Season’s Greetings

The perception of the real can be described as following the movements of the heart. Systole (heart contraction) and diastole (heart expansion) are the two phases of the heart’s cardiac cycle. There are historical moments that really feel like a heart filled with blood. Moments where the real feels alive, where we get a sense of the possible. In culture we call these moments “renaissances,” rebirths. They are called rebirths because these moments are defined by an interest in the past that naturally connects with the present. That way humans get a sense of a wider space, of ideas living not only in the bubbles of the now, but inspiring thoughts that create big circles between past centuries and the present. Ideas are then being perceived as almost physical entities, like rivers. People are then able to observe their powerful currents and get a feeling of solace, of relevance out of this landscape of interconnected worlds.

At other times, the real feels like a tense heart contraction. A long collective feeling short of breath and extreme fatigue possesses humans in those times. Historians blame wars and economic contractions for those periods, but it can also simply be greed and fear. Violence in many different forms, some gigantic and some minor forms, raining on us like a toxic rain that destroys any sense of joy. In dark times we start feeling powerless and this feeling nourishes many different beliefs—the majority of them harmless—some also calling for a dark renaissance. The renaissance of reactionary ideas, of cheating on democratic rights and processes, the coming back of ethno-nationalist movements and rhetoric. We are, indeed, in the era of the Scam. A time defined by investing in the design of strategies to trick, hack and deceive people. It is intentional. It is important to understand that this is not a side effect of advanced technology or economic inequality. It is a conscious movement that dreams of total destabilization of our trust.

What to do then? Paradoxically, in times of crisis the only thing to be done—in my opinion—is to give. Our social narratives have been putting an emphasis on self-protection—for good reasons—and I do not want to just relativize its importance. However, I would love to see windows and doors created in the spaces we now occupy. Giving is an exercise. It does not come naturally, it just needs to be implemented. It demands the right scale and attitude, otherwise, it can die before it is born in the grand gestures that social channels—and capitalism in general—demand. Accepting that I really need the attention, recognition and even the assistance of others, but that before seeing it fulfilled, I can start giving. Giving attention; giving assistance; giving a little bit of what is precious to us is an epistemic act. It may seem that I am advocating for mutual aid, but I am advocating for both mutual aid and a chance to comprehend others. Coming closer to others, just a few others, nothing beyond human capabilities, gives us a sense of the situation. We talked so much about situated knowledge: this is what it is, to keep a flowing exchange with few. Treat your anxiety and your exhaustion with the practice of giving.

It would not be a bad idea to keep a notebook and to register your thoughts after talking to friends. Reflect on what you feel when you listen and—at least once a month—try to describe how your world looks like and define your own expectations. What we call “good times” are just times when you feel that part of what you want, can be fulfilled. But only if you assist others in their dreams—as much as it may read—can others assist you. That’s a renaissance, the proliferation of a sense of being perceived and valued. I know, it is not much what I am offering, but in the Age of Scamming, collective legitimation is the only antidote.

Chus Martínez

Video by Esther Hunziker