Inverting concepts or theories to gain insight may result in some confusing what is a mental exercise with implied endorsement of the concept or theory.
The structure of your thoughts was clear to me. Thank you again for another thoughtful essay.
Phew thanks. But it’s a reminder that there’s rarely upside in touching third rails like geopolitics or politics where it’s easily to be clumsy or misinterpreted.
In Tao Te Ching chapter 36 (Stephen Mitchell translation) a concept is shared that if you want something to diminish or be removed, you must first let it fully unfold:
“If you want to shrink something, you must first allow it to expand. If you want to get rid of something, you must first allow it to flourish.”
Drawing attention to something that does not align with your beliefs or thinking is supporting the message of the Tao.
Loved the table comparing closed versus open societies. We're (potentially, hopefully) witnessing the death of hierarchy as a form of human organization.
Minor note... I find Jiang VERY suspicious. Have read a few articles about his sudden emergence and his story line looks quite manufactured. He's a tool for someone, just not clear who.
Read another angle, which is that Yale has been in China for a hundred years. Author tried to connect to all to Freemasonry, claiming there's been a chapter in China since before the CCP. But really... All speculation.
Really feeling cheated on the whole apocalypse thing. Have been expecting big reveals, but feels like that plus a whole lotta FOG continuing to obscure the truth.
Hey Tom, there's so much about this post that resonates and I appreciate the depth and what you are bringing together here. I am a long-standing fan of Steiner and I'm happy to be reconnected with some of these ideas
I'm curious what you tell people in response to what you wrote here: "Money is the most significant perceived constraint on free will for the people that I meet."
Thanks so much, Julian. I'm new to Steiner, but my word, he's resonating with me.
I wish I had a good response to that question, because if I did, I think I'd be able to do a lot of good in the world. But I also think that a lot of our purpose on earth is to discover that there is a force more powerful than our primary blocker and fear. And I'm not sure anyone else can find that out other than you, by taking little leaps of faith towards the things that really light you up inside.
Very well thought out and written. I appreciate your linking Daniel Rushkoff’s article - twas an illuminating supplement to this article and deepened my understanding of issue humanity has been facing and what is required to rise above it. Thank you for challenging yourself and your readers.
Thank you, Sylvia! The knowledge that Epstein may have been enjoying or even elevating the kinds of antihuman ideas that have dominated the last two decades of public life and industry was both chilling and sobering.
I feel sick that you would amplify Jiang's antisemitic conspiracy theories, only to then say his work was "unexpectedly helpful" and to argue that maybe the guy has a point about the evil cabals and the blood sacrifice.
The idea that there's a secret cabal trying to remake the world for the benefit of Israel is not revolutionary or challenging or inspirational in my opinion. It's the same old hatred repackaged for a new generation, and it's being disseminated at a terrifying pace thanks to the internet.
I'm in genuine shock. You're better than this, Tom.
I’ll probably have to reflect more on this. But I don’t endorse his viewpoints at any point, except to invert them to point at the good? He says “here is what an evil cabal looks like” and I say “what is the opposite?” But maybe I suck as a writer if this is your emotional reaction.
Well, I'm grateful to Lara. If someone as smart as her could misinterpret my intentions so radically, then she's probably not the only person? So she gives me the opportunity to state on the record, in case it isn't clear.
- I am not antisemitic (obviously?)
- I did not argue "he has a point", the "unexpectedly helpful" was making me ponder the nature of poweer and free will
- I don't even really take a view on Israel or geopolitics (not informed enough).
- I am obviously not endorsing Jiang's views, and was explicit about that (but I probably shouldnt have even mentioned my source)
- I can't believe I would ever have to type this: but I don't believe really anyone is currently involved in blood sacrifice (I hope).
But I get very upset when people think I am something I'm not, or spreading a message I'm not. So Lara- you are welcome, as always, to call for a chat.
Inverting concepts or theories to gain insight may result in some confusing what is a mental exercise with implied endorsement of the concept or theory.
The structure of your thoughts was clear to me. Thank you again for another thoughtful essay.
Phew thanks. But it’s a reminder that there’s rarely upside in touching third rails like geopolitics or politics where it’s easily to be clumsy or misinterpreted.
