Lunarpunk Almanach on Nostr: In the intricate dance of existence, the parasite emerges as a master of survival, ...
In the intricate dance of existence, the parasite emerges as a master of survival, drawing sustenance from its host, yet ensuring the host's survival for continual energy supply. This dynamic, while seemingly symbiotic, remains fundamentally skewed.
This parasitic analogy extends to our relationship with the state. We, the hosts, are drained through various means: direct taxes on profits, consumption, and capital gains, and indirect taxes like inflation. Inflation subtly erodes the value of earnings, yet these devalued gains are still taxed. Even when we merely maintain our purchasing power, the state perceives and taxes it as profit.
But the tale deepens. Regulations layer additional costs across supply chains, inflating prices. Environmental mandates, labor laws, compliance requirements – they all carve out significant portions of created value, often with little visible benefit in return.
Let's crystallize this reality: a staggering 80%, perhaps even 95%, of product and service costs are consumed by these parasitic forces. The host – our economy and society – is left just viable enough to continue its function.
Yet, herein lies an opportunity for the dark forest. Freed from the burdens of these costs, even despite lack of sophisticated long supply chains, economies of scale and specialization down the line, products and services can be crafted more affordably and with superior quality within this second realm. The dark forest isn't just a sanctuary from mainstream constraints; it's a fertile ground for outcompeting the established order and nurturing its own intricate supply networks.
And what to do with the parasite? Let's put it in a museum.
This parasitic analogy extends to our relationship with the state. We, the hosts, are drained through various means: direct taxes on profits, consumption, and capital gains, and indirect taxes like inflation. Inflation subtly erodes the value of earnings, yet these devalued gains are still taxed. Even when we merely maintain our purchasing power, the state perceives and taxes it as profit.
But the tale deepens. Regulations layer additional costs across supply chains, inflating prices. Environmental mandates, labor laws, compliance requirements – they all carve out significant portions of created value, often with little visible benefit in return.
Let's crystallize this reality: a staggering 80%, perhaps even 95%, of product and service costs are consumed by these parasitic forces. The host – our economy and society – is left just viable enough to continue its function.
Yet, herein lies an opportunity for the dark forest. Freed from the burdens of these costs, even despite lack of sophisticated long supply chains, economies of scale and specialization down the line, products and services can be crafted more affordably and with superior quality within this second realm. The dark forest isn't just a sanctuary from mainstream constraints; it's a fertile ground for outcompeting the established order and nurturing its own intricate supply networks.
And what to do with the parasite? Let's put it in a museum.