Anarchism, Trolling, and the State | Michael Malice

The Philosophy of Anarchism and the State

Defining Authority

• Michael Malice and Lex Fridman explore the distinction between legitimate authority (like expertise) and state authority (which relies on force).
• Malice argues that the problem with democracy is that those who need leaders are often not qualified to choose them.
• Modern society, as seen through the lens of anarchism or voluntary organization, often functions best when individuals choose their own associations, similar to how language evolves without a centralized government.

The Role of Trolling

"One of the most effective mechanisms for those in power, we're much closer to Brave New World than 1984. The people who are dominant and in power aren't there because of the threat of the gulag... They're there because of social pressures."

• Malice positions himself as a troll who uses mockery to render the powerful powerless.
• He creates a distinction between mean-spirited sadism and the productive, artistic trolling popularized by Andy Kaufman.
• Fridman pushes back, expressing concern that such tactics escalate division, whereas he advocates for love, patience, and kindness as the tools to build a cohesive society.

Geopolitics and Totalitarianism

The Russian Perspective

• Both interlocutors discuss their Russian roots, noting a shared cultural moat of trust—a default skepticism toward strangers—which contrasts with American optimism.
• Malice highlights how this background provides a more realistic, albeit darker, understanding of totalitarianism and corruption compared to the general American experience.

Critiquing Lockdown Policies

• The conversation shifts to the COVID-19 pandemic, with both questioning the competence and intentions of political leaders like Cuomo and de Blasio. Malice labels these impositions as inherently criminal, highlighting the destruction of small businesses and individual freedom.

Finding Meaning and Hope

• Despite their disagreements on method, both agree that life is a magical adventure.
• Malice emphasizes the necessity of individual responsibility and the pursuit of truth. He suggests that we should aim to leave the world a little better than we found it, even if we can only move the needle incrementally.
• Fridman concludes with a reflection on morality and personal growth, emphasizing that finding beauty in the struggle—the Camus approach—is essential for mental and societal health.