Philosophy
-
Freedom, Commodification, and the Collapse of Legitimacy
Libertarian ideology presents itself as the philosophy of freedom. At its core is a simple claim: no one is entitled to anything, and freedom consists in non-interference. Individuals are free so long as no one actively stops them. Markets, property, and voluntary exchange are framed as neutral mechanisms through which freedom expresses itself. But when Continue reading
-
The Ego Created by Comfort
Introduction Many Buddhists would argue that when everything goes right for a person—money, health, stability, freedom, comfort, ease—it often means they have a great deal of positive karma ripening in this lifetime. In past lives or earlier in this one, they cultivated actions that now produce favorable conditions. But the paradox is that when life Continue reading
-
A Critique of the Western Model
It is in our human nature to look for groups or identities to adhere to. While hive mentality is not a concept that is isolated to America, when combined with capitalism and gluttony, it results in a very specific set of cultural outcomes. For example, alcohol / drug culture, materialism, wastefulness, and mindless consumption habits. Continue reading
-
In the Age of AI, Will All Humans Be Useless?
In today’s society, humans form hierarchies around traits that people characterize as either inferior or superior to themselves. One poignant example of this is the type of job that one has—and, logically following, their associated education “level.” There are two main categories of hierarchy: a vertical hierarchy that seeks to divide people by age, and Continue reading
-
Society Doesn’t Need to Be Mean
Society’s meanness is not inevitable—people choose to be mean, often because they believe it is necessary to prepare children for a harsh world. However, relying on past norms justifies the perpetuation of cruelty. Instead, we should recognize that society’s tone is shaped by the culture we collectively foster. A kinder society begins with intentional action, Continue reading
-
The Hypocrisy Clouding LGBTQ Issues
I am writing this piece in reaction to the current conservative sentiments against LGBTQ people. As an avid consumer myself of both liberal and conservative media, the conservative media almost always excludes any discussion of LGBTQ people. Being anti-LGBTQ, anti-abortion (pro-birth), and pro-traditional values are common threads within the conservative base. At the same time, Continue reading
-
What is a “Good Person” and do These People Exist?
Each night, across highly developed countries, people go to bed lulling themselves to sleep with the notion that they are “good people”. Further, they often contemplate their day, reciting to themselves that they did the best that they could and the and there is nothing more that they could do. Their entire lives—and perspective—squarely limited Continue reading
Wolfy Chai 