Hope Against the Algorithm

The Skeptical Leftist Podcast

In this episode of Red Reviews, we dive into Erich Fromm’s The Revolution of Hope and explore how hope—not blind optimism—can be a radical tool for social change. We tackle the dangers of a mechanized society, critique the unchecked power of big tech, and discuss what a truly democratic, humanistic use of technology could look like. Along the way, we dig into the environmental costs of generative AI, the allure of doomerism, and why Fromm’s ideas about radical hope are more relevant than ever. It’s a conversation about technology, democracy, and what it means to fight for a better world. Tune in and let us know what you think!

You can get the book herehttps://z-library.sk/book/3364561/56fc32/the-revolution-of-hope-toward-a-humanized-technology.html

Or purchase a copy at one of these bookshops

https://pilsencommunitybooks.com/item/x_TGv4UhblvxFiVomYzB8Q

https://www.abebooks.com/9781935307372/Revolution-Hope-Fromm-Erich-1935307371/plp

https://www.matthewsbookshop.com/pages/books/3445/erich-fromm/the-revolution-of-hope

Here are some extra notes from Justin and for an article referenced in the discussion

https://www.justinclark.org/blog/hope-in-the-machine-towards-a-humanistic-technology

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18zF93wCw9vzpgpRTjNK9TxE3Qbm_weB0QyNCuJDm2DQ/edit?tab=t.0

https://newrepublic.com/article/180487/balaji-srinivasan-network-state-plutocrat

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