Balance of power - Revision history

Fractalguy: /* Opposing Forces */

2025-09-27T12:02:29Z

Opposing Forces

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:02, 27 September 2025
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	Let's use the example of regulatory burden. [[Libertarians]] and [[conservatives]] hate it and want to get rid of regulations. [[Progressives]] see their value and tend to look for and propose more regulations, without as much regard to the burden they impose. In a healthy [[political]] system they would work together to make regulations as efficient and effective as possible with the least paperwork and cost required to do the job well. However, due to the localized power imbalances allowed through [[wikipedia:Gerrymandering\|gerrymandering]] in the US, individual representatives no longer have [[incentives]] to make such compromises.		Let's use the example of regulatory burden. [[Libertarians]] and [[conservatives]] hate it and want to get rid of regulations. [[Progressives]] see their value and tend to look for and propose more regulations, without as much regard to the burden they impose. In a healthy [[political]] system they would work together to make regulations as efficient and effective as possible with the least paperwork and cost required to do the job well. However, due to the localized power imbalances allowed through [[wikipedia:Gerrymandering\|gerrymandering]] in the US, individual representatives no longer have [[incentives]] to make such compromises.

	Our [[political]] and [[economic]] [[institutions]] should be structured so that opposing forces in any area are balanced and [[incentivized]] to compromise by sharing in the profits of success.		The reason for this is due to the underlying [[feedback loops]] that require counterbalance to avoid spiraling out of control. An unregulated [[feedback loop]] will always grow, accelerate, and eventually ruin the [[environment]] that led to its [[emergence]]. Non-native plants and animals with no natural predators will eventually lead to [[overpopulation]] and collapse. Unregulated [[capitalism]] will always lead to monopolies. [[Political]] power without checks and balances always leads to [[authoritarianism]].

			Our [[political]] and [[economic]] [[institutions]] should be structured so that opposing forces in any area are balanced and [[incentivized]] to compromise by sharing in the [[profits]] of success.

	== Opposing Philosophies ==		== Opposing Philosophies ==

Fractalguy at 12:10, 2 March 2025

2025-03-02T12:10:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:10, 2 March 2025
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	[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]		[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]
	The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. <blockquote>''"The balance of power is the scale of peace."'' -[[wikipedia:Thomas_Paine\|Thomas Paine]]</blockquote>Discussions of power structures in [[society]] will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].		The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. <blockquote>''"The balance of power is the scale of peace."'' -[[wikipedia:Thomas_Paine\|Thomas Paine]]</blockquote>Discussions of power structures in [[society]] will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].

			The goal of this page is to reinforce the importance of having power balances, not to address the ways these are being undermined by current events. These events should serve as a strong reminder of why balance of power is so important.

	== The Will to Power ==		== The Will to Power ==

Fractalguy at 13:53, 5 February 2025

2025-02-05T13:53:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:53, 5 February 2025
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	[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]		[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]
	The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. Discussions of power structures in [[society]] will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].		The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. <blockquote>''"The balance of power is the scale of peace."'' -[[wikipedia:Thomas_Paine\|Thomas Paine]]</blockquote>Discussions of power structures in [[society]] will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].

	== The Will to Power ==		== The Will to Power ==
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	Our [[political]] and [[economic]] [[institutions]] should be structured so that opposing forces in any area are balanced and [[incentivized]] to compromise by sharing in the profits of success.		Our [[political]] and [[economic]] [[institutions]] should be structured so that opposing forces in any area are balanced and [[incentivized]] to compromise by sharing in the profits of success.

			== Opposing Philosophies ==
			It can be argued that [[authoritarian]] [[philosophies]] provide a balance against overly permissive or [[altruistic]] tendencies that could make a [[society]] vulnerable to bad actors. A significant amount of research in [[game theory]] has been dedicated to solving this problem. It could also be the case that we naturally [[wikipedia:Bifurcation_theory\|bifurcate]], and which direction we go depends on which side of some median line of experience we fall on. There could be genetic predispositions that correlate with [[authoritarianism]]. There could be some minimum level of [[wikipedia:Adverse_childhood_experiences\|Adverse Childhood Experiences]] that correlates.

			It seems likely that having some minority of the [[population]] with more [[authoritarian]] leanings is [[necessary]] as long as there are other [[societies]] where it is the majority. They become the bulwark against aggression. Only once the possibility of such a threat is globally minuscule can these [[beliefs]] and [[institutions]] be retired.

			This section is speculation and food for thought, designed to make you consider whether [[beliefs]] you find disagreeable may be providing some [[necessary]] balance to your own.

