#technological worldview

[theadaptableeducator]

Rethinking Civilization: Sustainable Alternatives to Colonialism, Nationalism, Imperialism, and Capitalism Through the Lens of Lewis Mumford

Lewis Mumford, a prominent historian, sociologist, and philosopher, provided critical insights into the development of modern civilization, particularly focusing on the interconnections between technology, society, and urban development. His work often emphasized the unsustainable nature of various socio-political and economic systems. Let’s explore his perspectives on the interconnectivity and…

[isfjmel-phleg]

🌋

[thesagittarianmind]

[frank-olivier]

The Hidden Harmony: Gaia, UFOs, and the AI Enigma

The cosmic triad of Gaia, UFOs, and AI, while shrouded in mystery, beckons us to explore the unseen threads that weave our world and its phenomena into a cohesive tapestry. At the heart of this triad lies the Gaian Theory, a paradigm that elegantly simplifies the Earth's intricate web of life and physical processes into a single, self-regulating entity. Gaia, in this context, is not merely a planet but a dynamic, responsive system that adjusts its myriad components to maintain homeostasis.

This holistic view encourages us to consider the Earth's reactions to both internal and external stimuli as part of a unified response, rather than isolated events. The theory's emphasis on emergence—the phenomenon where complex systems exhibit behaviors unpredictable from their parts—leaves an intriguing doorway open for the consideration of unexplained phenomena, such as UFO sightings, as potential manifestations of Gaia's self-regulatory processes.

UFOs, by their very nature, challenge our current scientific understanding, embodying the unknown in the skies. While explanations range from the mundane to the extraterrestrial, considering UFOs within the Gaian framework offers a novel perspective. Could these aerial phenomena represent an emergent property of the Earth's system, a response to environmental stressors or technological intrusions into Gaia's balance? This speculative connection invites a reevaluation of UFO sightings, not as isolated incidents, but as potential indicators of the Earth's adaptive mechanisms, highlighting the planet's resilience and capacity for self-preservation.

The rapid ascent of Artificial Intelligence mirrors aspects of the Earth's self-regulatory system in its capacity for adaptation, learning, and the exhibition of emergent behaviors. Advanced AI systems, much like Gaia, can respond to their environment in unforeseen ways, challenging their creators' understanding. This parallel between AI's emergent properties and Gaia's self-regulation suggests a deeper, universal principle of complexity, where systems, whether technological or natural, exhibit behaviors that transcend their constituent parts.

Exploring the connections between Gaia, UFOs, and AI can profoundly enhance our understanding of complex systems, potentially uncovering novel principles governing their behavior. This, in turn, could provide a framework for understanding UFO sightings, revealing them as part of the Earth's response to its environment, rather than mere anomalies. Moreover, recognizing the Earth as a unified, responsive system, mirrored in the complexity of AI, could guide more harmonious human development, emphasizing sustainability and symbiosis with our planet.

As we delve into the mysteries of our planet, the skies, and our technological creations, we are reminded of the profound interconnectedness of all things, from the Earth's ecosystems to the farthest reaches of technological innovation. The true marvel lies not in the phenomena themselves, but in the hidden harmonies that bind them, reflecting the intricate beauty of the universe and our place within it. Through this speculative journey, we are encouraged to embrace a more holistic worldview, one that seeks to understand the Earth, the cosmos, and our technological endeavors as intertwined facets of a greater whole.

Joscha Bach: Why Your Thoughts Aren't Yours (Machine Learning Street Talk, October 2024)

David Chalmers: The Simulation Hypothesis & Virtual Worlds (Chasing Consciousness Podcast, March 2022)

Terence McKenna: Shamanic Approaches to the UFO (Mckennaism, January 2020)

Saturday, November 23, 2024

[daydreamerdrew]

The Hulk! (1978) #26

[earlyspringtranscendence]

well, i found something good about the slip arc. it’s the idea that homesickness in the future will be a physical illness that manifests in those especially who will never have the chance to return to earth. cause im gonna be real i wasnt paying attn because i didnt want to but the way i understand it people on new kinshasa weren’t affected by this, people in the upper echelons of sarasvahti (ie people who had money to spend and lives to lead by doing so) weren’t affected by it: only Brahma pests and those too poor for earth to ever be a dream in their hearts were ailing with a homesickness so potent and concrete that it led to physical symptoms.

and i fucking love that. i love that so much, i think theres this divide btwn ppl who would love to go to space and who love the idea of aliens and whatever and then you have those who get sick thinking about the idea that for years the planet has existed with a certain number of souls less than it’s supposed to have because theres always been people on the space station and i FIRMLY belong to that second category so like... this is SO good to me, it’s so fucking real

[personalgrowthoasis]

The Most Important Historical Events I Remember

Hey, it's Vladimir! Just dropped a blog on historical events that shaped me. What's your defining moment? Check it out!

