Are you someone who creates anything, be it work or art? Have you ever experienced that gut-wrenching feeling when you hit the “publish” button or send that email with your latest creation, wondering how it will be received? I know I have. As a writer, I’ve poured my heart and soul into articles only to be met with a divisive response from the audience, leaving me feeling frustrated and anxious.
It’s easy to understand why people have varying and often negative reactions to topics that confront them with potential negative outcomes. When creators, such as writers or artists, bring forth new works, they not only present their craft but also expose their personal perspectives and vulnerabilities. This exposure can invoke strong emotional responses, particularly when the content challenges prevailing norms or highlights uncomfortable truths.
For instance, our statement on the job market apocalypse {an evocative phrase meant to signal a significant and distressing change in employment landscapes} may have been a stark and unsettling reality check for some. This reaction is particularly pronounced among those in less privileged sectors and countries that rely heavily on capitalist principles of production. In such contexts, discussions of economic downturns or shifts can provoke a sense of instability and fear, as they directly impact individuals’ livelihoods and future opportunities.
However, we cannot shy away from these important issues, even if they’re uncomfortable to confront. As creators and communicators, it is part of our role to proceed into these complex and sometimes daunting subjects. By doing so, we engage in necessary dialogues that can foster understanding and potentially guide societal responses to emerging challenges. This process, while fraught with potential for conflict, is crucial for societal growth and adaptation.
Job Market Apocalypse: Clarifications
To perform an exemplary motion to indicate what we are intending to show by “improved communication”, we shall engage with the matter of (negative) responses toward the Job Market Apocalypse article. Take this as an exercise that is meant to teach a broader lesson on the question of engaging with criticisms towards one’s art. By not becoming defensive or taking things personally, we can foster a more responsive and positive atmosphere overall.
One insightful critique online pointed out that true democratization cannot occur without dismantling capitalist hegemony. This statement opens a critical debate on the structural dynamics of power and wealth in capitalist systems, which are often seen as barriers to genuine democratic practices. The critique suggests that for democratization to be effective and inclusive, there must be a significant restructuring or softening of these prevailing capitalist structures.
While we do not necessarily advocate for the complete destruction of capitalism, we do believe in the importance of providing free education and healthcare. Our stance here is not merely anti-capitalist per se but seeks to reform capitalism by mitigating its excesses and filling its gaps. Free access to education and healthcare is pivotal because it levels the playing field, providing all citizens, regardless of their economic background, the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from the economy.
When we speak of a “job market apocalypse”, it’s important to understand our underlying framework. This term, dramatic though it may be, is intended to provoke thought about deep structural issues within our economic system. We adopt a more socialist and skeptical approach towards capitalism, signaling our critical stance towards its unchecked dominances and inequalities.
As our focus is primarily on psychoanalytic intervention and the subject, our proposals diverge from typical political discourse. We are not proposing direct political action; rather, our goal is to influence people’s mindsets and encourage their own subjective reflections on these economic conditions. This process involves digging deep into personal and collective unconscious layers to uncover how capitalist structures have shaped our desires and fears.
We aim to empower individuals to resist the dominance of megacorporations and to find their own autonomy in the face of widespread systemic forces. By highlighting the psychoanalytic dimension, we emphasize that many of our actions and beliefs are driven by unconscious forces. Understanding these can unlock hidden potentials and lead to transformative mental change.
Our approach is to promote mental change over forcing physical change. This preference stems from our belief that real, lasting societal transformations begin within the psyche of individuals and communities. By addressing and altering the internal narratives that govern behavior, we can inspire actions that are both self-actualizing and collectively beneficial, fostering a society that respects both individual autonomy and communal well-being.
The Positive in Apocalypse
Unfortunately, there has been some misperception regarding our usage of the term “apocalypse”. It appears that some individuals have interpreted it as a mere negative event, one that ostensibly seeks to destroy jobs for artists and other workers. In reality, our use of the term “apocalypse” is intended in a far more constructive light. The word “apocalypse” originates from the ancient Greek “apo-calypso”, which means “the removal of the hidden”. In Christian eschatology, it refers to a “revelation” or an unveiling of truths previously obscured.
