# A New Economic Era: Unprecedented Challenges Ahead
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Chapter 1: The Unfolding Economic Reality
Throughout history, the cyclical nature of economic exploitation has been a recurring theme. As Ecclesiastes 1:9 states, "What has been is what will be," encapsulating the idea that history tends to repeat itself. Mark Twain’s words, attributed to psychoanalyst Theodor Reik, suggest that history doesn’t merely repeat but rather “rhymes.”
One of the most persistent themes across human history is the compounding nature of exploitation. Over time, powerful elites accumulate resources, leading to societal upheaval, revolts, and ultimately the birth of new civilizations. This cycle, which I refer to as the Mammonomics Cycle, has not been avoided by any civilization to date.
While many techno-optimists believe we might escape this cycle, they are mistaken. We are indeed on the brink of a new economic reality that could represent one of the longest periods of exploitation in history. Consider the longevity of past civilizations:
- Ancient Egypt: about 3,500 years
- The Sumerian Empire: approximately 2,350 years
- The Roman/Byzantine Empire: around 1,123 years
- The Republic of Venice: approximately 1,100 years
- The Holy Roman Empire: about 1,000 years
Notably, these enduring societies featured rigid hierarchies, strict social stratifications, and were governed by oppressive rulers. This pattern extends to civilizations that lasted over 500 years, such as the Ottoman Empire and the Zhou Dynasty.
All these societies operated under a common principle: a large class of laborers and serfs executed the necessary work, while the wealth was concentrated among a few powerful elites. This reflects a fundamental aspect of human societal structure.
For a brief period after World War II, many countries experienced governance by competent administrators rather than tyrants. Unfortunately, that era has passed. Since the late 1970s, marked by the Reagan-Thatcher policies, we have witnessed a return to assetless serfdom, characterized by alarming trends:
- Inflation: Rising sharply.
- Real wages: Declining.
- Wealth inequality: Widening.
- Asset ownership: Concentrated in the hands of the top 1%.
- Debt: Escalating.
- Bankruptcies: Increasing.
- Homelessness: Skyrocketing.
In essence, we are entering a new phase of exploitation, which I term "corporatocracy." This system leverages three critical factors to achieve unprecedented levels of control.
The first video, "We Are Entering a New Economic World," discusses the implications of this shift, highlighting how the corporatocracy is reshaping global dynamics and individual lives.
Section 1.1: Global Corporatocracy
For the first time in recorded history, we are witnessing a truly global economy. Past regimes lacked the capacity to dominate the entire planet due to physical limitations and ignorance of its vastness. Today, corporations like Coca-Cola reach even the most remote areas.
The era of nation-states is fading. Corporations can now challenge nations legally, evade taxes, and influence politicians to dismantle regulations that protect the populace. They are able to sponsor entire political systems, ensuring they maintain privileges like tax breaks and government contracts.
The second video, "Jim Rickards: We're Looking At A Global Recession," outlines the potential for a global economic downturn, emphasizing the role of corporatocracy in this looming crisis.
Section 1.2: Technological Dominance
Modern technology has turned into a powerful tool for the elite. Imagine ancient tyrants equipped with the ability to control currencies, surveil populations, and eliminate dissent through advanced means. Today, this is a reality.
Elites can render the majority of the workforce economically uncompetitive. Consider Jane, a 62-year-old with limited education. Faced with rising automation and AI, her job is at risk, and she is now competing not only with millions but also with machines.
The implications are profound. Jobs that once required minimal skills are dwindling, giving way to positions that demand advanced expertise. With the average IQ of the global population hovering below 100, the future job market may only cater to those with exceptional qualifications.
Subsection 1.2.1: The Inevitability of Control
Historically, when oppressed, the masses have revolted. However, the current climate does not allow for such resistance. The technological and systemic advancements of today mean that any uprising can be swiftly suppressed.
In the past, revolts led to significant change, but recent movements, such as Occupy Wall Street, have yielded little more than criminal records for participants. The systemic response to dissent is more formidable than ever, utilizing AI and military-grade technology.
Chapter 2: The Path Forward
The global interconnectivity, the devaluation of the workforce, and the suppression of resistance create a daunting landscape. The hyper-elites seem poised to entrench the bottom 99% into perpetual assetless serfdom.
In this new world, personal ownership is eroding. The very fabric of society is at risk as a result of this technofeudalism. The masses may find themselves trapped in a cycle of silent suffering, with no avenue for meaningful change.
The only viable solution may be a collective awakening and a commitment to reform. Just as President Abraham Lincoln called for a "Day of National Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer" during the Civil War, we too must confront our complicity in the systems of exploitation and strive for a reset of our values and priorities.
A renewed consciousness among both elites and the general populace could potentially disrupt the Mammonomics Cycle. The challenge lies in whether we can rise to this occasion and avoid becoming the last generation to succumb to our self-destructive patterns.