Hey everyone, Vladimir here! We’re stepping away from our usual topics to delve into something that we’ve all experienced but perhaps haven’t given much thought to—the historical events that have shaped our lives and worldviews. I’m only 20, but the events I’ve witnessed have had a profound impact on how I see the world. The 2008 Financial Crisis Being born in 2003, I was quite young during…

[kirammanswifey]

arcane characters in an alternative universe x fem reader

writer's note: hello guys... so i have been sooo obsessed with this idea since i finished season 2 and i wanted to share it with the world, hope u guys like itttt. also i'll probably continue this as a series, so be free to give any feedback or ask for suggestions ;)

characters: viktor, jinx, vi, caitlyn, jayce, ekko, silco, mel and sevika.

Viktor

job: viktor is a renowned scientist specializing in artificial intelligence and robotics, highly recognized for his research in biotechnology. he's also a guest lecturer and a leader in technological innovation.

hobbies: he would enjoy scientific documentaries, philosophical readings, and stargazing. viktor would take nighttime walks to gaze at the stars and ponder the universe's mysteries. he might also love solving intricate puzzles and sudoku, always seeking intellectual challenges.

social media: on linkedIn, viktor would share articles about his scientific breakthroughs and collaborations in the field of biotechnology. on Instagram, he would keep a low profile but occasionally post pictures of his lab or progress in his research. from time to time, he might upload a story featuring his dog or a visit to the park for some mental clarity.

music: he enjoys classical music and electronic instrumental pieces, a blend of avant-garde with a touch of nostalgia. pianists like ludovico einaudi or experimental electronic composers like amon tobin would be to his liking.

favorite food: viktor enjoys simple yet comforting meals. he loves complex soups like spicy ramen or handmade italian pasta. everything must be fresh and minimally processed.

lifestyle: he would live in a minimalist, functional apartment equipped with advanced technology tailored to his health needs. viktor would maintain a strict exercise routine to manage his condition but remain private about his life. he’d find solace in a structured routine of rest and meditation.

how you’d meet: you would meet him as a journalist interviewing him at a scientific event where he’s presenting his research. your curiosity and sharp questions would surprise him, and although he’s initially reserved, he ends up revealing more of himself. after the interview, you ask him out on a date, intrigued by his worldview and genius. the encounter would be tense yet captivating, and the chemistry would be immediate.

Jinx

job: jinx would be an influencer and video game streamer, but with a unique twist: she creates explosive content, featuring “experiments” and pranks infused with rebellion and subversion. her personal brand is chaos and limitless creativity.

hobbies: jinx would be highly creative, loving visual arts, graffiti, and digital art. she's an avid gamer, drawn to chaotic, open-world games filled with action and unpredictability. another hobby could involve collecting rare or unusual items, filling her space with eclectic and seemingly nonsensical objects.

social media: jinx would totally dominate platforms like tiktok and instagram, posting chaotic videos, bizarre memes, and unpredictable content. she also has a twitch channel to stream her wild activities, like creating art or "breaking things" on live. her followers would never know what to expect, as she loves to surprise them.

music: jinx is a fan of punk and electronic music. bands like the clash and die antwoord resonate with her rebellious spirit. she loves loud, energetic music, perfect for maintaining her high adrenaline levels.

favorite food: she loves fast food, but not just any fast food—the more eccentric, the better. a xxl burrito loaded with sauces or a hot dog with wild toppings are her favorites, and of course, sweet things, she would eat crumble cookies for breakfast almost everyday.

lifestyle: jinx’s life would be messy and disorganized, likely living in an apartment full of creative chaos where her imagination runs wild. she’d be constantly on the move, rarely staying in one place for long due to her restless nature.

how you’d meet: you first caught jinx’s attention through your positive comments and donations in her streams. at a fan event, when it was your turn, you introduced yourself as the one who had been supporting her content and suggested a collaboration, since you were a new streamer. to your surprise, jinx agreed right away, leading you to her manager, and winked at you before the event continued.

