Thekla

"That the sun will not rise tomorrow is no less intelligible a proposition, and implies no more contradiction, than the affirmation, that it will rise"

Where the real world changes into simple images, the simple images become real beings and effective motivations of hypnotic behavior.

In societies where modern conditions of production prevail, all of life presents itself as an immense accumulation of spectacles. Everything that was directly lived has moved away into a representation.

what does it cost to believe in kindness? what does it cost to trust others in a world that rewards cynicism?

you’re already self-aware (“I think I’m better than all of you when I bring a reusable cup”), which is perfect — it’s sharp and funny — but right now, the argument sits too comfortably in irony. irony is safe. it says “I know this is ridiculous” instead of “this hurts .”

you could make it cut deeper by asking:

→ why do I want to feel better than... See more

→ for example: capitalism teaches specific emotions — guilt, envy, shame, anxiety, ambition.

Panem is brilliant because it emotionalizes politics: fear + hope.

Snow weaponized hope; capitalism weaponized guilt. Both distract from the truth that no one wins alone.