Lost in Complexity

Sociologists pointed out long ago how societies have moved from relatively simple structures to ever more complicated ones. The hunter/gatherer division of labour of early social groups gradually evolved into the landowner/serf divisions of feudal societies, and onwards towards the complex modern systems of our contemporary West, with its democratic politics, specialist occupations and rapid social change. 

This over-simplified account is, of course, well known, but some important features of modernity are sometimes less obvious. It may be the case, for example, that the growth of overall knowledge in society is paradoxically accompanied by the relative ignorance of everyone within the population! How can anyone be expected to know the detailed skills of every profession? Can a brain surgeon repair their own car? Can a TV actor explain the workings of a TV? How many people have a good understanding of the economic system that surrounds them? Stocks and shares, autism, quantum theory, crypto currencies, building subsidence, AI and computer software, etc., etc. Most of us just dance on the surface of these phenomena, simply putting them in general (often inadequate) categories of awareness. 

The dangers are clear.

Specialist knowledge in the hands of small groups can be very powerful. Possibly too powerful. A loss of anchored and shared knowledge can lead to alienation, anxiety, and irresponsibility.

Indeed, the list is too big for this photograph.

But, more is often less. We are apparently withdrawing from the boiling crucible of modern life to hide away in the froth of child-like behaviours (24/7 sport, computer games, pointless challenges, vandalism). And, to make matters worse, there is now a further level in the depths of complexity. 

Even those things which were once accomplished with  comparative ease are now mazes of over-complication. Job applications are endless searches on numerous internet platforms, followed (if you're lucky) by several interviews, a hat full of references, prior recommended training or voluntary experience, probationary periods, vetting checks, and indeed everything but the actual work. When an application is finally successful, it is usually for a start date weeks later, after a public holiday or two. Or further required references. More people are apparently involved in personnel than the front line staff. 

Then there is the terrible business of going on holiday. Searching prices, wondering about dozens of secondary or hidden costs, insurance, passports, vaccinations, car park scams, medical problems, transfers to hotels, aircraft safety, airport delays, drunk passengers, weather, new technology, and much more.

Easier, perhaps, to endure a heat wave here. Or send a postcard from Butlins.

End of part one....