TSB: I don't get this one at all, but it did lead me to a conversation about Whig politics and this great piece... which I assume is in line with your thinking? Thanks! gwb
You know, like in Planet of the Apes, when the returning astronauts find apes running everything on Earth.
I read the article. American history certainly went though those phases, but my own theory (which is not original) is that a society's political superstructure evolves to accommodate the economic base. The Industrial Age needed large government and large private organizations in order to do mass manufacturing and mass communications, etc. But the Information Age is breaking down those structures into something much, much, more like the laissez-faire society we had in the 18th century. I see big changes coming, and I welcome them.
The Anatomy of Revolution is an classic book! Really, one of the four or five that shaped my whole world view. I don't see that kind of revolution happening here, but the model of revolution that Brinton laid down in the 1930s is still the best thing you can read to interpret the 'Arab Spring' and such.
Thanks TSB! I'll take a look for that. The "special interest state" with it's reliance on ever more debt chasing prosperity seems about to crash but I like what he says about the politicians being terminally dedicated to their dance. It took me a while to realize that a 3rd party has less chance now than 20 years ago. I'm off to look for Anatomy of Revolution as the Mariners struggle for their 10th straight loss. (5-5 in the 13th, but they will find a way!) gwb
3 comments:
TSB: I don't get this one at all, but it did lead me to a conversation about Whig politics and this great
piece... which I assume is in line with your thinking? Thanks! gwb
The Coming of the Fourth American Republic
By James V. DeLong
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 (AEI)
You know, like in Planet of the Apes, when the returning astronauts find apes running everything on Earth.
I read the article. American history certainly went though those phases, but my own theory (which is not original) is that a society's political superstructure evolves to accommodate the economic base. The Industrial Age needed large government and large private organizations in order to do mass manufacturing and mass communications, etc. But the Information Age is breaking down those structures into something much, much, more like the laissez-faire society we had in the 18th century. I see big changes coming, and I welcome them.
The Anatomy of Revolution is an classic book! Really, one of the four or five that shaped my whole world view. I don't see that kind of revolution happening here, but the model of revolution that Brinton laid down in the 1930s is still the best thing you can read to interpret the 'Arab Spring' and such.
Thanks TSB! I'll take a look for that. The "special interest state" with it's reliance on ever more debt chasing prosperity seems about to crash but I like what he says about the politicians being terminally dedicated to their dance. It took me a while to realize that a 3rd party has less chance now than 20 years ago. I'm off to look for Anatomy of Revolution as the Mariners struggle for their 10th straight loss. (5-5 in the 13th, but they will find a way!) gwb
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