	== Knowledge is Power ==		== Knowledge is Power ==
	As the saying goes, ''Knowledge is Power''. Throughout [[history]], the powerful have tried to keep knowledge that gives them a strategic advantage in the pursuit of more power out of the hands of the public. Are [[Science\|scientists]] and academics doing the same thing by not providing a simple [[metanarrative]] for the way the [[universe]] works?		As the saying goes, ''Knowledge is Power''. Throughout [[history]], the powerful have tried to keep knowledge that gives them a strategic advantage in the pursuit of more power out of the hands of the public. Are [[Science\|scientists]] and academics doing the same thing by not providing a simple [[metanarrative]] for the way the [[universe]] works?
			[[File:Aint-nobody-got-time-for-that.gif\|thumb\|220x220px\|Sometimes shortcuts are [[necessary]]]]
	For many [[secular]] people, their personal [[Belief System\|belief system]] is the result of many years of study and self-reflection. There were no easy answers that could simply be memorized like you have with [[scripture]]. Everything had to be pieced together from the source material, across hundreds of books, tens of thousands of hours of study and deep thought. Why should anyone else not have to go through the same to reach these conclusions?		For many [[secular]] people, their personal [[Belief System\|belief system]] is the result of many years of study and self-reflection. There were no easy answers that could simply be memorized like you have with [[scripture]]. Everything had to be pieced together from the source material, across hundreds of books, tens of thousands of hours of study and deep thought. Why should anyone else not have to go through the same to reach these conclusions?

Fractalguy: /* The Will to Power */

2025-01-08T13:52:07Z

The Will to Power

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:52, 8 January 2025
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	== The Will to Power ==		== The Will to Power ==
	Power a [[currency]] made of [[loyalty]] and [[authority]], two of our primary [[wikipedia:Moral_foundations_theory\|moral foundations]]. As humans, we naturally value and respect these things, since they are essential for regulating our group interactions and allowing us to build working [[societies]]. Loyalty and authority are the [[self-organizing]] forces that allow for leadership, [[in-group]] cohesion, and coordinated group activity. Leaders [[Emergence\|emerge]] because their [[community]] shows them [[loyalty]] and respects their [[authority]]. This can be due to past [[altruistic]] acts that have earned their respect, or acts of strength and dominance that make people [[fear]] what will happen if they don't obey, and excited to punish the disobedient [[out-group]]. When enough people respect or [[fear]] you more than anyone else in the [[in-group]], boom--leadership.		Power is a [[currency]] made of [[loyalty]] and [[authority]], two of our primary [[wikipedia:Moral_foundations_theory\|moral foundations]]. As humans, we naturally value and respect these things, since they are essential for regulating our group interactions and allowing us to build working [[societies]]. Loyalty and authority are the [[self-organizing]] forces that allow for leadership, [[in-group]] cohesion, and coordinated group activity. Leaders [[Emergence\|emerge]] because their [[community]] shows them [[loyalty]] and respects their [[authority]]. This can be due to past [[altruistic]] acts that have earned their respect, or acts of strength and dominance that make people [[fear]] what will happen if they don't obey, and excited to punish the disobedient [[out-group]]. When enough people respect or [[fear]] you more than anyone else in the [[in-group]], boom--leadership.

	Like anything, the accumulation of [[loyalty]] and [[authority]] can be [[addictive]]. When it takes the form of earned respect, this [[addiction]] is fairly pro-social. When power is sought through fear, the [[addiction]] is dangerously [[authoritarian]].		Like anything, the accumulation of [[loyalty]] and [[authority]] can be [[addictive]]. When it takes the form of earned respect, this [[addiction]] is fairly pro-social. When power is sought through fear, the [[addiction]] is dangerously [[authoritarian]].

Fractalguy at 00:20, 6 January 2025

2025-01-06T00:20:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:20, 6 January 2025
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	Like anything, the accumulation of [[loyalty]] and [[authority]] can be [[addictive]]. When it takes the form of earned respect, this [[addiction]] is fairly pro-social. When power is sought through fear, the [[addiction]] is dangerously [[authoritarian]].		Like anything, the accumulation of [[loyalty]] and [[authority]] can be [[addictive]]. When it takes the form of earned respect, this [[addiction]] is fairly pro-social. When power is sought through fear, the [[addiction]] is dangerously [[authoritarian]].

			The [[Authority]] and [[Authoritarian]] pages discuss this aspect of power in more detail.

	== Opposing Forces ==		== Opposing Forces ==

Fractalguy at 11:10, 3 January 2025

2025-01-03T11:10:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:10, 3 January 2025
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	[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]		[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]
	The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. Discussions of power structures in [[society]] will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].		The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. Discussions of power structures in [[society]] will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].

			== The Will to Power ==
			Power a [[currency]] made of [[loyalty]] and [[authority]], two of our primary [[wikipedia:Moral_foundations_theory\|moral foundations]]. As humans, we naturally value and respect these things, since they are essential for regulating our group interactions and allowing us to build working [[societies]]. Loyalty and authority are the [[self-organizing]] forces that allow for leadership, [[in-group]] cohesion, and coordinated group activity. Leaders [[Emergence\|emerge]] because their [[community]] shows them [[loyalty]] and respects their [[authority]]. This can be due to past [[altruistic]] acts that have earned their respect, or acts of strength and dominance that make people [[fear]] what will happen if they don't obey, and excited to punish the disobedient [[out-group]]. When enough people respect or [[fear]] you more than anyone else in the [[in-group]], boom--leadership.

			Like anything, the accumulation of [[loyalty]] and [[authority]] can be [[addictive]]. When it takes the form of earned respect, this [[addiction]] is fairly pro-social. When power is sought through fear, the [[addiction]] is dangerously [[authoritarian]].

