"Politics is the art of looking for trouble.

How has the belief that the 2020 election was fraudulently stolen continued to hold sway over many despite an utter lack of substantiating evidence? The key to understanding this phenomenon is recognizing a fundamental shift in how truth is determined—from relying on facts to depending on power.

In his recent book, Nexus, Yuval Noah Harari posits that "power is the new source of so-called truth," a stance reflecting the manipulation of information in our societies. Today, data is akin to currency, and those who manage significant data streams—like tech giants, governments, and political factions—possess considerable influence over public perception and the definition of 'truth.' This manipulation is often executed through targeted information and algorithms designed to sway opinions.

This perspective mirrors the thoughts of the French philosopher Michel Foucault, who argued that truth is not an absolute but rather a construct of the power-knowledge systems that prevail within any given society. According to this viewpoint, those in power shape 'truth' to bolster their own agendas, crafting narratives that identify our purported enemies, thereby solidifying their control. Consequently, the populace bestows the authority to define truth on those it perceives as powerful, though the criteria for this designation remain enigmatic. This dynamic is profoundly impactful in the digital era, where information flow is strategically managed to buttress specific political objectives and commercial interests or even to manipulate electoral outcomes. The "fake news" phenomena and debates over social media’s role in democracy highlight these manipulations.

 

Previous discussions have underscored the importance of scrutinizing who controls the narrative and their underlying motivations. As part of the audience, you have the power to shape this narrative. Understanding the origins of the information deemed 'truthful' and recognizing potential biases in our sources of information are crucial steps everyone should take.

While individuals have the power to choose which narratives they believe and how they interpret them, they cannot alter the factual underpinnings of truth itself. A society mired in confusion, distortion, and falsehood risks losing its grip on reality, precipitating a slide into chaos.

As history demonstrates, advances in information technology and expanding access to information make governing more difficult. This is compounded by the rise of postmodernism, which champions relative truths over absolute facts, allowing those in power to craft self-serving narratives at the expense of the broader populace.

Democracy, in its ideal form, operates best with an educated citizenry committed to justice and equity, transcending individual interests. However, it falters without a shared commitment to the common good and an openness to the needs and ideas of others.

When a society relinquishes its grip on factual truth in favor of truths dictated by those in power, it sets itself on a path from which recovery is as arduous as that of an alcoholic hitting rock bottom. However, there is always hope for change. To navigate away from this dangerous trajectory, a collective awakening and recommitment to factual integrity and democratic ideals are imperative, but they also hold the promise of a brighter future.

We can change our direction, but it will require an ability to see the difference between the facts and the interpretation given to us by those in power. Whoever controls the narrative controls our minds. Currently, that control belongs to those in power who use it to advance their own agendas at the expense of social reconciliation. We are not each other’s enemies. That fantasy serves the interest of those who depend on fear and anger to line their campaign coffers with money and convince us that only they can save us from ourselves.

Remember this: Groucho Marx, known for his sharp wit and pithy remarks, famously said, "Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies." This quote encapsulates his cynical view of political processes and politicians; humorous as it is, it is also a deadly warning.