It’s pretty clear to me that the basis of Western Civilization, the private self of the individual is under attack.

The ‘private self’ did not really exist until the Greeks invented the phonetic alphabet. The massive efficiency of the alphabet (as opposed to cuneiform ), enabled the great works, mostly oral stories and poetry, to be written down.

The ‘private self’ came about when it was no longer required to sit around the fire to hear the stories; you could retire to your private cave, read the stories, experience in your mind, with better and more clarity that any fireside orator could deliver. Plus, you didn’t have to tell anyone what you experienced or learned. Thus, the ‘private self’ that is the basis of Western Civilization.

The digital platforms, in collusion with the relevant authorities want to take that all away from you. No longer is privacy a good thing in their eyes: your very thoughts are surveilled, harvested for models and vetted for pre-crime.

We need to push back for the private self.

For those of you who believe Western Civilization is a bad thing. That’s ok, if you want the new bargain that is playing out. It’ll be gone soon. I don’t want that.