Vi

job: vi would be a personal trainer at a gym where high-profile personalities often train. she’s both physically and emotionally strong, helping others unleash their own power.

hobbies: vi would love contact sports like boxing and gym training. she might also enjoy martial arts. her loyalty would make her eager to reconnect with old friends or spend time with family whenever possible.

social media: vi might have an instagram profile focused on her active lifestyle and workout. she’d post photos from her daily routines and some snapshots with friends. she will definitely have a twitter account for direct, unfiltered takes on societal issues.

music: she likes classic rock and some hip-hop to keep her energy high while working out. the rolling stones and eminem would be among her favorites.

favorite food: vi enjoys healthy, energy-boosting foods like fresh quinoa salads and protein shakes. occasionally, she indulges in organic beef burgers, but her diet is generally balanced.

lifestyle: vi would live in a modest yet cozy space, likely in a less glamorous area. her home would reflect her rough-and-tumble nature, surrounded by people from her community. it would serve as a personal sanctuary amidst the chaos of her life.

how you’d meet: you’d meet vi as your personal trainer at the gym. as an actress just starting out, you needed to build a stronger physique for an upcoming role, and vi was the perfect fit. she saw your dedication, but also noticed that there was more to you than just physical strength. you understood discipline, but you also had moments where you needed emotional space to breathe, something she admired. vi, with her no-nonsense attitude, would push you to your limits, but also knew when to slow down and listen. through the intensity of the workouts, you'd both find a deep connection, bonding over your shared past struggles.

Caitlyn

job: caitlyn would be a lawyer specializing in civil rights and public defense, with a progressive agenda promoting social justice. she also has a strong influence on local policies, fighting for equity in underprivileged communities.

hobbies: caitlyn would enjoy outdoor sports like hiking or horseback riding, appreciating nature in her spare time. she also attend high-profile events or collect art. she’d value the company of intelligent people and cherish dinners with friends who share her worldview.

social media: caitlyn would have a professional presence on linkedIn and twitter, sharing insights about legal topics, public policies, and social justice. on Instagram, she might showcase her life as a high-profile attorney, attending events and offering glimpses of her personal life while maintaining a polished image.

music: her musical taste is varied, from classical composers like chopin to contemporary pop. however, she most enjoys music that helps her unwind after a stressful day at work.

favorite food: she loves gourmet dishes, especially mediterranean cuisine. she’s a fan of fresh salads with tuna, tabbouleh, and balsamic vinaigrette, but she also enjoys the trendy haute cuisine dishes.

lifestyle: caitlyn would reside in a chic, modern apartment in an upscale neighborhood, blending minimalism with sophistication. her structured life would revolve around work, with her social life carefully curated to complement her professional image.

how you’d meet: you’d meet as a client seeking her help with after getting a divorce with your ex husband. caitlyn, impressed by your intelligence and determination, decides to support you beyond the professional consultation. from there, a deep connection based on trust and mutual respect would begin to flourish.

Jayce

job: jayce would be a lead engineer at a renewable technology company, focused on creating sustainable devices that revolutionize the world. his charisma and passion would make him a regular at innovation conferences, where he inspires young inventors.

hobbies: jayce is passionate about outdoor sports, especially running and cycling. he enjoys being active, both to keep his body fit and to clear his mind. he also enjoys collecting tech gadgets and experimenting with new tools for his company.

social media: jayce is active on twitter, where he shares news about technological advancements, as well as his thoughts on the social impact of science. he also has an instagram, where he posts pictures of his outdoor expeditions and tech events, showing a more human and accessible side.

music: jayce has a diverse playlist that combines artists like imagine dragons, the weeknd, and 80s classics like journey. In his calm moments, he might listen to hans zimmer to relax with something epic and motivational.

favorite food: he loves italian food, especially homemade lasagna, but he also has a taste for desserts like tiramisu or a good cheesecake.

lifestyle: jayce would live in a modern loft with large windows and lots of natural light. his home would reflect his success and sense of style, with built-in technology that makes his day-to-day life easier. he likes to keep the space immaculate, but without making it feel too stark.

how you’d met: you met jayce at the launch event of a new tech device. you had come along with a friend but ended up having a passionate debate about potential flaws in the prototype jayce was presenting. rather than getting upset, he was impressed by your insights and invited you behind the scenes to discuss further. that interaction sparked a connection, both personal and professional, he even asked for your number.

Ekko

job: ekko's a young entrepreneur who runs a community workshop in a disadvantaged neighborhood, where he teaches children how to build gadgets and repair things. he also has a startup that creates accessible technological solutions.

hobbies: ekko loves skateboarding, painting murals with social messages, and designing gadgets in his free time. he likes to play video games and explore new virtual worlds.

social media: on instagram, ekko would share photos of his murals, videos of his skateboarding tricks, and technological projects. he would have a youtube channel where he teaches how to build things from scratch and shares ideas for social impact.

music: his playlist would include artists like childish gambino, tyler, the creator, and indie bands like gorillaz. he enjoys lo-fi and chill beats while working.

favorite food: he prefers street food, like tacos al pastor or gourmet hot dogs, valuing its connection to the community and the convenience of grabbing a quick bite to eat while he's busy.

lifestyle: ekko lives in a loft filled with tools, street art, and unfinished gadgets. although his life may seem chaotic, he finds a sense of order within his creative space.

how you’d met: you met ekko at an urban festival where he was showcasing skateboarding and street art. you approached him to ask about his mural, and he ended up telling you the story behind the design. when you mentioned your interest in social projects, he invited you to one of his community workshops. since then, art and creativity have connected you both.