In Tao Te Ching chapter 36 (Stephen Mitchell translation) a concept is shared that if you want something to diminish or be removed, you must first let it fully unfold:
“If you want to shrink something, you must first allow it to expand. If you want to get rid of something, you must first allow it to flourish.”
Drawing attention to something that does not align with your beliefs or thinking is supporting the message of the Tao.
That’s become incredibly apparent in my life in strange ways over the last couple of weeks
I love your Substack, Tom. Thank you for the thought provoking piece!
Super kind of you not just to read, but to take the time to encourage me.
Loved the table comparing closed versus open societies. We're (potentially, hopefully) witnessing the death of hierarchy as a form of human organization.
Minor note... I find Jiang VERY suspicious. Have read a few articles about his sudden emergence and his story line looks quite manufactured. He's a tool for someone, just not clear who.
Thank you! And I agree on my suspicion (CCP is my bet), but it was a prompt for further thought. Perhaps I shouldn’t have named him.
Read another angle, which is that Yale has been in China for a hundred years. Author tried to connect to all to Freemasonry, claiming there's been a chapter in China since before the CCP. But really... All speculation.
Really feeling cheated on the whole apocalypse thing. Have been expecting big reveals, but feels like that plus a whole lotta FOG continuing to obscure the truth.
Honestly I think we might be about to accelerate in a lot of different directions. But I’ve thought that for a year and I’m only maybe right…
Thank you, Tom. I always find your work entertaining, thoughtful, and deeply nourishing.
Comments like this a genuinely encouraging to me, Matt thank you. They give me confidence that I’m moving in the right direction.
I do like your comment "I left Amsterdam with fresh optimism that we’re going to make it through."
Radical Hope
Radical Optimism?
Hey Tom, there's so much about this post that resonates and I appreciate the depth and what you are bringing together here. I am a long-standing fan of Steiner and I'm happy to be reconnected with some of these ideas
I'm curious what you tell people in response to what you wrote here: "Money is the most significant perceived constraint on free will for the people that I meet."
Thanks so much, Julian. I'm new to Steiner, but my word, he's resonating with me.
I wish I had a good response to that question, because if I did, I think I'd be able to do a lot of good in the world. But I also think that a lot of our purpose on earth is to discover that there is a force more powerful than our primary blocker and fear. And I'm not sure anyone else can find that out other than you, by taking little leaps of faith towards the things that really light you up inside.
Very well thought out and written. I appreciate your linking Daniel Rushkoff’s article - twas an illuminating supplement to this article and deepened my understanding of issue humanity has been facing and what is required to rise above it. Thank you for challenging yourself and your readers.
Thank you, Sylvia! The knowledge that Epstein may have been enjoying or even elevating the kinds of antihuman ideas that have dominated the last two decades of public life and industry was both chilling and sobering.
Brilliantly shared, gives me a lot of hope! Thank you for your work 🌞🙏🏻
Thanks so much for saying Valerie!
I feel sick that you would amplify Jiang's antisemitic conspiracy theories, only to then say his work was "unexpectedly helpful" and to argue that maybe the guy has a point about the evil cabals and the blood sacrifice.
The idea that there's a secret cabal trying to remake the world for the benefit of Israel is not revolutionary or challenging or inspirational in my opinion. It's the same old hatred repackaged for a new generation, and it's being disseminated at a terrifying pace thanks to the internet.
I'm in genuine shock. You're better than this, Tom.
I’ll probably have to reflect more on this. But I don’t endorse his viewpoints at any point, except to invert them to point at the good? He says “here is what an evil cabal looks like” and I say “what is the opposite?” But maybe I suck as a writer if this is your emotional reaction.
Seems like this should’ve been a DM
Well, I'm grateful to Lara. If someone as smart as her could misinterpret my intentions so radically, then she's probably not the only person? So she gives me the opportunity to state on the record, in case it isn't clear.
- I am not antisemitic (obviously?)
- I did not argue "he has a point", the "unexpectedly helpful" was making me ponder the nature of poweer and free will
- I don't even really take a view on Israel or geopolitics (not informed enough).
- I am obviously not endorsing Jiang's views, and was explicit about that (but I probably shouldnt have even mentioned my source)
- I can't believe I would ever have to type this: but I don't believe really anyone is currently involved in blood sacrifice (I hope).
But I get very upset when people think I am something I'm not, or spreading a message I'm not. So Lara- you are welcome, as always, to call for a chat.