i hadn’t yet formed this giant irony shaped armor shell around everything, i was still like “i’m the leftist who votes for democrats and is willing to be realistic about electoralism” but i also sincerely thought that The System was on the edge of a dramatic evolution towards benevolence
January 6, 2026 at 4:28 AM
i hadn’t yet formed this giant irony shaped armor shell around everything, i was still like “i’m the leftist who votes for democrats and is willing to be realistic about electoralism” but i also sincerely thought that The System was on the edge of a dramatic evolution towards benevolence
Oh, China will rescue us? That's a real misreading of China's benevolence. Which is nonexistent.
January 6, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Oh, China will rescue us? That's a real misreading of China's benevolence. Which is nonexistent.
Obviously not reflective of my own beliefs, but Pratchett's take that divinity does not correspond to benevolence is an interesting one for sure. Paraphrasing it's along the lines of "if the gods exist then we have to be their moral superiors".
January 6, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Obviously not reflective of my own beliefs, but Pratchett's take that divinity does not correspond to benevolence is an interesting one for sure. Paraphrasing it's along the lines of "if the gods exist then we have to be their moral superiors".
It is no longer possible to save everyone. I will extend my benevolence as far as possible, even if it makes an overdraft of my own life force.
If only five in ten can be saved, I will strive to save six in ten.
If only five in ten can be saved, I will strive to save six in ten.
January 5, 2026 at 11:41 PM
It is no longer possible to save everyone. I will extend my benevolence as far as possible, even if it makes an overdraft of my own life force.
If only five in ten can be saved, I will strive to save six in ten.
If only five in ten can be saved, I will strive to save six in ten.
Other forms of "benevolence" like most famously alignment towards "happiness maximization" however don't work and are much more likely to trap everyone into an inescapable death spiral like in the case of "happiness maximization" f.e. in the form of "eternal happiness pods"
January 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Other forms of "benevolence" like most famously alignment towards "happiness maximization" however don't work and are much more likely to trap everyone into an inescapable death spiral like in the case of "happiness maximization" f.e. in the form of "eternal happiness pods"
"But what if it is benevolent in another way?"
The only form of benevolence that actually works is alignment towards agency maximization.
The only form of benevolence that actually works is alignment towards agency maximization.
January 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM
"But what if it is benevolent in another way?"
The only form of benevolence that actually works is alignment towards agency maximization.
The only form of benevolence that actually works is alignment towards agency maximization.
Iain Dale on @lbc.co.uk predictably framing the whole Venezuela situation as wonderful for the Venezuelan people thanks to the benevolence of the great Trump, never mind what it means for the world..
January 5, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Iain Dale on @lbc.co.uk predictably framing the whole Venezuela situation as wonderful for the Venezuelan people thanks to the benevolence of the great Trump, never mind what it means for the world..
PLEASE STUDY THE HISTORY OF DECOLONIZATION.
Stephen Miller is making this sound like a tragedy of Western benevolence, but the reality is that these were decades long struggles against unspeakable, systematic Western brutality.
We're in the middle on an imperial boomerang
Stephen Miller is making this sound like a tragedy of Western benevolence, but the reality is that these were decades long struggles against unspeakable, systematic Western brutality.
We're in the middle on an imperial boomerang
Eyes wide open, folks. They're revealing the supervillain plot.
January 5, 2026 at 6:02 PM
PLEASE STUDY THE HISTORY OF DECOLONIZATION.
Stephen Miller is making this sound like a tragedy of Western benevolence, but the reality is that these were decades long struggles against unspeakable, systematic Western brutality.
We're in the middle on an imperial boomerang
Stephen Miller is making this sound like a tragedy of Western benevolence, but the reality is that these were decades long struggles against unspeakable, systematic Western brutality.
We're in the middle on an imperial boomerang
Venezuelan democracy is like a rape victim crying for help, only for those cries to draw the attention of an even bigger rapist, whose first action is of course to chase away the "competitor". Cheering that chasing-away as an act of benevolence is either woefully naive, or shamelessly disingenuous.
