Summary

In this conversation, Peter Clarke and KMO explore the concepts of network states and dark enlightenment, discussing their compatibility and implications for governance in a post-liberal world. They delve into the competition for high agency individuals between these systems, the potential role of AI in future governance, and the evolution of societal structures in a world where traditional jobs may become obsolete. The discussion also touches on the importance of status games and the need for new ideas to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of technology and governance.

Takeaways

The idea of a cybernetic harmony between machines and nature.

Post-liberal governance is characterized by the emergence of network states and dark enlightenment.

Network states are communities formed online with the goal of becoming recognized as legitimate states.

High agency individuals are attracted to network states due to their flexibility and potential for innovation.

AI is expected to play a significant role in future governance structures.

The concept of status games may evolve in a jobless future, providing new forms of social validation.

The viability of network states is questioned in terms of their ability to defend against traditional state powers.

A one world government may emerge as a necessity to manage global risks associated with advanced technologies.

The ultra wealthy may leverage network states to escape taxes and create exclusive communities.

New ideas and frameworks are needed to adapt to the rapid changes brought by technology.

KMO and the Librarian of Celaeno discuss various topics including the challenges of building an audience on Substack, the impact of AI on education and writing, the decline of reading among young people, cultural shifts in literature, the role of religion in society,and the intersection of race and ideology. They explore the complexities of racism in America and the enduring nature of cultural patterns, concluding with thoughts on the role of technology in shaping society.

KMO is joined by Brent, author of The Absurdity Sim Substack, for a wide-ranging discussion that opens with the simulation hypothesis. They explore the idea that human consciousness may be either central to reality or merely an unintended byproduct of a system running for someone else's amusement—perhaps a cosmic reality show. This sets the tone for a conversation that blends philosophy, cultural critique, and lived experience with wry humor.

From there, the conversation shifts to the decline of attention spans and the rise of short-form dopamine-driven platforms like TikTok, contrasted with the promise of Substack as a space for thoughtful writing and dialogue. Brent reflects on his own motivations for launching a Substack: channeling his inner curmudgeon in the spirit of H.L. Mencken and Mark Twain, offering sardonic but grounded takes on American decline.

KMO shares his experience using Substack as an audio-first medium and laments the collapse of the internet’s early promise—recalling a time when text-heavy forums fostered substantial, idea-driven exchanges rather than engagement-optimized performance. Together, they reflect on the role that algorithmic social media plays in distorting public discourse, and how platforms increasingly populate your feed with AI-generated personalities disguised as human users.

The conversation then pivots to Brent’s real-world experience with government construction contracting and the disruptive power of AI. He describes how ChatGPT already accelerates tasks like analyzing construction plans, generating submittal registries, and cross-referencing thousands of pages of specs. Brent anticipates a near-future where human project managers and administrators are largely replaced by AI, even in complex fields like federal infrastructure work. KMO builds on this, discussing how AI will reshape military logistics and global power, especially as the U.S. and China race to control both space and artificial general intelligence.

By the end of the hour, the discussion has covered the erosion of cultural cohesion, the post-2008 shift toward institutional impunity, and the psychological toll of a society that flatters rather than elevates. Brent introduces the idea that intelligence distribution—not race, not ideology—helps explain the collapse of discourse and taste in the age of mass media. The two agree that the early internet, for all its flaws, was simply smarter and more sincere—and that today's platforms are built for distraction, not understanding.

In this episode, host KMO speaks with Kevin, co-host of the podcast and Substack publication "Synthesize Sunsets," which explores speculative fiction and the evolution of popular culture in the age of AI and algorithms.

