Why fascism is so tempting -- and how your data could power it | Yuval Noah Harari

The speaker humorously introduces the concept of humans becoming digital, reflecting on the rapid pace of this change. They then pose a provocative question about the presence of 'fascists' in the audience to highlight the confusion between the terms 'fascism' and 'nationalism'. The speaker clarifies that mild nationalism has been beneficial, creating communities among strangers, and contrasts this with the supremacy and exclusivity inherent in fascism. Fascism denies other identities and loyalties, demanding absolute allegiance to the nation, even at the expense of truth and beauty. The speaker uses the evaluation of art and education as examples to illustrate the fascist perspective, which prioritizes national interests over truth.

This paragraph delves into the allure of fascism, which is often misunderstood as simply monstrous. The speaker argues that real-life evil can be attractive, drawing parallels with Christian art that depicts Satan as alluring. Fascism seduces by making individuals feel part of the most important entity—the nation. The speaker warns that this self-perception can distort reality, as different nations in the 1930s saw themselves as supreme. The paragraph concludes by suggesting that while fascism and dictatorships may return, they will be shaped by 21st-century technology, with data becoming the new battleground for control.

The speaker discusses the shift from land to machines and now to data as the most valuable asset, highlighting how this transition impacts politics and the concept of dictatorship. They express concern that advancements in AI and machine learning could make centralized data processing more efficient, potentially strengthening authoritarian regimes. The paragraph also raises the issue of biotechnology merging with information technology, creating algorithms that could manipulate human emotions and preferences. This development could undermine democracy, as it relies on human feelings, which could be easily swayed by those controlling the data.

In the final paragraph, the speaker outlines strategies to combat the resurgence of fascism and the rise of new dictatorships. They emphasize the importance of controlling data and preventing its concentration in too few hands. For engineers, the challenge is to ensure distributed data processing remains efficient. For others, the task is to avoid manipulation by understanding and acknowledging personal weaknesses. The speaker warns of the tactics used by enemies of democracy to exploit emotions like fear and hate. They conclude by advising the audience to recognize their own vulnerabilities to resist the seductive appeal of fascism and to maintain a clear self-perception, urging them to 'break the mirror' of distorted self-image.

In a conversational exchange following the speech, the speaker reflects on the potential for humanity to become 'gods' through AI and genetic engineering, suggesting that crises might accelerate such advancements. Despite historical optimism, the speaker acknowledges the unpredictable nature of human stupidity as a powerful historical force. They end on a cautiously hopeful note, drawing parallels with past crises and emphasizing the resilience of liberal democracy.