Deep Dive
Why is it important to understand the origins of capitalism, according to George Monbiot?
Understanding the origins of capitalism helps to see that it is not a natural law but a system that was created and can be changed. The commodification of land, labor, and money are key components that have been traced back to Madeira in 1450, where the first fully capitalist system emerged.
How does neoliberalism address the challenge of democracy?
Neoliberalism attempts to limit democracy by shifting decision-making from the political sphere to the economic sphere, where the power of money dominates. This is achieved through austerity, deregulation, and privatization, which roll back constraints on capital and increase economic power, leading to oligarchy.
Why do neoliberals see the market as a solution to social and economic issues?
Neoliberals believe that the market, or the power of money, should resolve social and economic issues instead of democracy. They argue that any attempt to regulate or tax the market will lead to totalitarianism, despite the fact that this is a slippery slope fallacy and not supported by evidence.
What role did the media play in the spread of neoliberalism, according to George Monbiot?
The media played a crucial role in spreading neoliberalism by working closely with think tanks and political groups to promote neoliberal ideas as political common sense. These groups would map out media strategies to push neoliberal policies, ensuring they were seen as normal and acceptable.
Why does George Monbiot suggest that despair is irrational in the context of social change?
Despair is irrational because society is a complex system that can rapidly push towards a tipping point once a critical mass of about 25% of the population is reached. Social change does not require everyone to be persuaded; it only needs enough people to shift the status quo, and this can happen through grassroots movements and local actions.
What is the 'politics of belonging' and how can it counter neoliberalism?
The 'politics of belonging' is a concept developed by George Monbiot and Peter Hutchison that focuses on building democratic and economic systems from the community level. It involves creating inclusive and bridging communities, where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can participate in decision-making. This approach aims to transform people into active democratic citizens and address the failures of neoliberalism.
Why is the commodification of labor and land essential to capitalism?
The commodification of labor and land is essential to capitalism because it transforms these elements into resources that can be bought and sold for profit. This process involves stripping away social, cultural, and ecological contexts, allowing for the extraction of wealth and the concentration of power in the hands of a few.
What are the key characteristics of a neoliberal government?
A neoliberal government typically introduces austerity measures, reduces public spending, deregulates industries, and privatizes government functions. These actions roll back constraints on capital, increase the wealth and power of the rich, and replace democracy with oligarchy, where economic power dictates political outcomes.
How can individuals start to opt out of neoliberalism and build a different system?
Individuals can start by recognizing their power as citizens, not consumers. They can build local, face-to-face connections and community projects, such as WhatsApp groups for resource sharing, and push for more inclusive and participatory democratic practices. Building from the margins, not waiting for permission from the center, is key to creating effective change.
What is the significance of the 25% tipping point in social change?
The 25% tipping point is the critical mass needed for a complex system to shift from one equilibrium state to another. Once this threshold is reached, people start to sense that the status quo has changed, leading to broader social acceptance and transformation. This concept underscores the importance of grassroots movements and community organizing in driving change.
- Capitalism is not simply commerce; it involves the commodification of land, labor, and money.
- Madeira's sugar industry exemplifies capitalism's exploitative and destructive nature.
- Capitalism creates and destroys its own frontiers, leading to ecological and social devastation.
Shownotes Transcript
加入5x15，参加一场与著名作家和思想家乔治·蒙比奥特进行在线活动的爆炸性事件，他将与罗西·博伊科特一起讨论他的《星期日泰晤士报》畅销书《隐形教条》。
推特：www.twitter.com/5x15stories 脸书：www.facebook.com/5x15stories Instagram：www.instagram.com/5x15stories</context>
加入5x15，参加一场与著名作家和思想家乔治·蒙比奥特在线爆炸性活动，与罗西·博伊科特一起讨论他的《星期日泰晤士报》畅销书《隐形教条》。
推特：www.twitter.com/5x15stories 脸书：www.facebook.com/5x15stories Instagram：www.instagram.com/5x15stories</context>
但是你可以结合地方力量。显然，要记住国家层面，也要记住全球层面。这绝对至关重要。因为与此同时，我们几乎没有讨论过这一点，我们正朝着地球系统的临界点前进。这个可怕的点。我们面临的最大问题是，我们能否在达到环境临界点之前达到社会临界点。
但某种程度上，你的具体问题是什么并不重要，你知道，因为我们需要很多不同的人，他们有不同的问题。重要的是要认识到你是比你自己大得多的一部分，并且要认识到有效的改变是一个生态系统。它需要很多人运用他们不同的技能。你绝对需要一些人举着标语牌坐在那里。这是其中一个重要组成部分。
你需要你的激进派，但你也需要你的温和派。你需要你积极参与的会计师、律师和管理人员，以及社会上所有其他技能都可以用于这项任务。而你，我的意思是，我不知道提问者有什么技能，但她可能会说，实际上，我真的很擅长这个，但我一直在完全为了这个目的而使用它。
想想你如何才能将它用于在你自己的社区内建立归属感政治的目的。谢谢你。这让我想起了，你知道，多年前创办《Spare Rib》杂志。这绝对是关于归属感政治的。
之所以这样做是因为我们有姐妹情谊。我们没有争论。我们同舟共济。我一直把它当作一个比喻。我们同乘一艘船。你不会有争论，因为你知道你要去哪里。如果没有姐妹情谊，这是不可能发生的。根本不可能发生。
现在我们在环境方面也是如此，我简直不敢相信我们已经谈了一个小时了，我们还没有讨论环境问题。但我认为，可能所有参加这次电话会议的人都了解我们面临的危机的严重程度。就我个人而言，我很高兴看到卡玛拉·哈里斯现在正在积极行动。这给了我一些，我看到她的环保记录非常好。
让我们拭目以待。乔治，非常感谢你。听着，这是一本很棒的书。它有162页，内容非常丰富，章节也很短。每一章都是思想和理念的珍宝。我还剩下九页笔记要问你的事情。但目前，祝你在托特尼斯玩得愉快。非常感谢各位的光临。我们很快再见。保重。再见。非常感谢，罗西。谢谢大家。