Why Managerialism Will Fail (Part 1)

Summary

The video script delves into James Burnham's 'The Managerial Revolution,' exploring the inherent flaws of managerialism. It argues that the managerialist state's quest for total control leads to the erosion of societal institutions and traditional bonds, creating a power-hungry entity at odds with human nature. The script suggests that this relentless pursuit of power and predictability paradoxically results in chaos and inefficiency, ultimately leading to the state's self-destruction. It also touches on the managerialist's attempt to 'hack' human beings through data and technology, raising questions about the future of democracy and free will.

Takeaways

• 📚 James Burnham's 'The Managerial Revolution' is a foundational text that critiques the rise of managerialism and its impact on society.
• 🔍 The script discusses how the managerialist state seeks to centralize power, eroding traditional societal institutions and human instincts that challenge its authority.
• 🌐 It highlights the psychosocial shift towards a new era, characterized by a disillusionment with traditional bonds like family, law, and gender roles.
• 🚀 The managerialist state is portrayed as being at odds with human nature, leading to inevitable conflict and the eventual failure of such a state.
• 🧬 The script touches on eugenics and the managerialist desire to steer human evolution, correcting perceived flaws in human nature.
• 🏛️ It critiques the managerialist state's pursuit of predictability and efficiency, which paradoxically leads to greater unpredictability and inefficiency.
• 🌪️ The managerialist state's quest for control can lead to social disarray, with traditional social structures and institutions being replaced by bureaucratic control.
• 🌐 The script suggests that the managerialist state's actions can induce a 'zombie civilization,' characterized by misery and decay.
• 🔄 The managerialist state's need for control and predictability can lead to its own destruction, as it fails to account for the innate nature of human beings and society.
• 🌱 The script concludes by suggesting that the cycles of history, including the rise and fall of civilizations, are driven by an innate human desire for control and knowledge.

Q & A

What is the main theme of James Burnham's work 'The Managerial Revolution'?

The main theme of James Burnham's work 'The Managerial Revolution' is the rise of a new class of managers and technocrats who seek to centralize power and control in society, leading to a potential decline of traditional institutions and values.

How does the managerialist state view power according to the video?

The managerialist state views power as both an evasive abstraction and a tangible force that seeks to centralize total power unto itself, gathering compliance and establishing dominion over all aspects of society.

What is the 'ineluctable fate' of a managerialist state as discussed in the video?

The 'ineluctable fate' of a managerialist state is its eventual failure due to its inherent conflict with human nature and natural social dynamics, leading to the erosion of societal institutions and the monopolization of power.

How does the managerialist state's pursuit of control and predictability affect society?

The managerialist state's pursuit of control and predictability leads to a conflict with the innate nature of humans, resulting in the erosion of traditional bonds like family, law, and order, and the eventual fracturing of society.

What role do traditional institutions play in the context of the managerialist state?

Traditional institutions such as family, law, and official offices act as limiting factors to the managerialist state's power. The state seeks to erode or dismantle these institutions to consolidate its monopoly over power.

How does the managerialist state's approach to power impact human agency and societal dynamics?

The managerialist state's approach to power seeks to suppress human agency and societal dynamics by centralizing control and predictability, which can lead to the disintegration of social bonds and the rise of a 'zombie civilization'.

What is the managerialist state's stance on traditional gender roles and their impact on society?

The managerialist state views traditional gender roles as limiting factors to its power and seeks to dismantle them to free up power that can be absorbed by the state, leading to a redefinition of societal structures.

How does the video connect the rise of crime rates with the managerialist state's policies?

The video suggests that the managerialist state's policies, which weaken traditional societal structures, may inadvertently lead to an increase in crime rates, as there is a higher probability of individuals getting away with crimes due to social disarray.

What is the managerialist state's view on human nature and its role in societal control?

The managerialist state views human nature as problematic and seeks to control or change it to fit its pursuit of power and predictability, often leading to policies that ignore or conflict with natural social dynamics.

How does the video describe the managerialist state's approach to governance and its effects on democracy?

The video describes the managerialist state's approach to governance as one that centralizes power and control, potentially undermining democracy by replacing traditional institutions with bureaucratic structures that serve the state rather than the people.

What is the ultimate outcome for society according to the managerialist state's policies as discussed in the video?

The ultimate outcome for society, according to the video, is a potential implosion due to the managerialist state's policies, which create a disconnect between the state and the people, leading to the fracturing of power and a return to a more natural state of societal dynamics.