I've seen it, Zeitgeist!
I've just seen the two movies, Zeitgeist and Zeitgeist addenum. Download here: http://zeitgeistmovie.com/dloads.htm. I admit they got me, but I cannot avoid some critical questions. You'd better check it out yourself as it's a very controversial material.
It's funny to observe the evolution of my own point of view. First I was shocked, then it all started making perfect sense, I fell for it and was ready to eat it all, then the questions and comparisons came to my mind and in the end there's the time to grow sober. It is an amazing piece and probably changed my views already. Funny it comes just after reading the 1984 (an essential book for every thinking being imho). But sill the proposed solution is so naive... The most important value I find in it is it makes the audience think. We need more thinking. Critical, constructive, positive thinking. I believe the most problems Zeitgeist points out are solvable well within the system we have with the simple use of our brains. I don't actually think Zeitgeist aims for a revolution. It's just positively provoking people to conscience, love, activity. And I think that's exactly what we need and it lays in our heads - the endless resource.
Some of the questions that come to my mind regarding the Venus project or the 'general solution to all problems on earth':
- How are you going to convince everyone to co-operate?
- How can you stop jealousy and greed?
- How do you make sure it won't go wrong?
- How do you motivate people to work?
Ad 1. Let's say we make the transition here in Europe together with USA and by chance China won't take it. As we stop making war toys and training we won't be able to resist if they decide to take over. (Just as an example, it can be any other militarily strong country). I'm afraid of repeated history where most advanced societies came to an end for no good reason. Did they become weak? I am all for "love, peace and unity" but if there's just one person thinking differently it won't work. Statistically, this is an utopia. I couldn't fall for it more, but at the same time you can't force someone to love, peace or unity.
Ad 2. I'm trying and trying but can't imagine a world where one wouldn't want something scare that the other one has. Be it a better view from the window or a pretty girl.
Ad 3. We have a saying that "the way to hell is surrounded by good intentions". I don't think Karl Marx was a bad man, but what came out of his philosophy? "Revolution eats it's children" most of the time. Just tell me - what's the secret that this revolution is supposed to work?
Ad 4. If we make it to abundance, what is going to push the lazy ones to take part? If I have all I need, why should I even go and talk to someone?
In my opinion democracy has a great chance. But from the definition it relies on people, therefore we deserve the government we have and the laws it produces. We should first try to use the tools we have (courts of justice, elections, freedom of speech, independent journalism) before throwing them away as useless.
I had already been trying to go a less consume-celebrating way before watching these movies, to read what's between the lines. I'm a bit sceptical about this movement though. Still I want to support it at least by spreading the word simply to open our eyes.
Independently, a friend of mine František just mentioned another piece (with Czech subtitles) – http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=.. – on his blog – http://faha.tripnet.cz/weblog/pivot/entr..