Silco

job: silco is said to be the ceo of an unconventional investment firm, operating in both legal and grey areas. his presence in the business world is both feared and respected, and he's an exceptional strategist.

hobbies: silco enjoys mental games, reading philosophy, and political theory. he's so drawn to collecting rare and valuable historical objects. his strategic mind keeps him constantly occupied in finding new ways to consolidate his influence.

social media: silco doesn't have traditional social media, preferring to keep his personal life out of the public eye. however, he may be present in secret forums or private groups where he influences others' opinions. his focus is always on discretion, seeking control rather than exposure.

music: he prefers classical and jazz music, as both help him reflect on the nature of power. he likes composers such as bach and miles davis, whose music lends itself to both reflection and strategic planning.

favorite food: silco appreciates sophisticated dinners such as grilled steaks and red wine pairings, he has a taste for exotic dishes that reflect his unique style.

lifestyle: silco lives in a dark, minimalist penthouse, decorated with abstract art and exclusive pieces that reflect his reserved personality. his home is designed to be a refuge from the outside world.

how you’d met: you met silco at an exclusive art gallery, where you both seemed out of place compared to the more pretentious attendees. you made a sarcastic comment about an overly abstract piece, and silco, overhearing, couldn’t help but smile and reply with a similarly sharp remark. that initial spark led to a fascinating conversation about power, art, and ambition.

Mel

job: mel would be a high-level businesswoman, leading international consulting projects for large corporations. she's known for being a visionary in the most complicated negotiations.

hobbies: she loves collecting contemporary art and painting in her spare time. mel enjoys attending galas, cultural events, and traveling the world to discover new artists and traditions.

social media: her instagram shows her sophisticated life: exclusive events, international travel, and art in progress.

music: mel listens to contemporary jazz by artists like esperanza spalding or soul by adele, also likes the soft rhythms of sza while working or relaxing.

favorite food: she enjoys haute cuisine, especially seafood and dishes with exotic ingredients. she always accompanies her meals with a good white wine.

lifestyle: mel lives in a modern penthouse in a cosmopolitan city. her home is a mix of luxury and art, with minimalist decor that highlights her personal collection of unique pieces.

how you’d met: you met mel at a cultural retreat abroad, where both of you attended a dinner organized by a local art collector. while everyone else was engaged in small talk, you caught her attention by passionately discussing a sculpture by an emerging artist. intrigued by your perspective, she joined the conversation, and the exchange of ideas lasted all night.

Sevika

job: sevika it's a security manager at a well-known company, overseeing high-risk operations. she also has a personal business involving customizing motorcycles and tactical equipment.

hobbies: sevika do boxing, martial arts, and of course, rides her motorcycle. she enjoys billiards and hanging out at local bars with her friends.

social media: her instagram features photos of her bike, videos of her workouts, and casual moments at bars or gatherings. although, she's not very active.

music: she listens to classic rock bands like ac/dc and metallica, as well as punk groups like the clash, but she also has a softer side with occasional blues.

favorite food: she prefers home-cooked food like stews or well-made burgers, always with a craft beer on the side.

lifestyle: sevika lives in a simple but cozy apartment, with personal tools and memories. her lifestyle is practical and adapted to her need for constant movement.

how you’d met: she met you at a bar when someone was being annoying to you. she jumped in without a second thought, and it led to a deeper conversation about her life experiences. her interest grew when she saw that you weren't easily intimidated, and from there, you started hanging out.

[astrologydray]

PoF in the house and your luck

🧍🏾1st House – Luck comes from self-expression, confidence, and personal identity. Success is often tied to independence and authenticity.

Key Themes: Self-sufficiency, leadership, independence, personal charisma.

💰2nd House – Prosperity is linked to financial stability, self-worth, and material security. Money-making opportunities tend to flow naturally.

Key Themes: Financial security, self-worth, resource management, material success.

🗣️3rd House – Luck is found through communication, learning, networking, and intellectual pursuits. Writing, speaking, and social connections bring success.

Key Themes: Communication, learning, networking, adaptability, intellectual pursuits.

🏡4th House – Fulfillment comes from home, family, and emotional security. Real estate, ancestry, or a deep inner foundation can bring prosperity.

Key Themes: Home, family, emotional security, real estate, ancestral connections.