The concept of apocalypse traditionally signifies not merely an end but a deep transformation—a reconstellation of pre-existing elements into a novel emergence of criteria. This notion is illustrated in contemporary culture, for example, in the movie and book series “Annihilation”, where Area X alters the DNA of organisms. This transformation creates something entirely new, rather than merely destroying what was there before. Similarly, the Christian apocalypse foretells of a new age, one that heralds the development of the human soul and spirit.
Therefore, our employment of the term “apocalypse” in discussing the job market is meant to convey a transformative event—one that holds the potential to create positive change rather than merely causing destruction. It suggests a reimagining and restructuring of existing systems and structures to bring about a more equitable and sustainable future in the labor market. This is a call for adaptation and innovation, not a forecast of doom.
It is frustrating to see these nuances ignored or not understood, while of course, we must engage in self-criticism and admit that we have not explained and clarified such issues at length. This acknowledgment highlights a significant challenge in the realm of communication: the essence of conveying complex ideas is fraught with potential misunderstandings. Writing, therefore, becomes a daunting task, encapsulating fear and pain, as echoed in discussions about the emotional labor of writing (cf. “Why I Hate Writing“). The complex nature of language and the inherent interpretive differences between the audience and the author underscore an unavoidable challenge.
Communication Troubles: Interpretive Difficulty
Jacques Lacan, a prominent figure in psychoanalysis, describes this phenomenon as “refraction” of intentionality, which effectively creates a “wall of language” between the communicator and the recipient. This metaphorical wall leads to fundamental misunderstandings, as the intended message undergoes transformation through the medium of language, which is inherently imperfect and subjective. Similarly, Jacques Derrida, a key philosopher in the field of deconstruction, illuminates this issue further by noting that “something is intended, but something entirely different takes place”. This statement captures the essence of the problem: there is often a disjunction or gap between what is intended by the author and what is interpreted by the audience.
This situation is further complicated by the fact that each party brings their own preconceptions, experiences, and biases to the table, which can skew understanding and interpretation. Therefore, the gap between the author’s intended message and the audience’s reception of it can lead to significant discrepancies, making the act of writing not just an intellectual exercise but also a venture fraught with emotional and existential risk.
It is a general challenge within the realm of art and communication to convey complex ideas effectively, and it is evident that we must aim to improve our communications—though this process inherently takes time. Therefore, I ask the reader to bear with me here. The task of translating intricate concepts into simpler, more accessible language is not a trivial one; it involves navigating numerous barriers that can render certain statements seemingly incoherent.
The difficulties arise from the dense nature of theoretical concepts, which often lose some of their depth and nuance when simplified for broader audiences. This translation process is akin to filtering a rich, multifaceted idea through a sieve of everyday language, where some of the finer, more complex particles are inevitably left behind. As such, what reaches the audience can sometimes appear disconnected from the original intent or lacking in clarity.
This is why patience and iterative refinement in communication are crucial. Each attempt at clarification can help reduce the gap between what is said and what is understood, making the intricate accessible while striving to maintain the integrity of the original ideas. As we continue this effort, the feedback from readers and the dialogue that ensues are invaluable, helping to shape more effective and resonant communications.
Universal Communication: Flat Ontology
One of the core goals of this blog is to address the pervasive epidemic of anxiety in our society and explore how individuals navigate the pressures of the external world. This exploration includes an analysis of online communication, which, to the human brain, aligns fundamentally with so-called “IRL” (in real life) interactions. In our digital age, the boundaries between online and offline communication are increasingly blurred, impacting our cognitive and emotional processing in deep ways.
Central to the philosophical foundation of this blog is the concept of a “flat ontology” (cf. “What is Post-Humanism?”). This principle asserts that all objects—whether they are ideas, trees, rocks, human beings, galaxies, or atoms—occupy the same level of ontological importance. In a flat ontology, there is no hierarchical distinction between different types of beings or entities; each possesses its own mode of existence and agency within the universe.
By adopting this perspective, the blog encourages a reevaluation of how we perceive and interact with the world around us. It challenges the conventional prioritization of human experiences over other forms of existence, promoting a more inclusive and holistic view. This approach not only broadens our understanding of objects and entities but also invites a deeper reflection on how such a perspective can influence our responses to anxiety and external pressures. It posits that by recognizing the ontological parity among all entities, we might better navigate our interactions and the anxieties they produce, fostering a more balanced and nuanced engagement with both our environment and the wider cosmos.
