For the moment, though the film isn’t overtly about that, let’s look at Capital’s self-acknowledged _virtues_ —— not its vices, such as monopoly or inappropriate self-dealing —— but its virtues: greed, endless acquisition, growth without limit, unremitting ruthless competition…
It may be possible to argue against the Augustinian notion that humans are inevitably depraved, suggesting, after Origen, rather, that it is in us to be either noble or depraved, but certainly it’s clear that we are quite capable of creating depraved collectives, in which what is good for individuals (warm-blooded persons) becomes inverted: virtue becomes vice and vice becomes virtue.
…
I think the film-maker (Jeff Gibbs) needed to add a hint of hope just before the end so that people might not be immobilized by despair.
…
Also, he knows, as well as do you and I, that almost everyone is unwilling to give up the material economy we are led to expect. Capitalism is voracious. To make the changes that we need to make means that Capitalism must utterly end, and that would call for self sacrifice for all but the few who have already made such sacrifice. Also, we’ve been rightly scared by equally ruthless top-down “socialist” revolution.
…
Reaching for neither Market-Capital nor programmatic Communism, what’s called-for must be an entirely localized, _non-dogmatic_ (read: non-‘revealed’) person-to-person level of practice in daily life that begins to share and cooperate in effective ways, where the practice grows through the talents of those with warm-hearted networking skills.
What we don’t need is another religion telling people what to do and how to believe.
I lost my husband of 27 years five months ago, sadly. And now when my friends ask how worried I am about 2024, sure I’m worried. But I am not letting it keep me from remembering the good things, that exist forever. We will deal with the shit. And we have a heap of shit coming our way, stay strong…
I tried a new pasta shape last year. It worked great for pasta *and* chicken noodle soup. (We got the Banza chickpea version because my mom has celiac.)
Touché! My Highest Compliment!
Now That Makes 5 Of YOU that I Will Pay to Read and SHARE!
Retooling my Finances...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk11vI-7czE&t=2366s
For the moment, though the film isn’t overtly about that, let’s look at Capital’s self-acknowledged _virtues_ —— not its vices, such as monopoly or inappropriate self-dealing —— but its virtues: greed, endless acquisition, growth without limit, unremitting ruthless competition…
It may be possible to argue against the Augustinian notion that humans are inevitably depraved, suggesting, after Origen, rather, that it is in us to be either noble or depraved, but certainly it’s clear that we are quite capable of creating depraved collectives, in which what is good for individuals (warm-blooded persons) becomes inverted: virtue becomes vice and vice becomes virtue.
…
I think the film-maker (Jeff Gibbs) needed to add a hint of hope just before the end so that people might not be immobilized by despair.
…
Also, he knows, as well as do you and I, that almost everyone is unwilling to give up the material economy we are led to expect. Capitalism is voracious. To make the changes that we need to make means that Capitalism must utterly end, and that would call for self sacrifice for all but the few who have already made such sacrifice. Also, we’ve been rightly scared by equally ruthless top-down “socialist” revolution.
…
Reaching for neither Market-Capital nor programmatic Communism, what’s called-for must be an entirely localized, _non-dogmatic_ (read: non-‘revealed’) person-to-person level of practice in daily life that begins to share and cooperate in effective ways, where the practice grows through the talents of those with warm-hearted networking skills.
What we don’t need is another religion telling people what to do and how to believe.
But, who will start this?
Who will take the first step?
Should older queens eat beaver guts, and never get ptomaine? Should older queens eat beaver guts, and die in awful pain?
This made me feel better
I hate end-of-year blather.
I did not hate this.
I hit the tip jar, even.
Gracias!
Thank you for the love letter.
I lost my husband of 27 years five months ago, sadly. And now when my friends ask how worried I am about 2024, sure I’m worried. But I am not letting it keep me from remembering the good things, that exist forever. We will deal with the shit. And we have a heap of shit coming our way, stay strong…
Thank you! Oversharing…
"You never have to make New Year’s resolutions, and I want you to remember that."
I learned recently that you can also make fun resolutions! Like try all the pasta shapes you can get your hands on.
I tried a new pasta shape last year. It worked great for pasta *and* chicken noodle soup. (We got the Banza chickpea version because my mom has celiac.)
https://www.sporkful.com/how-to-buy-cascatelli-new-pasta-shape-sporkful-dan-pashman/
Thanks, I needed that. And so does a friend. Am forwarding. Happy New Year. I’m wishing for hope for everyone.
What a wonderful, uplifting column! I am going to save it to reflect upon forevermore.
Sara, I wish you love and light now, in the new year and always.
Winter storm heading in. I am going to get some groceries before giving the car back. What should I cook?
I ate a McMuffin and I don't regert ut!
This is a great column- thanks for your writing!
Also, too, from the Kurt Vonnegut graduation address that Kurt Vonnegut said he never gave:
Be nice to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.
Thanks Sara, you the best!
Breathtakingly beautiful and timely piece; thank you so much, and Happy New Year to you, Ms. Benincasa.