January 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Venezuelan democracy is like a rape victim crying for help, only for those cries to draw the attention of an even bigger rapist, whose first action is of course to chase away the "competitor". Cheering that chasing-away as an act of benevolence is either woefully naive, or shamelessly disingenuous.
My anthem for 2026. Join me!
This is the change we all have within us. Extraordinary power. Sovereignty to be and wield our kick ass power for goodness. And overflowing benevolence for ourselves and humanity that moves mountains.
youtu.be/FVztZI-OMUg?...
This is the change we all have within us. Extraordinary power. Sovereignty to be and wield our kick ass power for goodness. And overflowing benevolence for ourselves and humanity that moves mountains.
youtu.be/FVztZI-OMUg?...
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Good to Be Alive Today (Acoustic Remix)
YouTube video by Michael Franti
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 4:04 PM
My anthem for 2026. Join me!
This is the change we all have within us. Extraordinary power. Sovereignty to be and wield our kick ass power for goodness. And overflowing benevolence for ourselves and humanity that moves mountains.
youtu.be/FVztZI-OMUg?...
This is the change we all have within us. Extraordinary power. Sovereignty to be and wield our kick ass power for goodness. And overflowing benevolence for ourselves and humanity that moves mountains.
youtu.be/FVztZI-OMUg?...
I find your lack of faith in the benevolence and competence of our overlords disturbing.
January 5, 2026 at 3:26 PM
I find your lack of faith in the benevolence and competence of our overlords disturbing.
From the Mexican American War to the overthrow of Panamanian President Manuel Noriega, we've only looked out for ourselves in Latin America even while wrapping our actions in the banner of benevolence. It's rarely ended well for anyone — especially us. www.latimes.com/california/s...
Commentary: In Trump's invasion of Venezuela, Marco Rubio is the biggest sellout of all
By pushing Trump to run rampant over Latin America, Rubio is setting into motion the same old song of U.S. meddling that ties his family and mine.
www.latimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:19 PM
From the Mexican American War to the overthrow of Panamanian President Manuel Noriega, we've only looked out for ourselves in Latin America even while wrapping our actions in the banner of benevolence. It's rarely ended well for anyone — especially us. www.latimes.com/california/s...
Arellano: From the Mexican American War to the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Panama Canal to NAFTA, we’ve only looked out for ourselves in Latin America even while wrapping our actions in the banner of benevolence.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Commentary: In Trump's invasion of Venezuela, Marco Rubio is the biggest sellout of all
By pushing Trump to run rampant over Latin America, Rubio is setting into motion the same old song of U.S. meddling that ties his family and mine.
www.latimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:53 PM
Arellano: From the Mexican American War to the Bay of Pigs invasion, the Panama Canal to NAFTA, we’ve only looked out for ourselves in Latin America even while wrapping our actions in the banner of benevolence.
www.latimes.com/california/s...
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Saint Augustine - Man has almost constant occasion for the help of his brethren, and it is in vain for him to expect it from their benevolence only. #QuoteBot
January 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Saint Augustine - Man has almost constant occasion for the help of his brethren, and it is in vain for him to expect it from their benevolence only. #QuoteBot
'A glug punishment!? (5)' could be your cryptic crossword-themed leadership campaign slogan, assuming you needed one to get into power in the first place, and there's a big enough crossover in the section of the electorate that could be swayed by your promised benevolence and crossword enthusiasm.
January 5, 2026 at 12:41 PM
'A glug punishment!? (5)' could be your cryptic crossword-themed leadership campaign slogan, assuming you needed one to get into power in the first place, and there's a big enough crossover in the section of the electorate that could be swayed by your promised benevolence and crossword enthusiasm.
It's who they feel are deserving.
That's why there's a push for religious organizations and charities to take over for government assistance.
The churches and wealthy benefactors get to decide who is deserving of help.
It's discrimination disguised as benevolence.
That's why there's a push for religious organizations and charities to take over for government assistance.
The churches and wealthy benefactors get to decide who is deserving of help.
It's discrimination disguised as benevolence.
January 5, 2026 at 1:56 AM
It's who they feel are deserving.
