given up on discussing Trump with everyone that I know. The last time I had a conversation about Trump, the other person denied that any of the polling or demographic data was real - it was all made up or biased against Biden.
Zealotry, to me, is like some sort of malignant version of external validation. Not only is it not enough that other people acknowledge & validate their beliefs, but also any disagreement or disinterest is an affront to their core. The mere possibility of some other possibility is enough to cause them cognitive dissonance and to lash out. I think it occurs in some new converts as they're integrating something new into their identity because everything is novel, they're trying to differentiate themselves as member of the in-group, and it's not really fully incorporated into their identity/beliefs yet.
The social justice framework is certainly could be ideal for reinforcing and essentializing identity, since the us-versus-them dynamic is so powerful.
':Very lightly scratch the surface of any politician and you’ll find the putrid rot of corruption'' This is obviously wrong and excessively cynical. The charges against Lula were almost certainly fabricated. I'm not sure what laws Joe Biden has allegedly broken, nor why the Biden family are supposedly corrupt. His son might be but he is also being prosecuted. False equivalence I fear is being used to make one feel superior and objective. The 'fanaticism of the convert' is a long recognised phenomenon.
Regarding III., Rhyd, do I have this right? I read your posts, but I have not read "Here Be Monsters: How to Fight Capitalism Instead of Each Other". Did the publisher have other authors, who were making them more money, object to your book because they misread it, thinking you were not woke enough? So, they deprecate your book to keep the other writers happy? A short answer is good enough for me.
Not sure how much is safe for me to say, but it’s as you said except they weren’t more money-making,, just authors with large twitter followings and an axe to grind against anyone talking about class.
Why does this remind me of high school conversations, talking about someone unlike your publisher, that ended with, "At least she is an honest hoar...". (rhetorical, no response necessary).
I found a relevant quote over on John Michael Greer's site. He says, "...when people give up on love and seek power instead, their behavior becomes very predictable. That’s what lies behind the woke business, of course, and they’re doing a fine imitation of Alberich." https://www.ecosophia.net/the-nibelungs-ring-prelude/