Slow Down

Welcome to Issue 30! Late last year we hosted a conversation with Eco Punk Mark Surman, and in it, Mark challenged us to find an alternative to effective accelerationism (aka e/acc). Well, this is the issue. We’ve been researching groups who are engaged in a movement or ecosystem that appears to be resisting e/acc. We’re living foul, and it ain’t our style.

Some of it reflects a desire to slow down, and some a desire for an entirely different direction. This issue is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather initiate an investigation of what we suspect will be an ongoing theme.

If there is a subject that you want us to dig into, please reply to this email.

Table of Contents

• Slow Down

  • What is Effective Accelerationism?

    • Who is the Opposition?

  • Women of Ill Repute and The Gyno Guru

  • The Collective Wisdom Initiative

    • The Manifesto of the Collective Wisdom Initiative

  • The Cultures of Care Network

    • Cultures of Care Network 10 point program

  • Help us grow

  • Bonus Track

What is Effective Accelerationism?

All gas, no brakes. Effective accelerationism embraces whatever it takes to achieve unrestricted technological progress. And not just any kind of progress, but a particular technological determinism that believes the rise of AI must happen, regardless of the impact on humans or society. The end justifies the means, in so far as the end is an endless loop of technological innovation.

Thirty years ago we would have regarded e/acc as speculative fiction. Now it is backed by the wealthy and powerful, and those with the technical skills to help make it happen. Which is why as much as we’d like to dismiss it as a delusional fantasy of young men with too much time on their hands, it is instead a growing ideology for old men with too much power and money.

Who is the Opposition?

If we are to understand the ecosystem imagined by proponents of e/acc then we need to use their conception of who their opposition is. Given their own elitism, their perceived opposition is remarkably inclusive.

• Techno-skeptics and Techno-critics: Those wary of unchecked technological advancement and its societal impacts, advocating for a more cautious approach.

• Traditional Environmentalists: Advocates for reducing consumption and adopting simpler lifestyles, skeptical of technological solutions to environmental problems.

• Slow Movement Advocates: Proponents of slow food, slow living, etc., who prioritize quality of life and mindfulness over speed and efficiency.

• Decentralization and Localism Advocates: Supporters of decentralization, local governance, and community-led initiatives over global, technology-driven solutions.

• Radical Political Economists: Critics from backgrounds like Marxism and anarchism, who challenge the capitalist dynamics that they believe Effective Accelerationism might perpetuate.

• Conservatives and Traditionalists: Those who prioritize social stability, cultural continuity, and traditional values, viewing rapid change as potentially destabilizing.

• Proponents of Alternative Visions: Advocate for other pathways to overcome societal challenges.

Quite the coalition. Although to be clear, these groups don’t realize their opposition to e/acc or the commonality they may have. These are the people that accelerationists identify as their enemies, and who they believe are obstacles to the future they desire, and see obtainable at any cost.

The ideology of technological solutionism that drives e/acc is not unique to their movement, it is a sentiment widely held in our contemporary society. Yet when weaponized, it becomes incredibly dangerous.

We’re going to look into this opposition further, but let’s take a break to promote a podcast.

Women of Ill Repute and The Gyno Guru

Eco Punk Wendy Mesley is a co-host of the fantastic podcast (and newsletter) appropriately named Women of Ill Repute. While all of their episodes are worth listening to or watching, the latest with Jen Gunter is particularly incendiary.

As a society we don’t know enough about, nor do we properly respect menstruation. This episode offers a great remedy to that ignorance, and an effective antidote to effective accelerationism in general. Anything that involves our bodies, blood, and reproduction is in the opposite direction.

The Collective Wisdom Initiative

Whispers of a covert movement challenging the relentless pace of technological and societal acceleration have long circulated in hushed conversations and on the fringes of digital forums. Dubbed the Collective Wisdom Initiative, this enigmatic group has been a shadowy figure in the debate over the future direction of human progress. It's only recently that a manifesto, seemingly confirming their existence, has surfaced, offering a glimpse into their ideology.