🧠5th House – Creativity, self-expression, romance, and taking risks lead to success. Luck comes through art, entertainment, or children.

Key Themes: Creativity, romance, artistic talents, fun, taking risks.

💼6th House – Work ethic, discipline, and service bring prosperity. Success comes from being helpful, improving routines, and health-related fields.

Key Themes: Work ethic, health, service, discipline, efficiency.

💕7th House – Partnerships, collaborations, and relationships are key to success. Luck is found through alliances, whether romantic or business-related.

Key Themes: Relationships, marriage, partnerships, diplomacy, collaboration.

💀8th House – Prosperity is linked to transformation, shared resources, and deep psychological insights. Inheritances, investments, and spiritual growth play a role.

Key Themes: Transformation, shared wealth, psychology, metaphysics, rebirth.

✈️9th House – Luck comes through travel, higher education, philosophy, and expanding one’s worldview. Teaching, publishing, or foreign connections bring success.

Key Themes: Travel, higher education, spirituality, teaching, broadening horizons.

📈10th House – Career, public image, and reputation are sources of prosperity. Recognition and success often come through professional achievements.

Key Themes: Career success, public image, ambition, leadership, legacy.

🌎11th House – Luck is tied to social groups, friendships, and humanitarian efforts. Success comes from networking, technology, and collective goals.

Key Themes: Friendships, social networks, innovation, humanitarianism, collective goals.

🧘🏾12th House – Prosperity is found in solitude, spirituality, and behind-the-scenes work. Intuition, healing, and artistic or mystical pursuits bring fulfillment.

Key Themes: Spirituality, healing, solitude, intuition, hidden blessings.

[fandomsandfeminism]

Be careful: nostalgia likes to link arms with fascism.

I've seen a lot of talk about how millennials are especially prone to nostalgia. How technology's rapid evolution left our childhoods as a distinctly different world than our present. How we cling to our childhood hobbies and IPs as a way to heal our inner children, etc etc.

And there's nothing inherently wrong with nostalgia. I still play pokemon games and am in the middle of rewatching Yu Yu Hakusho. You're allowed to love the things you grew up with.

But we need to be careful.

Conservatives, nationalists, and fascists *love* to evoke a ☆mythic☆ idealized past- when men were men, when America was great, upon which to build a fixed and solid identity. Any progress away from this idealized conception of the past is thus decay- corruption and ruin. Nostalgia underpins a fascists worldview and allows them to justify any violence against the forces that would further degrade society away from its perfect past. Protecting the past comes to justify all sorts of things in the present.

We need to be very careful about what we allow our nostalgia to mean to us, what we allow it to excuse or justify.

This is not *just* about Hogwarts Legacy, but Hogwarts Legacy is a good example of it. When you can invoke your nostalgia- that golden beautiful past where you felt safe and special- what are you willing to ignore? What harm are you willing to allow? What will you turn a blind eye to if doing so makes you feel like you've recaptured some of the magic from the past?

Tread carefully, friends. This HP bullshit may have been a test that you passed, but it will not be the last time when our sense of nostalgia may conflict with progress and morals. Always remember that you can love something from the past without letting it dictate the future.

[maggotsandcream]

Something I truly appreciate in Star Trek in general but especially Voyager is you can’t always tell how serious the tone of an episode is going to be just by the description.

Dinosaurs developed warp technology before humans existed and have been flying around in space for millions of years and now we get to meet them? Sorry, this is an episode about the dangers of theocracies especially when they use religion to enforce a worldview of racial hierarchy and suppression of science. It has a downer ending.

The crew is working on an experimental technology that could help move along the main plot while one of the characters has an emotional breakdown trying to come to grips with how poorly his dad treated him as a child and how he still hasn’t been able to move past it despite having done so much to improve his relationships with others during the course of the show? Sorry, this is the salamander sex episode that is so ridiculous an entire fandom holiday got invented to meme on it once a year.

[astrodescent]

JUPITER SIGNS & HOUSES AND HOW TO GET THE MOST LUCK AND OPPORTUNITIES

jupiter, in astrology, symbolizes luck and opportunities. its influence signifies a time when favorable circumstances, growth, and expansion are more likely to occur in various aspects of life, from personal endeavors to relationships and career opportunities.

