AionoMay 27
Esteban Küber 
Don't build an identity around what you're *against*. Focus on what you're *for*.
It's easy to boo and heckle from the balcony. It is important to point at some things and say "not that". But your objective should be clear, you need a north star if you want to accomplish anything. You want your "win state" to be clear. If not for others, for yourself.
May 27 at 1:32pmWeb
Show threadEsteban Küber May 27
I know, I know. I sound like a fortune cookie. I'm just tired of seeing smart and passionate people waste away being miserable because they spend their time focusing on "what is bad" instead of on "how it could be good, and how to get there". I don't want them to stew in their own frustration, and I want them to be fun to be around again. Maybe I'm just talking to myself to remember to follow my own advice.
Show threadKraftwerk-Das Model CollapseMay 27
@ekuber I share the sentiment, I feel a ton of time and energy is wasted on stuff like "hey look at the latest outrageous bullshit Elon just posted!" - as if he'd listen to the ridicule.
Show threadSophia J. TurnerMay 27

@ekuber

I mean, yes. But also it's tough for some groups, like trans folks, these days. Complaining and sharing pain helps people feel less alone.

We still need hope, and hope is still valuable, but it can be difficult to summon enough energy to be fun to be around.

Show threadEsteban Küber May 27
@soph I get that. I just want us to avoid falling for doomerism. Be angry, be tired, be scared. But we need to surround ourselves with people that pulls out out of the pitt, and be that person for others. We don't have to be that all the time, just often enough to make sure none of us drown.
Show threadEsteban Küber May 27
@soph the Stonewall brick was as much against something as it was *for* something
Show threadaspiring retireeMay 27

@ekuber

It's crucial imo to repeat wisdom
this is the only way it becomes "normal"

I for one like the question
"how do you want to grow old?"

this way people thus questioned have to practice long-term thinking, self-care and affirmative statements

Show threadLyksoMay 27
@ekuber I don't have a clear idea yet, but I know some part of it involves rebuilding the commons with an anti-capitalist wall around it. My make-shift approach at the moment is throwing the Peer Production License on everything I make until something sturdier comes along.
Show threadMichael T BabcockMay 27
@ekuber I don't know that this is entirely valid. Its probably popular as a thought system, but fighting an injustice or a wrong in society is a perfectly good goal set. You're explicitly stating this in context of negativity "from the balcony" and ignoring that some people make their *actions* around the things they're against (protesting ICE, etc.)
#politicalAction #injustice #lifeGoals
Show threadKraftwerk-Das Model CollapseMay 27
@mikebabcock @ekuber I don't think you two disagree; the way I'm reading Esteban is that it's important to keep in mind (and explicitly state) *why* you're against something - because you want something different and better
Show threadMichael T BabcockMay 27
@dngrs @ekuber I'm only rebutting the first sentence of the OP and I think its important to note that starting posts with "don't do X" doesn't mean "maybe try this other thing." They mean "don't do X." Logically, I disagree with the don't.