On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.18

 8s. A media, that promotes itself for the sake of itself, will eventually negate its own message. Its pose of impartiality is among the first things to go by the way side. Hence, why bother? Except, one something is exploited to Maximum Advantage then it appears most difficult to break the habit. As stated before, the Technical Morality is like a highly addictive drug. Focus is directed exclusively on obtaining a daily fix. A new formula might go awry, but the standby is tried, true and well sponsored by various societal (and under-societal) interests. As a whole, these concerns have a stake in maintaining an comfortable supply to make the hook up easy. Why mess with a lucrative business? Pushing is done for economic reasons. To stop, one must leave the old environment behind, and go elsewhere. Few manage it.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.17

 8r. Media is subject to manipulation, but in and of itself, its Persuasive Techniques[9] are limited. Direct human contact largely negates second hand propaganda. Blatant overuse of propaganda in media can even produce the backlash of widespread disbelief and discreditation of its outlets. However, if a population were socially isolated, then these techniques could prove much more effective than would usually be the case. Hearing nothing substantial to contradict second hand information, the typical citizen would be unable to make a basis of comparison. Hence, with a little market research, the odds are good that a majority would accept most pronouncements. This approach would be especially successful while espousing propaganda tailored towards proclaiming that everything is well and, above all, stable. Few want to believe uncertainty.

[9] See J.A.C. Brown’s Techniques of Persuasion–From Propaganda to Brainwashing, Penguin Books, Middlesex, England 1963.  I will be reviewing this book in the near future.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.16

8q. In a technological society, the care shown, or lack thereof, a ruling elite shows while seeking advantage is a direct indicator of the level of spread favoring the Technical Morality. Appearances mean much in an age of constant mass media. Those forgetting their place risk losing everything. A certain sufferance is allowed. Regardless of content or merit, lest backlash be unleashed, some lines should not be crossed even once. Every now and then, the machine demands a sacrifice. At the least, its targets walk away diminished in power. At worst, the entirety may be leveled. The multitude likes to watch destruction.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.15

 8p. Maximum Advantage does minimize outright corruption by favoring institutional channels for the same impulses that lead toward bribery. The system thus created certainly appears more sound, but is instead infected by internal rot. Where straightforward graft affects the surface, everyone knows where things stand. Hence, legitimacy is never seriously undermined, because degeneracy is simply taken for granted. Nobody expects anything different. A system, which requires at least the appearance of popular support, that uses legality to allow the same sort of behavior in the end undermines itself. The law becomes meaningless. Its respect (or fear) becomes lost, and relatively soon its framework crumbles. Only tools respect hypocrisy.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.14

8o. Standardization is necessary for the most efficient operation any technical system. Components must be compatible. Maximum Advantage, as stated previously, leads toward the application of technical efficiency toward all human affairs. As such, humans are encouraged and nominally rewarded by their degree of standardization. In many such instances, seeking normalization is a perfectly rational and completely unworkable. The result is dysfunctional. Yet, still many will attempt to tread the same impossible path to the point of no return. As a sure sign of intellectual inbreeding, reinforced by regularization, these sort call their stupidity optimism. Consequently, this habit is very difficult to break, and generally takes a disaster. At this stage, the herd mentality will be very susceptible to panic. Lest tragedy occur, This Modern Warrior Archetype must be ready to de-escalate and calm the situation. Constructive action must be advocated. Rebuilding is the most efficient means. As an incentive towards success, never forget that, one way or another, chaos is the surest route to tyranny.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.13

8n. Bureaucracy is the death of any popular movement. Its basic structure precludes dynamic action. Its focus is toward broad goals. One assuredly universal bureaucratic aim is perpetration of itself. Like a fungus, its tendrils spread outward in every possible direction. At the same time, it envelopes unto motionlessness everything dependant upon it. At a certain point, when growth is no longer possible, the downward spiral toward stasis. The endpoint is stagnation. At this point, in the worst cases,[8] decadent instincts may assert their drive toward parasitism. Like a tick, it sucks energy and resources away from vital interests, and gives nothing back. Sound familiar?

[8] The better solution is probably disbandment.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.13

8m. Maximum Advantage thrives under care and feeding by bureaucratic institutions.[6]  The machine becomes necessary. As efficiency is sought (and even sometimes found) through consolidation, the Technical Morality becomes a means for justification of the ends. Size become necessary. As their mandates expand, bureaucracies grow and bloat. Although never successful, they seek to encompass everything. Eventually, a point is reached where money runs thin. When funds grow short, the law is then used to force technical improvement. Others are forced and coerced into following these unfunded dictates unto unity. Unity defines totalitarianism. Bureaucracy is the enemy of freedom.

[6] Granted, bureaucracies of a limited sort and scope existed prior to widespread Technique, but the older form was mostly (with the notable exception of Confucianism) a system of patronage.

[7] And not just the public sector.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.12

8l. Maximum Advantage requires standardization. Hence, uniformity is sought uniformly. Institutional settings are particularly susceptible to this requirement. Whereas in purely technical fields standard specifications are necessary for proper functioning of a dynamic system, other human oriented arenas suffer from these constraints. Scientific studies are also affected to a degree. Imposed bounds naturally limit developments with regard to non-standard thinking. Originality is discouraged, and discarded. Revolutions cease to be as frequent to the point of stagnation. Eventually, it becomes impossible to produce anything new. Leaving the petrified remains behind, the world moves on.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.11

8k. Maximum Advantage discounts, even as it exploits obligation. The Technical Morality demands every action result in gain. It therefore demands allegiance and loyalty, but returns very little in ever diminishing proportions. Of course, its goals and means can be upset by those holding to higher causes. It therefore seeks and rewards those whom do not take their oaths seriously. Hence, in the system thus created, ethics and the older moralities are legislated. For example, one is not allowed to profit from public service unless one waits a short period. Therefore, as befitting the actions of someone whom has been promised a reward implicitly, one only needs to always act in the favor of various interests to be ensured that one will be well paid by those same interests after parting ways with ones official posting (after a few months). One plays the game or stays for the long haul.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.10

8j. By nature, Maximum Advantage cheaply exploits emotions. Its shallowness is a definite weakness to be used and abused by opponents and opportunists alike. This Modern Warrior Archetype is mostly caught in the middle. Chaos breeds tyrants. Power vacuums are filled by fear. Freedom need not mean pandemonium, but one must work to not make it so. One need not live on one’s knees to be secure. Standing is relatively easy. The much more difficult task is dragging others to their feet. As a tool for the job, intimidation has its place.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.9

8i. Maximum Advantage is completely externally oriented. Inner knowledge must have a purpose or use to be valued. Commodities are preferable. In general, those thinking otherwise are alienated and fail to understand this mode of thinking. Its stink treated as something contaminated. However, unlike hazardous chemicals, one can choose the affect. Unpleasant it may be, but contact need not be terminal. Knowing one’s environment can never be a weakness.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.8

8h. Maximum Advantage is brevity but not wit. Although forced to adapt to its time frame, This Modern Warrior Archetype must avoid its stupidity. Conduct need not be driven.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.7

8g. Maximum Advantage is a natural flame retardant. Enveloping all; nothing burns. Eventually, enough fuel accumulates to overcome its effects, and the world witnesses a raging inferno. Dullness only lasts so long.

On This Modern Warrior Archetype Part Six.8.6

8f. Maximum Advantage drives onward through inertia. Paths are not easily changed. Only slight corrections are possible; most only prolong inevitable descent. In the process, unrenewable resources are squandered in a frenzied race to the bottom. Stopping only occurs through either falling or exhaustion. Either way, nature triumphs over all eventually.