The Age of Moloch

We are living in the Age of Moloch. Power is consolidating, centralizing, and wielding itself to cast aside anything that does not conform. This era marks a dramatic shift—where the old ideals of reality, democracy, freedom, and individualism are being eroded, making way for a new order of belief, autocracy, control, and destruction.

Moloch is more than a myth; it is the manifestation of an insatiable force—an abstract, almost cosmic power that demands sacrifice and perpetuates destruction to sustain itself. In our modern world, Moloch takes shape in systems and entities that consume everything in their path, pursuing singular goals with relentless efficiency—often leading to self-destruction and despair.

The Myth of Moloch¶

Throughout history and culture, Moloch has appeared in various forms:

Mythology and Religion
Traditionally, Moloch is depicted as an ancient deity to whom children were sacrificed, symbolizing an insatiable hunger for devotion and compliance. This serves as a stark warning of the costs of unchecked power and blind obedience.
Literature
Allen Ginsberg’s Howl portrays Moloch as a monstrous entity representing capitalist, industrial, and bureaucratic systems—forces that devour human potential and happiness in pursuit of profit and control.
Philosophy and Game Theory
In Scott Alexander’s essay Meditations on Moloch, the concept is explored through the lens of competitive dynamics. The relentless "race to the bottom" illustrates how rational individual actions can lead to collective ruin, driven by the invisible hand of Moloch.

Moloch in Our World¶

Moloch thrives in the modern world, hidden behind systems of power and control that blindly consume resources, suppress dissent, and eliminate ideas—even human lives. Its influence can be seen in:

The destruction of our environment – A relentless drive for short-term profits that depletes natural resources with little regard for sustainability.
The 'cancelling' of people and ideas – The suppression of dissenting voices to maintain conformity and prevent disruption to existing power structures.
The conquest of global domains – Nations, corporations, and ideologies expanding their reach in an insatiable pursuit of dominance.
Vindictive retribution against opposition – Punishment for anything that does not support the Molochian power structure (e.g., political movements like Trumpism, Brexit, etc.).

Moloch is an impersonal force that drives self-optimization at the cost of community and well-being. It thrives in authoritarian structures that seek to eliminate or manipulate competing forces—whether they be democracy, freedom, or individuality.

Like a cancer, Moloch consumes and expands rapidly, optimizing for short-term gains while ignoring long-term consequences. It is a greedy force, one that will exploit everything in its path to sustain and grow itself.

Can We Escape Moloch?¶

Maybe.

Recognizing Moloch's presence is the first step in resisting its destructive growth. Awareness alone, however, is not enough. We must act—strategically and persistently—on both short and long time horizons.

What does that mean?

It means evaluating our daily actions and how they either enable or resist Moloch’s influence. We must reflect honestly on our choices—both intentional and unintentional—that contribute to its growth.

Fighting Moloch requires a war-like mentality, with each day presenting a new battle. However, not every battle is worth fighting, and some may cost us the war.

Battles Not Worth Fighting¶

Some conflicts, while seemingly important, serve only to strengthen Moloch's grip by dividing us or distracting us from the broader war. Examples include:

Pointless arguments that alienate others – Driving people toward opposing viewpoints rather than fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Distractions and trivial concerns – Diverting attention from systemic issues to superficial ones, such as focusing on plastic straws while ignoring massive industrial pollution.
Chasing short-term wins at long-term costs – Sacrificing deep, meaningful change for temporary victories that ultimately reinforce Moloch's presence.

Instead, we must focus on battles that weaken Moloch’s foundations:

Building strong, resilient communities that prioritize cooperation over competition.
Encouraging open dialogue and diverse perspectives, even when they challenge our beliefs.
Making conscious choices that prioritize sustainability and long-term well-being over short-term gains.

The Age of Moloch is upon us—but awareness can be our shield, and action our sword.