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A major problem is that if we structurally limit what technologies do, we are still not in control. Now whoever we empowered to control and limit the technology is in control. Who keeps them accountable?

You’ll probably get one of three outcomes: regulatory capture by monopolies, self dealing by bureaucrats to enrich themselves or gain power, or regulatory capture by self absorbed ideologues who halt all progress or force it down some ideologically approved path.

In none of those scenarios is anything aligned with the best interest of the people.



I don’t disagree. A consumer oriented democracy is not well equipped for the challenge.


That’s what you will get in the US. It’s not clear a functioning democracy would produce the same outcome.


I think it’s pretty for hard for democracies not to cater to the most base desires.


As opposed to? What makes the ego and base desires of an aristocracy superior?

It’s hard for humans not to get bogged down in base desires, period, because of the dopamine system.


> As opposed to?

A government which can choose to protect values which are unpopular in the short term.

> What makes the ego and base desires of an aristocracy superior?

Their awareness of higher values and goals. For example how technology might impact the population.

I would recommend Aristotle’s politics for an overview of the strengths and weakness of various government types.




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