I stumbled upon a YouTube video where Viktor Korb reads Robert Heinlein's story "The Man Who Sold the Moon," and it made me wonder: how far has modern culture strayed from these ideals?
This video is a vivid reminder of a time when creators were heroes. Today, things are different.
1.
Modern mass culture systematically devalues personal achievement. Its focus has shifted from the creator-hero to the victim-figure. Success and wealth are portrayed as anomalies or the result of foul play, while the narrative centers on a struggle against "the system" rather than on personal creation.
2.
This is not an accident but a persistent trend. Storylines in which the independent entrepreneur is the antagonist and the government official is the savior shape a predictable worldview. The constant replication of the "evil corporation" trope leads to the conclusion that personal initiative is dangerous, and ambition leads to destruction.
3.
Culture is primary, and politics is secondary. Ideas gain power not in parliaments but in people's minds. The success of Javier Milei in Argentina is a striking example. His phenomenon lies not only in his economic program but also in his ability to make the ideas of freedom attractive again. He has shown that cultural influence is a necessary precondition for political change.
4.
There is a rich archive of ideas to draw from. The works of the "golden age" of science fiction are not just old books. They are a valuable source of alternative social models. Eric Frank Russell's story "...And Then There Were None" demonstrates the principles of spontaneous order and civil disobedience. Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron" is a crystal-clear illustration of the absurdity of forced equalization.
5.
Passive observation is unproductive. A constructive approach consists of three actions:
- First: Consciously choose your content. Prefer works that inspire creation, not resentment and blame.
- Second: Support creators. By the way, you can subscribe to Viktor on Pacta Civitas. A grateful and active audience is the best incentive for creativity.
- Third: Create yourself. Write, draw, compose—promote a culture centered on the independent, thinking, and responsible individual. Such initiatives are already emerging: the recent Libertarian Art Contest, organized by the Montelibero movement, is direct proof. The more such events there are, the faster the cultural landscape will change.
6.
The choice of our cultural foundation determines our future. Ultimately, it all comes down to the ideas we consume, support, and create. This is precisely where we must apply our efforts.