Loretta Napoleoni’s new book, “Technocapitalism: The Rise of the New Robber Barons and the Fight for the Common Good,” delves into the concept of the “present future,” where rapid technological advancements create a sense of being constantly behind and anxious. She highlights the control of technology by a few powerful entrepreneurs, whom she refers to as “technocapitalists,” and criticizes the failure of society and the state to guide technological innovation for the common good.
In an interview conducted by Ross Reynolds, Napoleoni explores the challenges posed by the rapid pace of technological change in the present era. Her concept of the “present future” emphasizes the feeling of living in the present while also being in the future due to the rapid speed of technological advancements, leading to a sense of inadequacy.
Napoleoni also discusses the rise of technocapitalism and how society and the state have failed to direct technological innovations towards benefiting the whole of society. She explains that her critique is not of capitalism itself but rather how technology has been controlled by a select few. She emphasizes that she is not against these tech titans but sees the situation as a failure of the system to ensure that technological advancements are used for the common good.
One of the key issues Napoleoni highlights is the government’s inability to keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology. She points out that the EU has attempted to regulate certain aspects of the internet, such as privacy legislation, while the American government has been hesitant to intervene. She suggests that political choices and decisions made by governments play a significant role in shaping the direction of technological advancements, and it is essential for societies to hold their leaders accountable for these decisions.
Ultimately, Napoleoni argues that the crux of the problem lies in the political choices made by society. She emphasizes that technology itself is not the issue but rather how it is used and controlled, which is ultimately determined by the decisions made by elected officials. By discussing these issues in her book and in interviews, Napoleoni aims to raise awareness about the need for more responsible and ethical approaches to technological innovation that benefit society as a whole.