The idea of a “flat ontology” proposes a radical shift in how we perceive existence: it posits that there is no hierarchical structure dictating the significance or reality of entities in the world. According to this view, every entity—from the most mundane object, like a stone, to the most complex, like a human being—is equally real and holds the same level of ontological significance.
To better understand this concept, consider a visual metaphor involving a piece of paper. When you look at a paper from above, every mark, line, or word on it appears simultaneously without any hierarchy; they occupy the same space and are equally accessible to the viewer’s eye. Similarly, in a flat ontology, all things—whether animate or inanimate—are perceived on the same plane or stratum. They are equally visible and important, with none inherently superior or inferior to others.
This approach not only challenges traditional views that prioritize certain entities over others (such as valuing human life or experiences over those of animals or inanimate objects) but also encourages a more democratic and equitable way of interacting with the world around us. By acknowledging the equal reality of all things, flat ontology fosters a more inclusive perspective that appreciates the interconnectedness and intrinsic value of all aspects of existence. This holistic view can lead to deep implications for ethics, environmental policy, and our understanding of our place within the universe.
Communication in Flat Ontology
In terms of online communication, the idea of a flat ontology suggests that there is no distinction between the virtual and the real, since they both exist on the same stratum of ontological importance. According to this perspective, the communication that takes place online is just as real as communication that occurs in person, because both forms activate the same neural pathways in the brain. This equivalence challenges traditional distinctions and underscores the substantial impact of digital interactions.
A flat ontology can render online interactions more meaningful and encourage a deeper acceptance of humanity, helping to overcome the “anonymity fallacy” that often serves as an excuse for toxic behavior online. This fallacy posits that one’s anonymity—stemming from the ability to hide one’s identity—permits a disconnection from social norms and responsibilities. However, this viewpoint fails to recognize that anonymity does not inherently necessitate a loss of humanity.
By embracing humanity through virtual means, we open up a new dimension of interaction that transcends physical proximity and personal appearance. This approach allows for a type of connectivity and understanding that is more inclusive and expansive. Just as characters in a novel can deeply “speak to one’s humanity”, so too can virtual interactions serve as a potent means of connecting and understanding each other on a deeper level. This recognition promotes a more empathetic and humanized approach to online interactions, emphasizing that every exchange, regardless of medium, is an exchange between real individuals with genuine emotions and experiences.
Flat ontology, by affirming the equal ontological importance of all entities and interactions, can significantly contribute to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for communication between actual human beings. For instance, anonymous online therapy sessions leverage the principles of flat ontology by treating virtual interactions as just as meaningful and real as in-person engagements. This setup can be invaluable for individuals who may not feel comfortable disclosing personal information face-to-face. The anonymity provided online, when viewed through the lens of flat ontology, does not diminish the reality or significance of the therapeutic interaction but rather enhances accessibility and comfort.
Similarly, online forums that prioritize empathy and understanding over hostility and belittlement can foster a sense of community and connectedness that might be missing in physical interactions. These platforms can serve as vital social ecosystems where the principles of flat ontology encourage treating every contribution with respect and consideration, irrespective of the contributors’ physical or social attributes.
Ultimately, the key to overcoming the anonymity fallacy is to recognize that our online interactions are indeed interactions between real people, regardless of the medium. This recognition is crucial; it underpins the necessity of prioritizing empathy and understanding in all interactions. By embracing the full spectrum of “humanity” across both physical and virtual realms, we can cultivate a more compassionate and inclusive online culture. Such a culture not only respects but celebrates the diverse ways individuals choose to engage, contributing to a healthier, more connected global community. This approach not only makes the digital realm more humane but also reflects back onto our physical interactions, encouraging a universally empathetic and understanding society.
Art is All-Pervasive: Intertextuality as Ontology
As such, art engages in a complex dialogue with its recipient. A book, much like a word, extends beyond the immediate and tangible, hovering over the horizons of actual existence. The concepts within these books or artworks are not merely abstract notions; they take shape as mountain ranges and vegetation within the landscape of the mind, contributing to and altering the topography of each person’s understanding. In this way, writing becomes an activity that constructs a “terrain”—a landscape of thought and perception that opens up new vistas of understanding. However, this process can also be daunting, as it introduces new and possibly challenging perspectives.