aries / 1H: be bold, take action, use your natural self confidence, be authentic, initiate is your best friend, take risks

taurus / 2H: have a rich girl mindset, use your natural ability to attract (don’t chase), build a foundation, invest in things you deem important for self worth

gemini / 3H: communicate !!!!, you’re the type to talk your way in/out of things, be curious, educate yourself and others, take trips and travel

cancer / 4H: be with family, many opportunities at home or places you feel comfortable and safe, be nurturing and caring for others and yourself, use emotional intelligence

leo / 5H: be confident, use your voice, share your creative and romantic skills, very lucky with children, use your charisma and enthusiasm, invest in acting

virgo / 6H: go to work, invest in health, be attentive to detail and hard work, organize your things, be disciplined, be of service

libra / 7H: show off your partnerships and romantic relationships, use your connections, use your social skills, your aesthetic and art brings luck, be diplomatic, balance

scorpio / 8H: use your deep insight, investigate, understand psychology, your ability to handle intense situations and emotions, research

sagittarius / 9H: travel, go to school or get higher education, share your worldviews, explore new ideas and embrace diversity, be adventurous

capricorn / 10H: be ambitious, use your leadership skills, think about career, long term plans, be structured and determined to achieve goals

aquarius / 11H: use your innovative and creative skills, networks, use your friends to help you gain luck, technology, use your unique perspective

pisces / 12H: use your empathy and psychic skills, your intuition is strong, creative intelligence, healing, spiritual, growth, use your compassion

© spirit-of-phantom 2023

[chaoticke-rambles]

Barring a course correction like Crystal and/or Niko trying to introduce the pair of them to modern technology, I’m like 80% convinced that someday in the not-so-distant future Edwin will be better with technology than Charles.  Edwin spent 70 years in hell and then got thrown into what, to him, must have bordered on a sci-fi techscape that was radically different from the world he knew.  When confronted with something new he probably just falls somewhere between “okay” and “this might as well happen” and then incorporates it into his worldview.  Charles, however, probably just keeps going “I’m more modern than Edwin :D” and technology changes slow enough that he just keeps leaning on his knowledge from the 80s until one day he looks at a computer and realizes technology has evolved so much it’s unrecognizable

[our-hextech-dream]

i haven't seen anyone fully articulate what i personally felt disappointed by wrt viktor's s2 persona and ending so i guess i have to do it myself even tho i'm bad at talking!! can someone who is better at this just read my mind and say it fancier and more coherently?

agency, the loss of

i have seen people already mention the way disability came into play at the end and what a wild choice it was for jayce - born able-bodied and healthy - to be the one to tell viktor - trapped in a body that was actively killing him - that actually your disability is a part of you and made you who you are and you owe everything to it. ... huh? jayce (by which i mean the writers), do you think without his disability, viktor wouldn't have still been a genius? yes, viktor is disabled - that's not even remotely what makes him a compelling character and power player. it is his mind not his body that makes him who he is. the fact that he had to waste almost his whole life fighting against that body to achieve anything is the entire crux of his frustration - imagine what he could have dedicated his mind to if he weren't constantly struggling to find a way just to survive another year, another month, another week, one more day. have you thought about it? because he has. so yeah that whole conversation, trash. bruno mars just the way you are ass one direction that's what makes you beautiful ass argument. viktor was not going crazy over cosmetic surgery, he was trying not to die.

but it strikes me as just one more expression of an overarching theme for s2 viktor - that of the complete and total loss of his agency. (more on a meta level than in the show itself, but also in the show!) i said after act 1 that viktor had died in that explosion and jayce was going to be chasing that corpse until the end, and i was correct. viktor bounced from one mindset to another, never seeming to have any consistent ideology of his own that couldn't be changed as soon as the plot demanded it. at any given point he was just kinda... wandering around, doing some random shit with the powers that worked through him. gone was the viktor who used his own hands and mind to influence the world directly, to bend it to his will. i always always felt this and i stand by it - taking viktor's abilities as an inventor and scientist away and turning him into some arcane mage jesus figure was a mistake and a disservice to his character. arcane said no this boy wasn't smart or determined, his ability to build and invent and seek and learn don't matter and never mattered, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and as soon as the arcane got its goop on him he just became the most specialest magic pixie dream boy to ever live and his own goals, dreams, ideals, morals, talents, skills, and hard work ceased to matter in any meaningful way. he never had to work to master magic to be able to use it to further his goals, because he immediately stopped having goals.

viktor became a non-character. he became whatever ideological and technological threat level the show needed to challenge to heroes and never more. he ceased to have any control or understanding over what was happening to him, rather he just gave up and decided to use his magic indiscriminately for whoever made the most convincing argument, a choice that would have been completely antithetical to his character up to that point if he'd still been alive. 'fuck zaunites, sure i'll turn them into robots so a foreign power can use them to attack and take over piltover and zaun, who cares. it's not like these are the people i've spent 30 years of my life trying to protect and save.' <- something viktor would never ever ever have agreed to! ever! no matter what! they have played us for absolute fools.

