4 ms·

> If the middle class has any hope of allying with the lower class then those two traits will have to ascend from ashes. The real questions is: are we too far g

> If the middle class has any hope of allying with the lower class then those two traits will have to ascend from ashes. The real questions is: are we too far gone and is it too late? I'd honestly ask a slightly different question : how much longer will the lower and middle classes pose a realistic threat to the elites? To date, economic and social elites have always been at the theoretical mercy of the masses simply by virtue of vastly inferior numbers. We're not that far off from a day when - as a result of technological advances of various kinds - a small minority could feasibly defend themselves both physically and politically against the rest of society. To me, that's honestly the real ticking time bomb. People can change, grow and adapt to any number of situations - and are remarkably good at finding common ground with their neighbors when necessity dictates. However, once the masses lose their ability to meaningfully threaten the elites, the entire question becomes moot and the ship will have sailed for a long, long time.

chii 8y ago
> small minority could feasibly defend themselves both physically and politically against the rest of society Look no further than China. They've already instituted a social credit system to control the masses' political discourse, and to prevent dissidents from gathering together and to have neutral groups turn against them for fear of reprimands. The future does not look good for the poor, and unlike yester-century, theres enough surveylance technology and automation to snuff any rebel group before critical mass.
anonymouskimmer 8y ago
>I'd honestly ask a slightly different question : how much longer will the lower and middle classes pose a realistic threat to the elites? As long as weapons of mass destruction can be engineered by a person with a couple of thousand in resources. Bioweapons are technologically getting easier and easier to make. The lower classes may have fewer really smart people, but they are not totally lacking. And never forget that the upper classes do occasionally spawn a class-conscious wannabe hero.

chii 8y ago

> small minority could feasibly defend themselves both physically and politically against the rest of society Look no further than China. They've already instituted a social credit system to control the masses' political discourse, and to prevent dissidents from gathering together and to have neutral groups turn against them for fear of reprimands. The future does not look good for the poor, and unlike yester-century, theres enough surveylance technology and automation to snuff any rebel group before critical mass.

anonymouskimmer 8y ago

>I'd honestly ask a slightly different question : how much longer will the lower and middle classes pose a realistic threat to the elites? As long as weapons of mass destruction can be engineered by a person with a couple of thousand in resources. Bioweapons are technologically getting easier and easier to make. The lower classes may have fewer really smart people, but they are not totally lacking. And never forget that the upper classes do occasionally spawn a class-conscious wannabe hero.