Jacques Derrida’s insight that “every person provides their own preface to interpretation” illuminates this interaction further. Here, the “preface” represents the sum of an individual’s private experiences and ideations—each person approaches a piece of art with a particular set of cognitive and emotional filters shaped by their personal history and worldview. This personal preface informs and sometimes limits how they interpret what they encounter.
The process of engaging with art, therefore, involves a continual breaking against the “wall of language”—the limitations and barriers inherent in verbal and written communication. This wall both constrains and defines the interaction, as the full intention of the artist and the complete perception of the audience are never wholly communicable. The energy of art, its power to move and affect us, is consumed and transformed through this interaction, which both enriches and exhausts the participants. Thus, the act of reading or viewing art becomes not just a passive experience but an active construction of meaning, fraught with both potential and limitations, that shapes our understanding of the world.
Heidegger’s concept of the “work of art” offers a deep exploration of the intricate relationship between human beings and the world around us. It seeks to bridge the seemingly insurmountable gap between our sense of subjective meaninglessness and the infinite expanse of existence. In Heidegger’s framework, the “work of art” does not merely exist as a static object of aesthetic appreciation; rather, it functions as a lighthouse in the stormy seas of life, providing guiinterplay and direction amidst the chaos of existence.
This definition of art is all-encompassing. It includes not only traditional artistic mediums such as painting and sculpture, but also extends to essays, wiki articles, architecture, design, and more. Essentially, anything that can provide a sense of orientation and grounding in the world qualifies as a potential “work of art”. This broadens the scope of what can be considered artistic, emphasizing the functional and existential impact of art over its mere form or aesthetic value.
Through these anchoring points, art facilitates a unique form of engagement with the world. It allows us to move forward, navigating the complex and infinite void that is the world. Art, in this expansive sense, becomes a tool for existential navigation, helping us to find bearings in our personal and collective quests for meaning. It not only reflects the world but also transforms it, engaging actively with the conditions of our existence and shaping our perception of reality. By doing so, art fulfills a crucial existential function, acting as a mediator between the individual’s inner world and the external universe, and between the chaotic present and the possibilities of the future.
Anxiety & Interpretation
Lacan’s definition of anxiety as the “overbearing presence of the gaze of the Other” vividly captures the psychological dynamics that play out between creators and their audiences. This perspective highlights the role of the recipient in the creative process and underscores the deep impact of the “wall of language” on generating anxiety for creators. When artists, writers, or any creators produce work, they not only express their ideas but also expose themselves to the scrutiny and judgment of the Other—here referring to anyone who engages with the work. This gaze of the Other can be a source of deep anxiety because it represents the external evaluation of one’s inner thoughts and emotions.
This fear stems from the potential inadequacy of expression and the risk of misinterpretation. Creators often grapple with the challenge of effectively translating complex internal visions and emotions into a form that can be comprehended and appreciated by others. This translation process is complicated by the inherent limitations of language—the “wall of language”—which can distort or dilute the original meaning intended by the creator.
Such anxiety is not merely about whether the work will be well-received but is fundamentally about the possibility that the audience may not fully understand or might misinterpret the creator’s intentions. This fear can be paralyzing for creators as they struggle to bridge the gap between their intricate, often nuanced ideas and the reader’s or viewer’s understanding. The pressure to overcome this gap, to ensure that their true intentions and emotions are communicated accurately, can intensify the creative process, making the act of creation both a deeply personal risk and an existential engagement with the world.
This anxiety is indeed not unique to writers but is experienced by anyone who engages in the act of creation, be it a painter, musician, scientist, or even an entrepreneur. Across these diverse fields, the fundamental challenge remains the same: the fear of being misunderstood or not being able to convey one’s thoughts effectively. This fear can act as a significant hurdle, potentially stifling creativity and hindering the full expression of innovative ideas.
However, it is precisely this challenge that makes the act of creation so daunting yet ultimately rewarding. The moment a creator finds the right words, the perfect brushstroke, the exact melody, or the right business model that truly expresses their ideas, it represents a significant triumph over the anxieties of miscommunication and misunderstanding. This breakthrough, when one’s vision is finally understood or appreciated, can provide a deep sense of fulfillment and validation, underscoring the deeply rewarding nature of creative work. This success not only resonates on a personal level but also reaffirms the universal desire for connection and understanding through the medium of creation.
