I believe knowing is essential—because without access to the full picture, people can’t make truly informed decisions. When we don’t understand how something might impact us, we’re more likely to react out of fear or confusion. But when we’re given the truth—openly and fully—we have a chance to respond with understanding and compassion. I always want to know, because that’s how I can give real consent.
That’s why the manipulation of information through media, algorithms, and propaganda is so infuriating. When the truth shifts depending on where you are or how you search, people end up arguing over what’s real instead of coming together to understand what’s actually happening. It doesn’t just distort facts—it robs us of awareness.
Zooming out, I am more frustrated by the imperfections of the ways in which we all communicate more than any individual actors these days. I can see that the "demon in the room" is this imperfect medium more often than not, and I hate it.
After reading your piece today I thought you’d read it overnight! I read the book a couple of times I think, and for that reason the show never did it for me. It works up to a showdown of the old gods (Odin etc) and the new gods (what we worship today-tech, media, surveillance state)
I think that I'm more of the let it be type. Due to that, I'd just sit back and accept whatever knowledge came my way. Although I'm sure you've noticed that I do love to write about what I truly believe in. It's interesting to see what comes of that, if anything.
I believe knowing is essential—because without access to the full picture, people can’t make truly informed decisions. When we don’t understand how something might impact us, we’re more likely to react out of fear or confusion. But when we’re given the truth—openly and fully—we have a chance to respond with understanding and compassion. I always want to know, because that’s how I can give real consent.
That’s why the manipulation of information through media, algorithms, and propaganda is so infuriating. When the truth shifts depending on where you are or how you search, people end up arguing over what’s real instead of coming together to understand what’s actually happening. It doesn’t just distort facts—it robs us of awareness.
Zooming out, I am more frustrated by the imperfections of the ways in which we all communicate more than any individual actors these days. I can see that the "demon in the room" is this imperfect medium more often than not, and I hate it.
I hate it too.
"This exam question is so hard, I think I'll stab and hang myself." - Odin must've been one hell of a high school student to deal with.
He was a toddler with superpowers, no doubt! They're all basically frat boys.
There is a 14th century anonymous mystical text entitled “The Cloud of Unknowing”. It seems to speak of what you are saying…
Sometimes I think stabbing yourself with a spear would be easier than separating the signal from the noise of the day
You need to find yourself a good spear-holder first, then just kind of jump onto the spear. It might actually be easier if you're Odin, though.
This is—by my memory at least—the opening chapter of American Gods
I've seen the show, but never read (or listened) to the source material. I loved season one of that show, though!
After reading your piece today I thought you’d read it overnight! I read the book a couple of times I think, and for that reason the show never did it for me. It works up to a showdown of the old gods (Odin etc) and the new gods (what we worship today-tech, media, surveillance state)
It's such a great, compelling narrative. It's really too bad about Gaiman being a monster, but then again, art =/= artist.
I think that I'm more of the let it be type. Due to that, I'd just sit back and accept whatever knowledge came my way. Although I'm sure you've noticed that I do love to write about what I truly believe in. It's interesting to see what comes of that, if anything.