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The Three City Dilemma and the Emergence of the New Fremen

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Chapter 1: Understanding the Three City Dilemma

What connection exists between Athens and Jerusalem, and how do they relate to Silicon Valley? This inquiry forms the crux of my recent essay for the Ideas section of WIRED Magazine, titled: “THE THREE CITY PROBLEM OF MODERN LIFE: What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem — and what do either have to do with Silicon Valley?”

The premise centers on my conviction that our world is fragmenting into at least three distinct groups, each with unique epistemological and metaphysical foundations. This divergence makes cohabitation with other groups incredibly challenging—some might argue it's impossible. I categorize these groups as "cities," each ruled by its own ideologies, which are more profound than mere political affiliations. Indeed, individuals on both the Right and the Left often inhabit either Athens, Jerusalem, or Silicon Valley. The residents of these cities share more in common with each other than they do with individuals from other ideological "parties."

Here’s a pertinent excerpt from my essay:

In physics, two-body problems, such as tracking a planet’s orbit around a star, can be resolved with relative ease. These straightforward binary orbits are predictable. However, complications arise when a third body is introduced. The moon, influenced by the gravitational pull of both the sun and Earth, exemplifies the notorious three-body problem.

Solving the interactions of three significant bodies creates a circular dilemma: the calculations depend on their initial positions, which are inherently unpredictable over time due to their mutual influences. The three-body problem serves as a compelling metaphor for the social complexities we face today—stemming from the interplay of three dominant ideological centers. This dynamic distorts our intuitions and fuels our desire for order amidst an increasingly chaotic environment, trapping us within this three-city dilemma.

“What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?” posed the Christian apologist Tertullian in the third century, questioning the relationship between philosophical reasoning and faith. Today, however, a third city—Silicon Valley—also comes into play. Governed less by rationality (as great entrepreneurs often defy conventional reason) and materialistic beliefs, Silicon Valley prioritizes the creation of value. A significant aspect of this value is utility—determining what is useful or perceived as beneficial.

Let’s delve deeper into one key element of the Three City Dilemma that I couldn’t fully explore in the article: envisioning the life of an Anti-Mimetic individual in the future who resists the isolationism that each city’s leaders promote to fortify their realms. Each of these realms is built on a reductionist view of humanity.

Who will take a stand?

Residing in the intersection of these three cities may necessitate adaptations akin to those of the Fremen in Frank Herbert’s Dune series. Initially dubbed “Free Men” in early drafts, the Fremen inhabit small communities called sietches, nestled within the rocky landscapes of Arrakis’ desert.

Fremen in the Dune universe

Drawing from the Dune franchise, I am not advocating for increased isolationism as a solution to the three-city dilemma. Quite the contrary, I view the Fremen as exemplary figures who avoid the ideological confines of their respective cities, choosing instead to thrive in the harsh reality between them. My focus is on the adaptations they undertook to preserve their humanity, culture, and freedom amidst the pressures to conform.

What transformations will we require to navigate this three-city reality?

The inclination to congregate within these cities stems from a form of mimesis. Thus, living a cohesive life becomes an anti-mimetic endeavor. A few adaptations I believe are crucial for these "New Fremen" to flourish in this evolving landscape include:

  1. Cultivating Resilience: Developing a thick skin is paramount. I’ve observed a correlation between possessing robust desires and maintaining resilience. Individuals with fragile desires and weak self-identity tend to take offense easily when faced with disagreement. Those lacking resilience will likely retreat into ideological bubbles, overwhelmed by mimetic impulses.
  2. Navigating the Media Labyrinth: Just as the Fremen mastered the “sand walk” to cross the desert without attracting sandworms, the New Fremen must learn to traverse the technological terrain, particularly its media landscape. This will involve setting boundaries and cultivating an anti-mimetic mindset to avoid being ensnared in perilous situations. Social media can be likened to sandworms, threatening to consume those who navigate carelessly.
  3. Mastering De-escalation: Becoming adept at diffusing conflict will be essential. This skill requires considerable experience and tact to manage escalating mimetic crises effectively. The world needs more individuals who excel in conflict resolution.

See you in the desert.

Chapter 2: The Intersection of Ideologies

As we ponder these concepts, we can explore them further through the lens of relevant video content.

The first video, DUNE CITIES: Fiction or Reality?, examines the real-world implications of the Dune universe and its connection to our current societal structures.

The second video, BOOK COMMUNITEA: BOOKTOK AT IT AGAIN, COPYRIGHT LAWSUIT, AND WHAT DID NEIL GAIMAN DO?? [CC], discusses the intersection of literature and modern media, shedding light on how cultural narratives influence our understanding of these cities.

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