Key Discussion Points:

• 17776 by John Boyce: Kevin discusses this multimedia science fiction narrative and how it represents a missed opportunity for innovation in digital storytelling formats.
• Decades losing their distinctiveness: The conversation explores how time periods had unique visual and cultural identities in the 20th century, while the 21st century has seen a flattening of aesthetic differences between decades.
• Publishing industry consolidation: They discuss how the consolidation of publishing houses has led to less diversity in science fiction and contributed to the growth of romance-focused fantasy at the expense of traditional science fiction.
• Science fiction authors and works: The pair share their perspectives on influential authors including Gene Wolfe's "Book of the New Sun," Ursula K. Le Guin, N.K. Jemisin's "Broken Earth" trilogy, Ted Chiang, Iain M. Banks, and Cixin Liu.
• Christianity and literature: How religious literacy impacts readers' ability to engage with certain works, particularly Gene Wolfe's writing which contains subtle Christian themes.
• Political perspectives in fiction: The challenges of creating politically engaged fiction that doesn't feel didactic, using examples like Banks' "Culture" series and contemporary works.
• Media and intellectual diversity: Kevin expresses hope for greater intellectual diversity in media and publishing, noting that Chinese sci-fi author Cixin Liu represents a genuinely different cultural perspective.

KMO talks science fiction with Copernican.

This wide-ranging conversation between KMO (host) and David Roman (historian and writer) covers several major topics, starting with Roman's recent trip to China and observations about its development over his 27 years of visiting the country. The discussion then delves deeply into science fiction literature, publishing, and the current state of the genre. The conversation also explores generational ships in science fiction, AI, cultural representation in fiction, and ends with a discussion about philosophy, particularly continental philosophy and the work of Slavoj Žižek.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction and China Discussion (00:00-05:00)
   • David Roman's background in China
   • Observations on China's development
   • Contrasts between modernization and traditional elements
2. Technology and Development in China (05:00-10:00)
   • Discussion of AI and robotics advancement
   • Reality vs. social media representation
   • Infrastructure and development contrasts
3. Media Platforms and Content Creation (10:00-25:00)
   • Experiences with YouTube, Facebook, and Substack
   • Discussion of platform censorship and monetization
   • Content creator challenges
4. Science Fiction Literature (25:00-45:00)
   • Discussion of various authors including Peter Watts
   • Analysis of current trends in science fiction
   • Generation ship novels and themes
5. Cultural Representation in Science Fiction (45:00-60:00)
   • Discussion of diversity in future scenarios
   • Critique of current publishing trends
   • Cultural authenticity in character writing
6. Publishing Industry Analysis (60:00-75:00)
   • Changes in editing and publishing
   • Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing
   • Impact on science fiction genre
7. Philosophy Discussion (75:00-end)
   • Continental vs. Analytic philosophy
   • Discussion of Slavoj Žižek's work
   • Roman's work on Chinese and Western philosophy

KMO speaks with The Feral Historian about S.M. Stirling's controversial Draka series of alternate history novels. While only 25 minutes of their hour-plus conversation survived due to technical difficulties, they explore how these books examine the creation of sustainable systems of oppression and the psychological dynamics of slave societies. The discussion touches on how the Draka maintain control through careful management of violence, their pragmatic approach to social organization, and their complex relationship with their enslaved population.

KMO follows the conversation with an exploration of how the Draka represent an example of 'komerex' patterns - dynamic, growing systems that prioritize effectiveness over process - even while pursuing morally repugnant ends. He shares insights from his conversations with AI systems about analyzing complex social structures without retreating into institutional safety theater. Available free on Audible, the Draka novels offer a disturbing but thought-provoking examination of how societies systematize oppression.

You can find the Immutable Mobiles Substack blog here: https://chatswithclaude.substack.com/p/s-m-stirlings-draka-novels

KMO speaks with science fiction author and cybersecurity professional Kenneth E. Harrell about artificial intelligence, the writing process, and technological change. They explore how AI tools can enhance rather than replace human creativity, with Harrell describing his use of custom GPTs and AI assistants to improve his writing while maintaining his unique voice. The conversation delves into the challenges of emerging AI technologies, including potential security threats and the limitations of current solutions like voice synthesis. They also discuss their favorite science fiction works and influences, from Frank Herbert's Dune to contemporary authors, while examining how science fiction helps us understand accelerating technological and social change. The wide-ranging discussion touches on themes of spirituality, techno-utopianism, and the human relationship with advancing technology.