Advocating for a radical departure from the mainstream narrative of Effective Accelerationism, this clandestine organization emphasizes democratic engagement, environmental sustainability, and a cautious approach to technological innovation.

The Collective Wisdom Initiative raises intriguing questions about the broader landscape of dissent against the prevailing ethos of Effective Accelerationism. Speculation abounds that this group may be just one node in a vast, yet unseen network of organizations, collectives, and thinkers united by a shared skepticism towards the unbridled race for technological supremacy. This possibility suggests a more complex ecosystem of resistance, one that operates both in the shadows and in the interstices of mainstream discourse, quietly cultivating alternatives to our current trajectory.

The Manifesto of the Collective Wisdom Initiative

The Cultures of Care Network

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and widening wealth disparities, the Cultures of Care Network stands as a beacon of hope and a force for positive change. This visionary organization dedicates itself to fostering a healthier society by embedding care, compassion, and equity at the heart of its mission.

The Cultures of Care Network operates on the principle that a truly healthy society values and nurtures the well-being of all its members—human and non-human alike. By advocating for sustainable innovation, the Network addresses the environmental degradation that often accompanies unchecked technological progress.

Moreover, the Network tackles the stress and disconnection caused by rapid technological change head-on. In a world increasingly mediated by screens, its initiatives remind us of the importance of community, direct engagement, and the human touch. Through educational programs and workshops, it equips individuals with the tools to navigate the complexities of the digital age without losing sight of what makes us fundamentally human: our ability to connect, empathize, and care for each other.

Perhaps most importantly, the Cultures of Care Network confronts the growing chasm of wealth inequality. By promoting policies and practices that prioritize equity and inclusivity, the Network works to ensure that the benefits of technological advancement are shared broadly, rather than accruing to a privileged few. Its commitment to community empowerment and support for grassroots projects offers a pathway to economic and social resilience, helping to build a society where prosperity is measured not by material wealth alone but by the quality of our relationships and the health of our communities.

The Cultures of Care Network is a diverse tapestry of individuals, organizations, and communities united by a common vision of fostering a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world. This network is composed of activists, educators, technologists, environmentalists, mental health professionals, community leaders, and everyday citizens who share a commitment to the principles of care, compassion, and collective well-being.

Members of the Network come from various backgrounds and disciplines, bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills, and perspectives to the table. This diversity is the Network's strength, allowing it to approach complex societal challenges from multiple angles and address the root causes of issues such as technological stress, environmental degradation, and wealth inequality. Among its ranks are:

• Activists and Advocates who champion policies and practices that promote social justice, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to technology.

• Educators and Researchers who generate and disseminate knowledge about sustainable living, digital well-being, and community resilience, empowering individuals and communities with the tools to navigate and shape the future.

• Technologists and Innovators who are committed to developing and advocating for technology that serves the public good, ensuring that advancements in digital and other technologies enhance rather than undermine human well-being.

• Mental Health Professionals who offer insights and support to help individuals and communities manage the psychological impacts of living in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the importance of mental health and emotional well-being in building a resilient society.

• Community Leaders and Grassroots Organizers who facilitate local initiatives that embody the Network's principles, from urban gardens and sustainability projects to digital literacy workshops and community support groups.

The Cultures of Care Network organizes itself around principles of decentralization, inclusivity, and participatory decision-making. Rather than relying on a traditional hierarchical structure, the Network operates through a series of interconnected nodes—local groups, special interest collectives, and project-based teams—that autonomously pursue initiatives aligned with the Network's overall mission. This flexible, bottom-up approach allows for agility and adaptation to local contexts while maintaining a cohesive vision and set of values.

By organizing itself in this way, the Cultures of Care Network embodies the very principles it promotes, demonstrating that a more caring, equitable, and sustainable world is not only possible but already in the making. Through its collective action and diverse membership, the Network is a living example of how care can be woven into the fabric of society, shaping a future that reflects the values of compassion, resilience, and shared well-being.

Cultures of Care Network 10 point program

To join the Cultures of Care Network, organize your own local chapter and upon doing so we will reach out to you.

Help us grow

Bonus Track