capitalism

The modern incarnation of the zombie, as seen strewn across pop culture horror novels and films in ever-increasing numbers, is easily recognized and radically different from its historical roots; any member of our modern Western culture can spot the gray, often rotting flesh, the black eyes, the dishevelled appearance, the shuffling gait, the wretched moaning, and, of course, the bloody mouths flecked with fresh flesh and detritus.

A century ago, Henry Ford shocked American industrial culture by raising assembly workers’ wages to an astounding $5/hour.

In doing so, he reduced attrition and absenteeism, as well as expanding the population who could afford his product. In 1916 two brothers, John and Horace Dodge, sued Ford over paltry dividends to shareholders while the company recorded phenomenal profits. Ford lost, then appealed.

“The future is about gigs and assets and art and an ever-shifting series of partnerships and projects.” – Seth Godin

The world as we know it was created by the Industrial Age and it is now crumbling before our very eyes. We grew up in this world listening to common sense: learn well to get into fine universities, to land a well paid, SECURE job with pension, and to live comfortably until you die.

This path might have worked up until a couple of decades ago, but then came the 21st century which erased any remains of job security and the promise of nurturing Companies or the State.