The Times They Are A-Changin'

One more loop around the Sun is about to end as we prepare to embark on a new one for the year 2024 - so what have we learned over the past 365 days? My reactive response is “Not that much!”, as we carry the themes from the previous year further in a ramped up maniacal way, as if the heat is being gradually dialed up to release all the wretchedness of man upon the world. 

In a previous posting I wrote that the theme for 2023 was Survival. While cognizant of all the pitfalls society was facing, I was interpreting the consequences mainly from a financial standpoint (high inflation, high interest rates, low productivity, misallocation of capital, endemic corruption and pervasive lack of opportunity, etc.). I realize I may have been too optimistic. As I reflect upon those trends and how the year evolved, the picture became gradually gloomier and darker - like the unifying theme of most Netflix Productions. Nobody knows when exactly Pandora's box had been opened but what is certain is that the past few years had brought about a persistent decline in our standards (of living and conduct) and in values - the moral kind - of course. Asset values on the other hand have reached all time highs. The American and European markets have hit records reflecting the compulsive materialistic pursuit that has been driving the western side of the world for at least the past decade. The media cheered, egged-on by a slew of seemingly unflushable politicians that were quick to take credit for the genius of their (Insert Name)-nomics. All was well with the world: GDP up, property prices up, stocks up…     …food prices up, rents up, energy up, interest rates up. What could go wrong?

When the ever rising costs of living take the final bite out of the majority of the populace’s stagnating wages and the cuts in living standards reach the bone, hopefully just like Pandora - we will be left with Hope, which may just be enough to get us through our current tribulations - at least through some of them - at least some of us. The earth is shifting beneath our feet and my humble view is that we have reached a point in time where two Eras meet, much like the middle point of an hourglass, not yet fully out of the old but not quite comprehending what the new one is about to bring. There is still inertia behind some of the themes of the previous epoch but the new one will come about with new challenges and opportunities and what seemed to work in the past may not hold water for long.

We live in interesting times indeed. 

Speaking of hope, the new year will bring about elections in many parts of the world - including the US and parts of Europe. The word election implies choice, seducing us to believe we are the masters of our fate and we can shape what the future will bring - ahh the sweet nectar of democracy…

Indeed, the thought of elections and free will choice is making me ponder yet again how they make synthetic things taste, feel and appear so similar to the natural, while containing none of the nutrients but being infused with inorganic materials that should never be ingested. As proven, it seems that the simulacrum wins.

"What good is a phone call, if you are unable… to speak?"

-The Matrix

Before my blood starts boiling once more, trying to make sense of the Upside-down world, I will leave my thoughts on what the year ahead may bring and what to be on the lookout on our quest to prosperity. 

1. Inflation and interest rates to remain high, though with likely intermissions ahead of elections periods - as it is customary

2. Propensity for war and geo-politically induced chaos around the world remains high in spite of such actions benefiting only very few. When everything fails, war is their go-to solution.

3. With the changing of the eras in full swing, old champions will be challenged and new ones will undoubtedly emerge.

4. Desperation will likely lead to black-swan events that could have material impacts and ripple around the world. 

5. Tangible will win against the ethereal

6. Many who are now fallen shall be risen and many who are now in favor shall be fallen

Finally, my last prediction is a wish, having not given up entirely on hope. I wish and hope that the new year brings an awakening, away from the artificially induced trance of materialism and consumption - towards truth and good values. Whether pleasant or not, truth is the key to progressing from the current state of affairs to a world of possibility allowing for human potential to flourish once more. The choice is ours!

Have a blessed 2024!