The new demons
by Jacques Ellul · first published 1975
3mentions
2recommended by
2HN commenters
2020–2022first – last mentioned
100% recommend
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…his videos and lectures are structured exactly the same way as sermons. He even feigns a false pastor modesty I highly recommend Jacques Ellul's "Les nouveaux possédés." (translated in English as "The New Demons" [1]) an analysis written back in 1973 describing this exact process you're describing, i.e. modern stuff (rock stars among others) trying to fill the hole of the disappearing religion. Ever since I've…
on “Read Fewer Books” ↗…in that “sensationalist” then it all kind of proves my point. I also don’t live in the SV bubble, maybe down there the AGI church is stronger, I wouldn’t know. I strongly recommend Jacques Ellul’s “The New Demons” [1], and Ellul’s works generally speaking. [1] https://www.amazon.com/New-Demons-Jacques-Ellul/dp/081640266...
on “YouTube Has Been 'Actively Promoting' Videos Spreading Climate Denialism” ↗…comment is spot-on, we need collectively organised "spaces" and groups to challenge digital imposition. [1] Not wishing to bore with lots of tech critique literature and references but Jacques Ellul (New Demons, Empire of Non-Sense), Ivan Illich (Tools for Conviviality) and Neil Postman (particularly Technopoly and Amusing Ourselves to death) - all good materials to understand the difficulty of neatly distinguishing…
on “Why Disconnecting from Your Phone Is So Good for You – and How to Do It” ↗