ambiguity, the loss of

the thing i wanted the most and was expecting because of the way viktor's original lore was set up was that the series would end with viktor and jayce unreconciled and with mutually exclusive worldviews, both fully believing they were right and the other was misguided but not evil or irredeemable, setting them up for future conflict. this felt like what was being set up when arcane made it a plot point that jayce was being convinced to turn hextech into weapons while viktor started getting unethical and unhinged with the experimentation. they both had good reasons to do what they did - and i'm absolutely not going to insult jayce's intelligence by claiming he was just manipulated into it by anyone, give me a fucking break - but the point was that both of them were doing something the other thought was misguided and dangerous. and they also felt that if they could just make the other person see their completely logical and rational pov, they could fix the divide between them and make up and be best science buddies again.

but then at the end arcane completely gave up on viktor having any belief in his own ideals. it just turned into 'aw actually he was just lonely all along and none of that science stuff or difference in morals or worldviews mattered bc he's got a buddy now and he's completely unequivocally on jayce's side. :)'

it was like. insanely selfish. as in, self-centered, concerned *only* with the self. the viktor i liked, and the one i wanted to flourish and hoped arcane would canonize, was someone who was entirely dedicated to zaun, to righting the wrongs of piltover and helping the people in the way he thought best - no matter what jayce or piltover thought about it. an ambiguous villain, just like all the other really well-written ones in arcane.

accountability, the loss of

viktor killed people. not sky, who was an accident despite his fixation on her; i'm talking at least a hundred or more zaunites during his stint as the machine herald. he ripped their minds out and made them play house with him, then turned them into weapons of war for ambessa's siege, and all of those people - primarily sick, desperate zaunites - died. this was always the entire crux of the conflict between (league) viktor and jayce giopara. viktor was willing to destroy people and use their bodies for his own gain unapologetically because he thought what he was doing was a blessing and the people were better off under his control because they would never feel fear or anger again. agree, disagree, depends on your view of free will and human nature, but the fact is that everyone who came to viktor hoping for a chance to be healed so they could pursue their own dreams and lives had those dreams and lives ripped away from them and they never got justice or even a single scrap of acknowledgement from the narrative.

in arcane, the horror of viktor's actions just... fade away into the background. viktor and jayce waltz off into magicspace together, leaving viktor's dead, ruined victims for piltover and zaun to deal with. he doesn't return their minds or bodies, he doesn't even seem to remember or care about what he had just been doing to other sentient living human beings. he's not sorry, he doesn't feel regret, he got what he wanted (a friend) and fuck everybody else.

because the narrative just shrugs and handwaves and says no no forget all that it doesn't matter it was just the hexcore or whatever, viktor becomes a flat, uninteresting character. he loses the depth that villains like ambessa and silco had, villains who had their victims validated by the story, who faced challenges in their arcs specifically because of the people they had hurt despite thinking they were doing the right or noble or most important thing. and not just the villains! even the heroes had to wrestle with the people they stepped on on the way to their lofty goals. but not viktor. he just floats away scot free, completely blameless, having no affect on the world and the world having no affect on him.

on arcane's status as the new canon lore and the Implications™

reminder that arcane is somehow supposed to tie into the world of runeterra at large, but now viktor and jayce both have been seemingly entirely removed from it. if it only mattered that they knew the people we'd already seen them interact with, okay, i guess. but that isn't the case. they both have a ton of connections to other champions - from regions other than p&z even - that haven't been introduced and don't have any plausible explanation for how they could have met in the past, which means they should have been set up to meet somehow in the future. implying that jinx escaped and has gone traveling the world is the perfect way to incorporate her in-game relationships with people like lux - she could have met her while traveling! but jayce and viktor don't get that plausible continuation of their story and development of further relationships - they just disappear out of existence. (ambessa also has this problem because they killed her, but unlike jayce and viktor she does have a huge amount of unexplored backstory where she could have spoken to (for example) swain and hwei and shyvanna at some point.)

note 1 - jayce and viktor are so old that they don't have any voice lines in game when meeting other champions. but other champions who are either newer or who have had voiceover updates do talk to them, which is how (aside from the old lore) you can infer that they do have relationships with other champions including ones who weren't in arcane.

note 2 - maybe riot actually doesn't care and none of the champions are really supposed to know each other or be involved in each others' lives canonically, they just have random quippy voice lines that imply that. which would fucking suck. having the lore of the game have no impact on the game itself and vice versa would objectively suck. if the characters talk to each other on the rift and say something interesting, i want that to have meaning. i want to be able to extrapolate the state of the world and the relationships between the characters from the things they verbally say with their mouths. i'm not arguing about this. the voicelines should be seen as the most high irrefutable canon that there is for the game because it is the ONLY source of lore in the game itself.

anyways there's my bible i guess. i miss evil laser robot viktor i want him to perform unethical brain surgery on me (fixing my adhd but also turning me into his personal puppet attack dog) and then give a weapon to a child so they can kill their bullies.

