Part V: Gods

Macro-Level Interventions

Introduction
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Macro-Level Interventions

Individual-level interventions cannot solve superorganism-level problems. Addressing systemic issues requires action at the scale where the pattern lives.

Addressing systemic issues requires action at the scale where the pattern lives:

  1. Incentive restructuring: Modify the viability manifold of the superorganism so that aligned behavior becomes viable
  2. Counter-pattern creation: Instantiate a competing superorganism with aligned viability
  3. Pattern surgery: Modify beliefs, practices, or structure of existing superorganism
  4. Pattern dissolution: Defund, delegitimize, or otherwise kill the parasitic pattern—exorcise the demon

Example (Climate Change as Superorganism-Level Problem). Climate change is sustained by the superorganism of fossil-fuel capitalism. Individual carbon footprint reduction is individual-scale intervention on a macro-scale problem.

Macro-level interventions:

  • Carbon pricing changes the viability manifold (makes fossil-dependent states non-viable)
  • Renewable energy sector creates counter-pattern (alternative economic superorganism)
  • Divestment movement delegitimizes existing pattern
  • Regulatory phase-out kills the demon directly

Example (Poverty as Superorganism-Level Problem). Poverty is not primarily caused by individual failure; it is sustained by economic arrangements that require a poverty underclass.

Individual-level intervention: Job training, financial literacy (helps some individuals but doesn't reduce total poverty if structure remains).

Macro-level interventions:

  • UBI changes the viability manifold of the economic superorganism
  • Worker cooperatives create counter-pattern
  • Progressive taxation and redistribution modify incentive structure
  • Change in property rights or market structure (pattern surgery)