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I have long been drawn to writing about intricate weave of history and myth, and their combined impact on today’s global dynamics. A lesson I find myself continually re-learning is that the distant past often mirrors the present more closely than conventional wisdom suggests.
My journey as a writer began with a deep exploration of the evolving relationship between technological development and social norms, which culminated in my previous book, The Industrialization of Intelligence: Mind and Machine in the Modern Age. That work focused on information technology as an economic function, highlighting how it has followed the same rules as other economic revolutions. It made the case, unusual for its time, for discarding the bias that industrialization of cognitive functions should somehow follow a different path than the industrialization of other functions that preceded it.
Though some time has passed since its publication, some themes I explored then continue to fascinate me. The first is the ubiquitous role of self-interest in driving human affairs, and how so much of human activity that is credited to other motives is better understood under the harsh scrutiny of Cui bono?—“who benefits?” The second is the eternal puzzle of distinguishing between rationalization—in both the economic and psychological – sense and rationality. In today’s political environment, it is an important question to keep asking ourselves.
We spend much more time thinking about partisanship than we used to, with good reason. Partisanship is many things. It is at times dangerous and at all times annoying and seemingly intractable. But I also believe that partisanship, as a universal human activity, is just plain interesting to observe and try to understand. And I’m far from the first to observe that partisanship always seems to have a lot to do with personal and tribal narratives.
I am currently immersed in a project that brings the ancient and modern narratives of Jerusalem into sharp focus. This forthcoming book aims to untangle the complex historical threads that weave through this city, examining their original political purpose and their continued relevance to the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict.
It’s not exactly a history of the city, though it delves deeply into Jerusalem’s history. And if it is a travelogue, it’s a weird one because it explores some of the city’s unhappiest locations. At its core, it is a sharp meditation on the role mythic narratives play in partisanship and how they play out in the intractable conflict in Israel-Palestine.
Through my articles, I share my journey in crafting this new book, offering historical insights and reflections on current global politics. Each post is a piece of a larger puzzle (with the occasional diversion into side topics I can’t resist), connecting Jerusalem’s past with the present and exploring the broader implications of these narratives. I would love for this website to be a resource and a space for dialogue. I invite you to engage with my work—share your thoughts, ask questions, and join discussions that value respect, tolerance, and a genuine desire to understand the complex narratives that shape our world.
I invite you to follow along as I explore the stories that shape our world. Subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive insights, and join the conversation on my blog as we navigate these complex topics together. Your engagement is not only welcomed but vital as we explore these intricate themes.
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Delve into the insights of Noah Kennedy as he explores the intricate intersections of myth, history, and contemporary politics. Discover more about his research and thought-provoking discussions.
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