Chapter 1: Understanding Host-Parasite Dynamics

The concept of Social Darwinism has long been discredited. Wealthy individuals do not inherently rise to a higher class due to some supposed evolutionary advantage. Historical factors, such as migration, did not enhance human intellect as they traversed from Africa. Philosophers like Herbert Spencer propagated misconceptions that have led to prejudice and elitism. Let's set that aside for now.

However, there is a compelling lesson from evolution regarding human behavior that merits exploration. This pertains to the ongoing struggle between hosts and parasites, a metaphorical dance that influences our cognitive processes.

Like the cuckoo bird that lays its eggs in another bird's nest, capitalism seeks to implant notions of inadequacy, desire, and obsession within our minds.

Before delving deeper, it's essential to clarify the biological context. Across the tree of life, organisms are engaged in a relentless pursuit of energy. Some, like trees, acquire resources "honestly" by harnessing sunlight through chlorophyll. In contrast, others, such as termites, invade healthy trees to steal their hard-earned energy. The dynamics of the cuckoo chick among robins, the tick on a deer, or the leech clinging to your foot reflect similar themes of parasitism.

Hosts are not static; they evolve. A tree may develop toxins to fend off termites, while a thrush learns to identify and eject cuckoo chicks from its nest. Conversely, parasites adapt as well—termites may evolve resistance to tree toxins, and cuckoo chicks might alter their appearances to better mimic their host's offspring. This ongoing evolutionary "arms race" has persisted through the ages.

In contemporary society, one can easily observe this dynamic in the smartphone resting just inches away. This device serves as a modern-day parasite, evolving alongside humanity's attempts at genuine self-expression.

If we view our minds as hosts and capitalism as a parasite, many aspects of our behavior become more understandable. The host—our brain—craves well-being, creativity, and comfort. Conversely, the capitalist parasite seeks to exploit our minds for profit, driving us to acquire possessions regardless of their true value to our mental and physical health. While our brains yearn for art, narrative, and meaningful experiences, capitalism implants feelings of inadequacy and obsession instead.

This is precisely why art created solely for its own sake often has a fleeting existence. Artists begin their work with the intention to inspire or provoke thought. Yet, capitalism treats art as a mere commodity, akin to bait on a hook. Consequently, authentic art seeks refuge in alternative mediums.

The cycle of host-parasite adaptation unfolds as follows: an artist crafts a story, only for capitalism to place an advertisement alongside it. The artist may then shift to painting or music, but capitalism finds a way to commercialize these forms, transforming artworks into mere backdrops for advertisements. When artists and their supporters migrate to the internet, capitalism develops algorithms to capture their audience, using their creations as bait.

To escape, we may turn off our devices, but capitalism responds by condensing technology into portable forms we must carry with us. These devices facilitate communication, further infiltrating our conversations. Eventually, it appears as though the parasite is generating thoughts autonomously.

When this occurs, one truth remains: the host is compromised. The cuckoo dominates the nest, and the tree succumbs to the termite.

What lies ahead? Will termites cultivate forests? Will cuckoos learn to nurture their young?

I remain skeptical.

Section 1.1: The Biology of Host and Parasite

To explore the biology behind these concepts, we can look into the intricate relationships between hosts and parasites.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Evolutionary Arms Race

The ongoing adaptation between hosts and parasites is a fascinating subject of study.

This video explores the relationship between hosts and parasites, detailing their evolutionary battles.