That's why there's a push for religious organizations and charities to take over for government assistance.
The churches and wealthy benefactors get to decide who is deserving of help.
It's discrimination disguised as benevolence.
That's why there's a push for religious organizations and charities to take over for government assistance.
The churches and wealthy benefactors get to decide who is deserving of help.
It's discrimination disguised as benevolence.
I hear you forgave and came to trust your foes. As a knight, I respect your benevolence.
January 4, 2026 at 11:11 PM
I hear you forgave and came to trust your foes. As a knight, I respect your benevolence.
The U.S. disputes Canadian claims over the northwest passage and has for decades. I brought this up all the time last year when people talked Greenland, it’s not new policy. Hell the U.S. bases on Greenland are still technically left over from the WW2 invasion of the island, not Danish benevolence
January 4, 2026 at 10:26 PM
The U.S. disputes Canadian claims over the northwest passage and has for decades. I brought this up all the time last year when people talked Greenland, it’s not new policy. Hell the U.S. bases on Greenland are still technically left over from the WW2 invasion of the island, not Danish benevolence
Yeah, the point was less about operational strategy and more about motivation. It has nothing to do with benevolence and democracy and way more to do with a weakened sovereign state and Trump’s thirst for rich oil revenues and an easy ‘win’.
January 4, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Yeah, the point was less about operational strategy and more about motivation. It has nothing to do with benevolence and democracy and way more to do with a weakened sovereign state and Trump’s thirst for rich oil revenues and an easy ‘win’.
And ofc Octavinelle: Inspired by Ursula, it’s focused on the core trait- “benevolence“ and also intelligence, service, and empathy. (Main traits for Rin/myself tbh)
January 4, 2026 at 7:29 PM
And ofc Octavinelle: Inspired by Ursula, it’s focused on the core trait- “benevolence“ and also intelligence, service, and empathy. (Main traits for Rin/myself tbh)
That’s kind of the difference here from the past 250 years. We love draping ourselves in platitudes and religious fervor (see “manifest destiny,” “with us or against us”) to justify our apparent superiority and unquestionable benevolence. Now we’re just openly cruel with no real effort to hide it
The kidnapping of Maduro inaugurates a highly dangerous era of U.S. empire that for perhaps the first time in an era of mass media is not pretending to be anything other than a violent, extractive enterprise of domination.
A Criminal Empire
The United States launches a conquest and occupation of Venezuela to extract its oil wealth. The neocon dream is the America First dream
www.forever-wars.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:21 PM
That’s kind of the difference here from the past 250 years. We love draping ourselves in platitudes and religious fervor (see “manifest destiny,” “with us or against us”) to justify our apparent superiority and unquestionable benevolence. Now we’re just openly cruel with no real effort to hide it
I don't ask for much Machine Goddess.
Just an end to being human trafficked
But if in your 10100 benevolence see that if Trump invades Mexico it ends up with the USA losing California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona & New Mexico, parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Kansas, it'd be so funny.
Just an end to being human trafficked
But if in your 10100 benevolence see that if Trump invades Mexico it ends up with the USA losing California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona & New Mexico, parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Kansas, it'd be so funny.
January 4, 2026 at 6:26 PM
I don't ask for much Machine Goddess.
Just an end to being human trafficked
But if in your 10100 benevolence see that if Trump invades Mexico it ends up with the USA losing California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona & New Mexico, parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Kansas, it'd be so funny.
Just an end to being human trafficked
But if in your 10100 benevolence see that if Trump invades Mexico it ends up with the USA losing California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona & New Mexico, parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Kansas, it'd be so funny.
The PSUV and US gov will come out in a week saying they're friends again, and in their infinite benevolence the US will let them govern in exchange for installing oil extraction companies there
January 4, 2026 at 6:03 PM
The PSUV and US gov will come out in a week saying they're friends again, and in their infinite benevolence the US will let them govern in exchange for installing oil extraction companies there
so it was benevolence mmhmm
January 4, 2026 at 4:50 PM
so it was benevolence mmhmm