	== Opposing Forces ==		== Opposing Forces ==

Fractalguy at 14:11, 31 December 2024

2024-12-31T14:11:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:11, 31 December 2024
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	[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]		[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]
	The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. Discussions of power structures in society will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].		The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. Discussions of power structures in [[society]] will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].

	== Opposing Forces ==		== Opposing Forces ==

Fractalguy at 13:32, 21 December 2024

2024-12-21T13:32:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:32, 21 December 2024
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	[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]		[[File:Balance-of-power-money-politics-government-economics-billionaire.jpg\|thumb\|Money has too much power]]
	The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. Discussions of power structures in society will center around how to create systems of incentives, checks, and balances that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].		The main driver in the organization of our [[political]] and [[economic]] institutions needs to be [[wikipedia:Balance_of_power\|Balance of Power]]. Discussions of power structures in society will center around how to create systems of [[incentives]], checks, and balances, that prevent any one person or group from having significantly more power than any other, as this inherently limits [[freedom]] and prevents equal [[justice]].

	== Opposing Forces ==		== Opposing Forces ==

Fractalguy: /* Balance of Reading and Watching */

2024-04-24T12:29:49Z

Balance of Reading and Watching

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:29, 24 April 2024
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	The [~~https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/us-2-0-what-we-have-in-common/~~ US 2.0 series on Hidden Brain] makes a very powerful argument for the necessity of diverse political opinions and offers great advice on how to think differently about polarization.		The [[Hidden Brain\|US 2.0 series on Hidden Brain]] makes a very powerful argument for the necessity of diverse political opinions and offers great advice on how to think differently about polarization.

	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTOilfxhwxs\|\|center\|Pantera - Vulgar Display of Power (full album)\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTOilfxhwxs\|\|center\|Pantera - Vulgar Display of Power (full album)\|frame}}

Fractalguy at 11:56, 24 April 2024

2024-04-24T11:56:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:56, 24 April 2024
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	== Opposing Forces ==		== Opposing Forces ==
	[[Society]] is an ongoing struggle between opposing forces. [[Progressive]] and [[~~libertarian~~]], rich and poor, male and female, [[Capitalism\|capital]] and [[labor]], engineering and marketing, head and heart, nation and other nation. In any of these cases, too much power on one side will erode [[trust]] in [[institutions]], consolidate [[authoritarian]] power, increase [[corruption]], and limit [[freedom]].		[[Society]] is an ongoing struggle between opposing forces. [[Progressive]] and [[Good Faith Conservatism\|conservative]], rich and poor, male and female, [[Capitalism\|capital]] and [[labor]], engineering and marketing, head and heart, nation and other nation. In any of these cases, too much power on one side will erode [[trust]] in [[institutions]], consolidate [[authoritarian]] power, increase [[corruption]], and limit [[freedom]].

	The best results are obtained when these opposing forces work together as a [[wikipedia:Team_of_Rivals\|Team of Rivals]], bringing their best qualities to the table, and having [[trust]] that the balance of power will be maintained.		The best results are obtained when these opposing forces work together as a [[wikipedia:Team_of_Rivals\|Team of Rivals]], bringing their best qualities to the table, and having [[trust]] that the balance of power will be maintained.

	Let's use the example of regulatory burden. [[Libertarians]] hate it and want to get rid of regulations. [[Progressives]] see their value and tend to look for and propose more regulations, without as much regard to the burden they impose. In a healthy [[political]] system they would work together to make regulations as efficient and effective as possible with the least paperwork and cost required to do the job well. However, due to the localized power imbalances allowed through [[wikipedia:Gerrymandering\|gerrymandering]] in the US, individual representatives no longer have [[incentives]] to make such compromises.		Let's use the example of regulatory burden. [[Libertarians]] and [[conservatives]] hate it and want to get rid of regulations. [[Progressives]] see their value and tend to look for and propose more regulations, without as much regard to the burden they impose. In a healthy [[political]] system they would work together to make regulations as efficient and effective as possible with the least paperwork and cost required to do the job well. However, due to the localized power imbalances allowed through [[wikipedia:Gerrymandering\|gerrymandering]] in the US, individual representatives no longer have [[incentives]] to make such compromises.

	Our [[political]] and [[economic]] [[institutions]] should be structured so that opposing forces in any area are balanced and [[incentivized]] to compromise by sharing in the profits of success.		Our [[political]] and [[economic]] [[institutions]] should be structured so that opposing forces in any area are balanced and [[incentivized]] to compromise by sharing in the profits of success.
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	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WwCm889Vqo\|\|center\|Balance of Power\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WwCm889Vqo\|\|center\|Balance of Power\|frame}}


			The [https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/us-2-0-what-we-have-in-common/ US 2.0 series on Hidden Brain] makes a very powerful argument for the necessity of diverse political opinions and offers great advice on how to think differently about polarization.

	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTOilfxhwxs\|\|center\|Pantera - Vulgar Display of Power (full album)\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTOilfxhwxs\|\|center\|Pantera - Vulgar Display of Power (full album)\|frame}}