Pluto’s Transition to Aquarius Sparks Debate: Accelerationism vs. Brakism in the Age of Information

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Last week’s cosmic event marking Pluto’s entry into the zodiac sign of Aquarius has sparked intriguing discussions, not only among astrologers but also within the realm of political theory. Aquarius, known as “kova” in Turkish, translates to “bucket,” a fitting metaphor for the deluge of information packets coursing through the veins of the internet—a phenomenon central to the present information age.

However, beyond the astrological symbolism lies a deeper ideological divide, one that traces its roots to contrasting views on history and the trajectory of human progress. On one side of this debate are the accelerationists, who view communism as the locomotive propelling the train of history forward, toward a utopian future. Conversely, the brakists, inspired by the insights of Walter Benjamin, see communism as the emergency brake necessary to halt the potentially disastrous acceleration of history.

This dichotomy between accelerationism and brakism is gaining prominence, gradually supplanting the traditional political divide of Left and Right. As Pluto makes its journey through Aquarius once more, reminiscent of the era of the French Revolution, these ideological currents are reshaping the landscape of political thought.

Accelerationists, inspired by the writings of Karl Marx, envision a future where technological advancements and the proliferation of information lead to unprecedented progress and liberation. They see the Age of Aquarius as a harbinger of this utopian vision, where the democratization of knowledge and the dismantling of traditional power structures pave the way for a more just and equitable society.

Conversely, brakists caution against the blind pursuit of progress, warning of the potential pitfalls of unchecked acceleration. Drawing from Benjamin’s concept of the “dialectical image,” they argue that history is not a linear march toward utopia but a complex tapestry of contradictions and ruptures. For brakists, the Age of Aquarius represents a critical juncture where the emergency brake of communism must be applied to prevent the train of history from hurtling toward catastrophe.

As Pluto’s transit through Aquarius unfolds, these competing visions of the future will continue to shape political discourse and action. The duality of accelerationism and brakism reflects the tension between optimism and caution, innovation and preservation, inherent in the human experience.

In the midst of this ideological flux, it is essential to engage in thoughtful dialogue and critical reflection. Rather than succumbing to simplistic binaries, let us embrace the complexity of our times and work toward a future that balances progress with prudence, innovation with ethics.

Whether one aligns with the optimism of accelerationism or the skepticism of brakism, Pluto’s journey through Aquarius reminds us of the ever-present possibility for transformation and renewal. As we navigate the currents of history, may we remain vigilant, mindful of the choices that shape our collective destiny in the Age of Information.

Prompt: Pluto entered Aquarius last week. Aquarius is called “bucket” in Turkish. Bucket is the perfect metaphor for the information packets that circulate through the internet. The present information age is supposed to bring the Age of Aquarius. There are two approaches to history: Marx likened communism to the locomotive that enables the progress of History whereas Walter Benjamin likened communism to the emergency brake that must stop the Train of History. Accelerationists follow Marx and expect a utopia from the Age of Aquarius whereas Brakists follow Benjamin and expect a dystopia. The duality of Accelerationism/Brakism is gradually replacing the old political dualism of Left/Right that emerged during the previous transit of Pluto through Aquarius when the French revolution took place. Write a newspaper article!

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