Redefining 'Based': Simone Collins on Ideological Evolution

The Crazy Wisdom Podcast features a wide-ranging conversation with Simone Collins, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and co-host of the Based Camp podcast. Topics explored include the concept of 'based' in the context of the podcast, the crisis of belief in authority, the role of AI in governance and its potential to improve bureaucratic efficiencies. Simone shared her views on the impact of demographic collapse on cities and illustrated the potential future of 'techno-feudalism' where power and money concentrate within isolated, secure communities. The discussion also touched upon the role of cryptocurrencies as an alternative during hyperinflation scenarios, based on experience in countries like Argentina. The episode ends with a brief discussion about the potential ways to evade an 'Argentine future' for the US, predicated on curbing bureaucratic waste.

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Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast
00:40 Guest Introduction: Simone Collins
01:04 Understanding the Term 'Based' in Podcasting
02:19 Navigating Political Conversations in Progressive Cities
02:45 Breaking Free from Restrictive Beliefs
03:28 Hosting Diverse Dinner Parties
04:15 Challenging Progressive Culture
04:31 Personal Journey of Changing Political Beliefs
06:03 The Limitations of Progressive Culture
08:08 Engaging with Controversial Ideas
15:46 The Patchwork Age: A New Era of Diverse Beliefs
16:59 Technofeudalism: The Future of Cities and Infrastructure
23:36 The Impact of Demographic Collapse
26:28 European Influence and Immigration in Southern Brazil
27:02 The Impact of Emigration on Argentina
27:15 The Role of Tourism in Argentine Emigration
27:40 Hyperinflation and its Effects on Infrastructure
27:45 The Future of the U.S. Dollar in a Hyperinflated World
29:09 The Role of Cryptocurrency in Economically Unstable Countries
30:55 The Black Market and the U.S. Dollar in Argentina
32:13 The Rise of Cryptocurrency in Argentina
32:52 The Necessity of Cryptocurrency in Developing Countries
33:08 The Adoption of Cryptocurrency by Non-Tech Savvy Individuals
35:22 The Impact of AI on Bureaucracy
35:44 The Role of AI in Government and Politics
38:52 The Future of the U.S. Government in an AI-Driven World
39:41 The Impact of AI on Corporate Governance
40:30 The Role of AI in Reducing Government Bureaucracy
44:11 The Future of the U.S. Government Amidst Demographic Collapse
44:39 The Role of AI in the Future of Governance
47:04 The Impact of Bureaucracy on the Argentine Economy
47:57 The Future of the U.S. Economy Amidst Rising Debt
49:36 The Role of AI in the Future of the U.S. Economy
50:36 The Future of the U.S. Government Amidst Rising Debt
51:05 The Role of AI in the Future of the U.S. Government
51:38 The Future of the U.S. Government Amidst Rising Debt
51:51 The Future of the U.S. Government Amidst Rising Debt
52:34 Conclusion

Key Insights

The Concept of 'Based': Simone Collins discussed the term 'based,' highlighting its varied interpretations. Initially understood as someone comfortable with their beliefs, regardless of others' opinions, it has evolved to carry political connotations and baggage. The term now often implies a conservative leaning, especially when contrasted with progressive viewpoints.

Cultural and Political Dynamics in New York City and San Francisco: Collins shared her experiences growing up in San Francisco and living in New York City, describing them as progressive environments where there's a prevalent culture of not tolerating differing opinions. She observed that progressive culture often equates being challenged or uncomfortable with personal attacks, impacting open dialogue.

Diverse Dinner Parties and Political Dialogues: Collins and her husband host dinner parties in New York City, deliberately inviting a heterodox mix of people, including conservatives, progressives, and others with unconventional views. She noted that criticisms of these gatherings typically come from progressive attendees who feel uncomfortable with conservative perspectives.

Personal Political Shifts: Stewart shared his journey of political and ideological transformation, particularly around the time of Donald Trump’s election. This shift was a process of questioning and reassessing his long-held beliefs.

Demographic Collapse and its Implications: Collins expressed concerns about demographic collapse, particularly in countries like South Korea and Japan. She discussed how this phenomenon might lead to a decline in smaller cities and towns, with a corresponding rise in mega-cities or gated communities.

The Role of AI in Future Societies: The conversation touched on the potential impact of AI on governance and societal structures. Collins speculated about a future of 'techno-feudalism,' where AI-driven communities could emerge, leading to a patchwork of different societal models.

Cryptocurrency in Economies Facing Hyperinflation: The host and Collins discussed the practical use of cryptocurrencies in countries like Argentina and Venezuela, where traditional currencies are highly unstable. This situation contrasts with the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies in more stable economies like the U.S.

Government Bureaucracy and Potential AI Solutions: Collins suggested that AI could streamline government functions and reduce bureaucracy. However, she acknowledged the challenge of implementing such changes due to entrenched interests and the complexity of government structures.

Potential for Change in U.S. Governance: The conversation ended on a note of cautious optimism about the possibility of reforming U.S. governance structures, particularly at the state level, despite recognizing the significant challenges ahead.