The Potential Risks of Digital Dependence
Jeffrey Tucker, a once ardent advocate of all things digital, has begun to harbor serious reservations about the rapid transition from analogue to cloud-based systems. The increasing frequency of hacking incidents, outages, data breaches, and extended downtime has raised concerns about the vulnerability of our digital infrastructure. Many of the systems we rely on today are centralized, with a single point of failure, and have not been stress tested. This means they could potentially fail without warning, with no guaranteed timeline for recovery.
The Resilience of Analogue Systems
Tucker's concerns were amplified during a visit to a small basement laundry in Manhattan, where the owner still used a sewing machine from 1948, refusing to upgrade to newer models. This prompted Tucker to take note of the equipment used by other local merchants, many of whom were still using sewing machines that were 75 years old, or cobbling equipment that was more than a century old. These businesses could continue to operate with a generator and a good supply of fuel, demonstrating a level of preparedness that is often lacking in our increasingly digital world.
The Short Lifespan of Modern Devices
In contrast to these resilient analogue systems, many modern devices are not built to last. We buy smartphones and computers fully expecting to replace them within a few years. Repairing these devices is often impossible, and home appliances are no different, typically breaking down within 5 to 10 years. Furthermore, many of these appliances rely on digital applications to function, making them vulnerable to outages and malfunctions.
The Fallout of a Digital Shutdown
Tucker paints a bleak picture of a world where all digital systems fail, not just for a few hours or a day, but for weeks or even months. This is the reality faced by those living in areas most affected by Hurricane Helene. In the aftermath of the hurricane, credit cards stopped working, ATMs were out of service, and all communications were cut off. The only means of transaction were cash, silver, gold, or barter. Electric cars could not be charged, digital locks became inoperable, and access to banks was cut off. The entire digital infrastructure of the 21st century disappeared in an instant.
The Importance of Analogue Skills and Tools
In such a scenario, survival depends on analogue skills and tools. Gasoline, generators, matches, candles, internal combustion, hand-cranked radios, cash, physical books, paper maps, thermometers, blankets, and firewood become essential. Despite our best efforts to create a world that is not dependent on fossil fuels and manual labor, we find ourselves reverting to these old technologies in times of crisis.
The Illusion of a Touchless World
Tucker also criticizes the recent trend towards "touchless" technologies, which he sees as a misguided attempt to escape from the physical world and its limitations. He argues that this trend reflects a disdain for physical labor and a delusion that we can somehow transcend our mortality and the need for work.
The Inadequacy of Government Preparedness
Despite decades of planning for large-scale grid outages, Tucker is convinced that government efforts will prove inadequate in the event of a real crisis. He cites the underperformance of FEMA during Hurricane Helene as evidence of this, arguing that the government may not only be an obstacle in such situations, but could even pose a danger.
The Impact of Inflation
Tucker also warns that a crisis could be triggered by simple inflation, making electricity too expensive to use. He notes that many people are already struggling with utility bills that are higher than their mortgage payments from a decade ago. Most modern houses and office complexes are designed to require electric-powered indoor air cooling and heating, making them vulnerable to rising energy costs.
The Threat of Government Rationing
Another potential risk is the forced government rationing of power. Our dependence on the grid and internet-connected devices makes it easy for a third party to control our access to essential services. Tucker warns that private companies may be willing to comply with government edicts under certain conditions, in order to keep the money flowing.
The Importance of Human Bonds
In the face of these potential threats, Tucker advises keeping a stash of cash and silver dimes, as well as plenty of blankets. However, he believes the most important preparation is to cultivate a strong network of friends, arguing that human bonds will prove more enduring than the power grid.
Bottom Line
This article serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks of our increasing dependence on digital systems. It raises important questions about the resilience of our infrastructure and the adequacy of our preparedness for a large-scale outage. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think we are too dependent on digital systems? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
The Potential Risks of Digital Dependence
Jeffrey Tucker, a once ardent advocate of all things digital, has begun to harbor serious reservations about the rapid transition from analogue to cloud-based systems. The increasing frequency of hacking incidents, outages, data breaches, and extended downtime has raised concerns about the vulnerability of our digital infrastructure. Many of the systems we rely on today are centralized, with a single point of failure, and have not been stress tested. This means they could potentially fail without warning, with no guaranteed timeline for recovery.
The Resilience of Analogue Systems
Tucker's concerns were amplified during a visit to a small basement laundry in Manhattan, where the owner still used a sewing machine from 1948, refusing to upgrade to newer models. This prompted Tucker to take note of the equipment used by other local merchants, many of whom were still using sewing machines that were 75 years old, or cobbling equipment that was more than a century old. These businesses could continue to operate with a generator and a good supply of fuel, demonstrating a level of preparedness that is often lacking in our increasingly digital world.
The Short Lifespan of Modern Devices
In contrast to these resilient analogue systems, many modern devices are not built to last. We buy smartphones and computers fully expecting to replace them within a few years. Repairing these devices is often impossible, and home appliances are no different, typically breaking down within 5 to 10 years. Furthermore, many of these appliances rely on digital applications to function, making them vulnerable to outages and malfunctions.
The Fallout of a Digital Shutdown
Tucker paints a bleak picture of a world where all digital systems fail, not just for a few hours or a day, but for weeks or even months. This is the reality faced by those living in areas most affected by Hurricane Helene. In the aftermath of the hurricane, credit cards stopped working, ATMs were out of service, and all communications were cut off. The only means of transaction were cash, silver, gold, or barter. Electric cars could not be charged, digital locks became inoperable, and access to banks was cut off. The entire digital infrastructure of the 21st century disappeared in an instant.
The Importance of Analogue Skills and Tools
In such a scenario, survival depends on analogue skills and tools. Gasoline, generators, matches, candles, internal combustion, hand-cranked radios, cash, physical books, paper maps, thermometers, blankets, and firewood become essential. Despite our best efforts to create a world that is not dependent on fossil fuels and manual labor, we find ourselves reverting to these old technologies in times of crisis.
The Illusion of a Touchless World
Tucker also criticizes the recent trend towards "touchless" technologies, which he sees as a misguided attempt to escape from the physical world and its limitations. He argues that this trend reflects a disdain for physical labor and a delusion that we can somehow transcend our mortality and the need for work.
The Inadequacy of Government Preparedness
Despite decades of planning for large-scale grid outages, Tucker is convinced that government efforts will prove inadequate in the event of a real crisis. He cites the underperformance of FEMA during Hurricane Helene as evidence of this, arguing that the government may not only be an obstacle in such situations, but could even pose a danger.
The Impact of Inflation
Tucker also warns that a crisis could be triggered by simple inflation, making electricity too expensive to use. He notes that many people are already struggling with utility bills that are higher than their mortgage payments from a decade ago. Most modern houses and office complexes are designed to require electric-powered indoor air cooling and heating, making them vulnerable to rising energy costs.
The Threat of Government Rationing
Another potential risk is the forced government rationing of power. Our dependence on the grid and internet-connected devices makes it easy for a third party to control our access to essential services. Tucker warns that private companies may be willing to comply with government edicts under certain conditions, in order to keep the money flowing.
The Importance of Human Bonds
In the face of these potential threats, Tucker advises keeping a stash of cash and silver dimes, as well as plenty of blankets. However, he believes the most important preparation is to cultivate a strong network of friends, arguing that human bonds will prove more enduring than the power grid.
Bottom Line
This article serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks of our increasing dependence on digital systems. It raises important questions about the resilience of our infrastructure and the adequacy of our preparedness for a large-scale outage. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think we are too dependent on digital systems? Share this article with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
