Luddites, WarGames, and the Lost Battle for Autonomy | HackerNoon

Too Long; Didn’t Read

Highlights the connection between the historical Luddites, the fictional supercomputer Joshua from the film “Wargames,” and modern tech startups advocating for decentralization, highlighting their common resistance to centralization and pursuit of autonomy. It critiques the superficial support for decentralization by some startups, driven by profit rather than genuine autonomy, and reflects on the Luddites’ failed yet morally resonant fight against the dehumanizing effects of capitalist mechanization. The piece encourages seeking meaningful work in organizations prioritizing values over profit, echoing the Luddites’ ideals in the contemporary digital landscape, while distancing from endorsing their destructive tactics.