The Industrial Revolution has destabilized society, increasing psychological suffering and environmental damage.
Technology's development will worsen these problems, increasing social disruption.
The industrial-technological system may lead to reduced dignity and autonomy for humans if it survives.
A revolution against the industrial system is advocated, focusing on overthrowing economic and technological bases, not governments.
Only certain negative aspects of industrial society are discussed, with less focus on well-covered topics like environmental issues.
The Psychology of Modern Leftism
Modern society is deeply troubled, with leftism being a major manifestation.
Leftism today is less clearly defined than in the early 20th century, characterized more by psychological types (feelings of inferiority and oversocialization) than specific ideologies.
Feelings of Inferiority
Modern leftists often have low self-esteem, guilt, and defeatism.
Activists are hypersensitive to language and perceived derogatory terms.
Leftists often hate successful entities (e.g., America, Western civilization) as they symbolize strength.
Leftism is anti-individualistic, promoting collectivism and societal problem-solving.
Oversocialization
Oversocialized individuals are excessively conditioned by society's moral demands.
This leads to low self-esteem and guilt over not meeting society’s expectations.
Oversocialization is particularly noted among upper-middle-class intellectuals.
The Power Process
Human beings need to experience the "power process," which includes having goals and achieving them through effort.
In modern society, this process is disrupted, leading to psychological issues.
Surrogate Activities
As physical needs are easily met, people pursue unnecessary goals (surrogate activities) to feel fulfilled.
Surrogate activities include scientific work, art, social activism, etc.
Autonomy
Autonomy in goal pursuit is crucial but often lacking in modern society.
Most work is done under orders, limiting personal control and fulfillment.
Sources of Social Problems
Modern society's issues stem from living conditions that differ from those under which humans evolved.
These conditions include population density, isolation from nature, rapid social change, and breakdown of traditional communities.
Disruption of the Power Process in Modern Society
Human drives fall into three groups: easily satisfied, requiring effort, and unattainable.
Modern society pushes many drives into the first and third groups, creating frustration.
Many people feel purposeless due to the lack of fulfilling goals.
Restriction of Freedom in Industrial Society
Freedom is restricted in technologically advanced societies due to the need for regulation.
The system regulates human behavior to maintain order, often through psychological means.
Technology and Freedom
Technological progress often curtails freedom, with advances appearing beneficial initially but ultimately increasing dependency.
Attempts to reconcile freedom with technology are unlikely to succeed.
Revolution vs. Reform
Reforming the industrial-technical system is seen as impossible due to its complexity and interdependence.
A revolution is considered more feasible, as it can inspire greater commitment than reform.
Control of Human Behavior
Modern society uses psychological and biological methods to control human behavior, often under humanitarian pretenses.
Techniques include drugs, surveillance, propaganda, and psychological conditioning.
Human Race at a Crossroads
The future could see the system survive with increased control over humans, or break down, offering a chance for societal change.
Strategy for Revolution
Kaczynski advocates for promoting stress and instability in the system while developing an ideology against technology.
The goal is to destroy the industrial system, not to establish a new society.
The Danger of Leftism
Leftism is seen as collectivist, incompatible with freedom and nature.
The ideology focuses on power, often leading to totalitarian tendencies.
Final Note
Kaczynski's essay acknowledges its imprecision but maintains confidence in its general correctness.
Notes
Various footnotes provide clarification on specific points, including the role of socialization and societal expectations.