Have you seen the viral videos of electrically charged rocks from the Democratic Republic of Congo? It’s an interesting phenomenon – but not quite as remarkable as it seems. After a bit of investigation, it’s clear that the ‘magic’ is a deception. The rocks are likely connected to a battery, making it look as if electricity is coming from the rocks themselves. It’s a clever trick to fit into the narrative of the DRC’s exploitation of its natural resources. So be wary of what you see online – you never know what might be hiding behind the deception. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
