Maximum Advantage: Inevitable Deductions 13-16

13. On Monetary Systems
Money represents economic unity by acting as the glue which binds market capitalist society. Advertising is a useful means of convincing the populace that money is prime and all other concerns are secondary. One cannot own what one cannot afford. In the early 21st Century money is a gauge of relative worth, but not necessarily wealth. A millionaire on paper simply owns a valuable piece of paper. Very little wealth is liquid. Hence, even the middle class has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, lest their assets decrease in value. All de-stabilizing elements will be met with resistance. Propaganda is utilized to dispel any notions that this situation results in stagnation. Just look at the latest new car models. The entire notion of future change is best avoided to prevent widespread questioning of future impacts. Even though many see only grey, the eternal present is given a shiny sparkle. Anyone who fails to see the splendor must be a malcontent or even insane. Hence, the population becomes more heavily medicated through alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs in order to better function as a cog in the great economic machine. Alienation is rampant among those feeling a greater sense of isolation, resulting in escapist, decadent pursuits and even outright destructive behavior. The employer, being among the most immediate sources of frustration through the drudgery of work, becomes the only enemy. The petty tyrant supervisor would be ill advised not to tread lightly lest he or she find themselves within the sights of a disgruntled employee who decides to make someone, anyone pay for a life of frustration. A certain momentary satisfaction may be gained by splattering some stupid fucker's brains against the wall, but it will not change a thing other than being imprisoned or shot down by the police. Besides, another asshole will just take the place of the old. The entire system is rotten, but the herd has a financial interest in being convinced otherwise. Of course, eventually all systems end. The appropriate time will come for revenge when no external authority may retaliate. This hope represents a possibility for true escape beyond a snarling frustrated gesture. Although difficult for the hyper-stimulated, one must have patience. Hatred is best nurtured. The day will come when money means nothing and all pigs may liquidated...

14. On Culture and Commodification
Culture manifests and imprints itself across all segments of society. The past contains many shared perceptions which may be built upon for maximum advantage. Most commonly, the legacy of World War II is still used to justify foreign intervention, even when few parallels exist, to successfully quiet opposition. Intellectual and material achievements are often unearthed from a nostalgic past to rationalize reactionary policies and movements. Things were so much better, even though those living at the time felt the same about an earlier age. The single largest mistake was probably leaving the trees, but only a few bring sentiment so far by espousing all civilization a lie. The herd needs a reason to believe getting up for work is worth it. Hopes should not be too specific. Sacrifice must seem worthwhile. War dead is probably one of the most powerful tools to this end. That horror has to mean something... Values need to be defined and require common acceptance else the system will grind to a halt as the herd mindlessly mills about. Nothing must appear to be something. Propaganda has its limits. The irrational is difficult to harness. Backlash sentiments are easy to invoke among opponents. Consumerism becomes a faith. Material objects bring fulfillment. The glittering new malaise is preferable to the old malaise. The opportunist should never underestimate public stupidity. Conformity becomes rebellion. Official positions are shown in the best light. Major media outlets know who butters their bread. Well paid journalists are players in the economic order. Anyone heavily invested will necessarily support the entire economic order. Their money is their only freedom (whatever that means). Economic clout represents the path of least resistance. Money does not mean everything. "Maximum" may always be redefined....

15. For Consideration
Reflective contemplation has become an anachronism. How many true advances in human thought have been lost beneath the mountains of data? True comprehension is not measured in gigabytes. The ability to recognize tangents has been skewed by specialization. Irrelevant distractions cover any mental landscape, leaving little seemingly untouched. Few fathom beneath the surface. Instead, we have progress. Efficiency and monetary profit are the only consideration. Simmering agitation consumes. Passivity diminishes. A computer on every classroom desk will not teach anyone to think. Eventually, a point may be reached where radically new ideas will be fatally necessary and prove beyond all sight. Homogeneity is a disease. Inbreeding is the only sin...

16. Drama eclipses more readily than the moon.