To combat the anxiety inherent in the creative process, it’s crucial to acknowledge the significant role of the recipient and actively strive to bridge the gap between our ideas and their understanding. This can be achieved through several practical strategies that focus on communication and empathy.
Practical Approaches to Communication
Firstly, paying close attention to our language is essential. By carefully choosing words, structures, and forms that resonate more universally, or at least clearly convey the intended message, creators can minimize misunderstandings. This doesn’t mean simplifying ideas to the point of dilution, but rather clarifying and refining them to enhance accessibility without compromising depth.
Secondly, being mindful of the Other’s perspective is fundamental. This involves considering the background, experiences, and potential biases of the audience. Understanding these elements can guide creators in how they present their ideas, making them more relatable and easier to grasp. It also helps in anticipating possible areas of misinterpretation and addressing them proactively within the work itself.
Engaging in a dialogue with readers or the audience is another effective approach. This can be literal, through discussions and feedback mechanisms, or figurative, by anticipating audience reactions and questions within the creation itself. Such interactions not only provide valuable insights that can refine the creator’s approach but also help build a community around the work, fostering a shared space of understanding and appreciation.
By embracing the Other and accepting the possibility of misinterpretation, creators open themselves up to a more dynamic and reciprocal relationship with their audience. This acceptance doesn’t signify resignation but rather a willingness to engage and evolve through the creative process. In doing so, creators can produce works that are not only more meaningful and authentic but also deeply resonant with the core of our humanity. These works become living dialogues, continuously enriched by the interactions they engender, ultimately bridging divides through the universal language of creative expression.
This aspiration underpins the hope for a universal language of empathy—a means by which we could better interpret and connect with each other, transcending the inherent ambiguities of communication. The idea of unraveling the “flat ontology” of all beings into a coherent map of signification to “upload consciousness” among our brains speaks to a visionary goal. This concept, metaphorically, is about fostering a collective understanding that can synchronize diverse perspectives into a shared cognitive and emotional landscape. It is a part of the broader ethos of Universal Love that guides our writing and interactions.
In pursuit of this, we advocate for mutual understanding and encourage practices such as steelmanning—the effort to present opposing views in their strongest form—and providing charitable interpretations when engaging with another person’s work of art. These practices are essential for fostering a more empathetic and constructive dialogue. They emphasize looking beyond the surface to grasp the deeper meanings and intentions of others, thus enriching our interactions and collective discourse.
That is all that matters in our quest for a more positive and interconnected world. As we continue to develop and refine our ideas, we will introduce more technical definitions to clarify our concepts and enhance our readers’ understanding. Here are a few general statements to give a deeper grasp of the outlines of our mission statement:
- Empathy as Universal Language: By promoting empathy as a universal language, we aim to create a foundation for understanding that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, enabling a more deep connection between individuals and communities.
- Unraveling Ontological Equality: By exploring the implications of a flat ontology, we seek to demystify the interconnectedness of all entities—be they human, non-human, animate, or inanimate—and highlight their equal significance in our existential framework.
- Consciousness Uploading as Metaphorical Integration: Although “uploading consciousness” might sound futuristic or fantastical, here it symbolizes our goal to integrate diverse human experiences into a coherent collective awareness, thereby enhancing mutual understanding.
- Universal Love as Guiding Principle: The concept of Universal Love is not just about affection or emotional warmth; it is a philosophical stance that promotes an inclusive, compassionate approach to all forms of existence.
In these ways, we hope to contribute positively to the world, encouraging more empathy, understanding, and love in all forms of human expression and interaction.
Further Reading
TL;DR: Summary
- Anxiety is not merely about whether the work will be well-received but is fundamentally about the possibility that the audience may not fully understand or might misinterpret the creator’s intentions.
- To combat the anxiety inherent in the creative process, it’s crucial to acknowledge the significant role of the recipient and actively strive to bridge the gap between our ideas and their understanding.
- Understanding these elements can guide creators in how they present their ideas, making them more relatable and easier to grasp.
- In pursuit of this, we advocate for mutual understanding and encourage practices such as steelmanning-the effort to present opposing views in their strongest form-and providing charitable interpretations when engaging with another person’s work of art.
- Empathy as Universal Language: By promoting empathy as a universal language, we aim to create a foundation for understanding that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, enabling a more deep connection between individuals and communities.
Absolute Negation 
Leave a comment