[creature-wizard]

Scams, Hoaxes, Conspiracy Theories, & Cults Everyone Should Know About

Jilly Juice: Jillian Mai Thi Epperly claimed drinking sixteen cups of her super salty cabbage concoction each day could regrow missing limbs and cure everything from cancer to homosexuality. In reality, overdosing on so much salt caused followers a host of health issues that Epperley dismissed as "healing symptoms."

Nonhuman Body Hoax: Jaime Maussan attempted to pass off mummified human remains as nonhuman beings to the Mexican government. (This isn't even Maussan's first hoax, by the way. He has a history.)

Love Has Won: Amy Carlson, a woman who'd walked out on her own children, started a New Age cult in which she presented herself as "Mother God," the creator of the universe. She claimed to be in contact with dead celebrities and alien beings, and taught a conspiratorial worldview. As her health declined, she attempted to treat herself with colloidal silver and alcohol, and her behavior became increasingly abusive. When she finally died, her followers sincerely believed she would return to life and kept her body in a sleeping bag. (She did not return to life.)

Seed Faith Offerings: Reverend Gene Ewing came up with the perfect get-rich-quick scheme to prey on desperate Christian believers: tell believers that if they "sowed seed" by giving money to him, God would bless them with even more money in the future. He made millions of dollars from these donations, while most of his followers never saw the miraculous returns they were promised.

William Walker Atkinson: In the early 20th century, William Walker Atkinson wrote around one hundred books, many of which he wrote under various pseudonyms. Some of these pseudonyms included alleged Hindu mystics. That's right - this guy was practicing literary brownface to sell his mystical ideas.

The LDS Church: In the 19th century, a man named Joseph Smith claimed that an angel had told him where to dig up a set of golden plates that were supposedly written by ancient Hebrews who'd come to North America. Smith even had eleven close associates who vouched for the plates' existence. Yet the script they were allegedly written in bore no relation to actual ancient scripts of the Near East, and the the names the locations in the books he "translated" were very obviously derived from placenames he would have been familiar with. (For example, Oneida/Onidah.) Oh, and actual archaeology and DNA studies have discredited pretty much everything from this guy's weird racist narrative.

Fake Cancer, Fake Cure: Wellness entrepreneur Belle Gibson claimed that she'd cured her brain cancer with natural remedies. Gibson never actually had cancer in the first place.

Medbeds: Back in 2020, QAnons and QAnon-adjacent people started circulating claims that a new form of healing technology was about to become available to the public within the next several months or so. Depending on who you asked, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and even the Galactic Federation of Light were involved. The time of their supposed unveiling came and went, and what do you know, there are still no functioning medbeds used in actual medicine.

COVID Vaccine Zombies: Conspiracy theorists have been claiming the government practices high-tech mind control for ages now. One recent iteration of this is a conspiracy theory claiming that people who'd received COVID vaccinations would have malicious DNA code activated by 5G on October 4, 2023, turn into zombies, and riot. The time came and went, and no zombie outbreak happened.

Ms.Scribe: In the early 2000s, a Harry Potter fan known as "msscribe" or "Ms.Scribe" faked her own harassment through a number of sockpuppets, with the apparent goal of becoming friends with some Harry Potter fandom bigwigs. She manipulated the fandom for a few years until the deception was finally uncovered.

[akajustmerry]

it shouldn't be controversial for non-usAmericans to point out how usAmericans, regardless of marginalisation, can be (and often are) agents of US imperialism because of US Cultural hegemony and usAmericans do have inherent privileges because of that. And that privilege exists alongside your marginalisation in your own nation. I wish so much that usAmericans would understand that the world is built for you. So much of the world is built with your passports, your government, your military, your culture, your accents, your technology, your worldview, your politics. Hell, most people grow up with YOUR movies and YOUR pop culture, as much as if not more than their own country's. It's not every individual usAmerican's fault, but it is your responsibility to understand that at a global level your nation and therefore its citizens are scaled so high in terms of power that even marginalised people within your nation are granted the ability and power to mass murder people in the global south. even other countries in the global North are politically contigent on usAmerican policy which means as usAmericans with the ability to vote have the power to impact the lives of people globally. usAmerica is not the only place this is true about, I can say the same for people in Canada and the UK too and many other colonial countries, but even those countries to a degree bow to and mirror US policy on so many issues. It shouldn't be a big deal for USAmericans, including those with disabilities and USAmericans of colour, to acknowledge their privileges on a global scale. It's no different to acknowledging any type of privilege.