As mentioned before, philosophy is one of my great passions. More recently I have listened to podcasts of a range of philosophers in the social realm. Many of them have stark warnings about the way society has been developing over the last 150 years. In that way, they actually predicted the crises humanity have gone through during that period, including the world wars. History never repeats itself, but there are reoccurring cycles that are worthwhile watching and there is no doubt that currently we are living in a time where many of the warning signs of the past are relevant again. I have been following most of the philosophers mentioned in this article during lectures, podcasts and books and with the assistance of ChatGPT I have grouped them together according to some of the trends that we see in our current society.
The rise of conformity and mediocrity
I start with José Ortega y Gasset, as I already wrote a separate article on him. In his book The Revolt of the Masses warned of the rise of the “mass man,” a figure characterized by mediocrity, entitlement, and conformity. Ortega feared that the dominance of this “mass man” would erode intellectual and moral leadership, allowing societies to drift into a state where mediocrity dictates norms. This resonates strongly with me, just looking at today’s social media-driven world, where echo chambers, populist rhetoric, and anti-intellectualism frequently dominate public discourse.
Similarly, Friedrich Nietzsche warned against the “herd mentality”—a collective suppression of individuality in favour of societal norms driven by mediocrity and resentment. He also introduced the concept of master-slave morality, where “slave morality” arises from the resentment of the oppressed, valuing traits like humility and obedience, while “master morality” celebrates strength, ambition, and creativity. Nietzsche feared that the dominance of slave morality in modern societies could stifle individual greatness and innovation. His concern about the erosion of values and the potential descent into nihilism is alarmingly relevant in a world increasingly plagued by moral relativism and value crises.
Authoritarianism and the loss of freedom
Hannah Arendt – one of my most favourite philosophers – , in The Origins of Totalitarianism, dissected the conditions that enable authoritarian regimes to rise. She highlighted the role of propaganda, mass surveillance, and the fragmentation of societies as key mechanisms for dismantling democracy. Arendt’s concept of the “banality of evil” also serves as a chilling reminder of how thoughtlessness and blind obedience can lead to systemic oppression—a warning that resonates in contemporary discussions about the rise of authoritarianism and state control.
I didn’t know him but , ChatGPT added Theodor Adorno In his analysis of the “authoritarian personality” he explored how societal conditions foster tendencies toward submission to strong leaders and simplistic ideologies. Adorno’s work underscores the danger of political systems that exploit fear and uncertainty to consolidate power.
Alienation in the modern world
The alienation of individuals from their work, communities, and even themselves is a recurring theme among many philosophers. Karl Marx identified the dehumanising effects of capitalism, warning of how it estranges individuals from the fruits of their labour and their fellow humans. This theme finds echoes in Zygmunt Bauman’s “liquid modernity,” which critiques the precarity and instability of contemporary life.
Herbert Marcuse, in One-Dimensional Man, explored how advanced industrial societies suppress critical thought and create passive, conformist citizens. The dominance of consumer culture, he argued, pacifies individuals with material comforts, obscuring deeper systemic injustices—a critique that feels prescient in today’s hyper-commercialised world.
The dangers of technological dependency
Max Weber’s “iron cage” of rationalisation warned of a world dominated by efficiency and bureaucratic control, stripping human life of meaning and freedom. Ivan Illich expanded on these concerns, cautioning against the over institutionalisation of modern life and the uncritical embrace of technology, which he argued could create dependency and alienation.
Another stalwart, Michel Foucault’s exploration of surveillance societies in Discipline and Punish is particularly relevant in the digital age, where data-driven technologies and mass surveillance pose significant threats to individual autonomy. Similarly, Jean Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality warns of a world where media and simulations replace authentic experiences, a phenomenon starkly evident in today’s social media landscapes and virtual spaces.
The commodification of life
Guy Debord’s The Society of the Spectacle critiqued how modern societies reduce life to a series of commodified images and spectacles. This critique finds new relevance in the dominance of influencer culture, algorithmic feeds, and the superficiality of digital interactions.
Slavoj Žižek is another modern philosopher I have written about in the past. He builds on these ideas, examining how capitalism commodifies not only goods but also emotions and desires, trapping individuals in cycles of consumption and dissatisfaction. His insights highlight the hollow promises of consumer culture, which often exacerbate feelings of alienation and inadequacy.
The erosion of meaning and community
I recently came across the work of Simone Weil. She reflects on “rootlessness” warned of the dangers of societal disconnection from tradition, community, and meaning. She argued that this rootlessness leaves individuals vulnerable to manipulation and authoritarian control. Albert Camus echoed this concern, exploring how the absurdity of modern life can lead to nihilism if societies fail to cultivate authentic meaning.
Weber’s “disenchantment of the world” similarly critiques the loss of spiritual and moral values in a world dominated by rational calculation. This disenchantment fosters a sense of purposelessness and existential angst—a theme that feels increasingly relevant as modern societies grapple with crises of identity and direction.
Conclusion: Lessons for the present
The warnings of these philosophers converge on several critical themes: the erosion of individuality, the rise of authoritarianism, the alienation of modern life, and the dangers of technological overreach. Their insights challenge us to critically examine the trajectories of our societies and to resist the forces that dehumanise and disempower.
As global societies confront the challenges of political polarisation, environmental crises, and technological domination, these philosophical reflections offer not only warnings but also a call to action. By revisiting their ideas, we can seek to build societies that prioritise human dignity, authenticity, and collective well-being over conformity, control, and commodification.
Paul Budde