Technocracy

Technocracy reached its peak popularity in the mid-20th century led by M. King Hubbert (see Peak Oil) and other scientists who believed that white collar specialty professionals such as engineers and other technical experts should be in control of decision making in their respective fields. Technocracy is a system in which "experts" are in charge of government. In other words, decision makers should gain their positions based on knowledge not political maneuvering.

Technocrats suggest technology-focused solutions and approach governmental problems with a "problem-solution mindset." The technocracy movement's influence may be seen within the modern "cult of technology" and the idea of an advanced "information society."

There are certainly negatives to be associated with the Technocratic movement. Hubbert, for instance, was not only a leading proponent of technocracy; he also came up with the idea of Peak Oil, a flawed concept that postulates that the world is running out of energy with potentially disastrous results.

Ironically, it is likely that Hubbert generated his thesis in order to create a problem for technocrats to solve. In fact, one of the ways that modern society is addressing the non-existent crisis of Peak Oil (and the similarly non-existent crisis of Global Warming) is through the worldwide installation of Smart Meters, as part of a larger Smart Grid.

While the Smart Grid phenomenon has not received much attention, even within the alternative press, it is certainly a problematic development. Smart Meters are intended to monitor every aspect of one's energy usage and, over time, can build up an actual profile of one how one lives and works within the larger gamut of energy use at home and at work.

The ramifications are staggering and have more to do with increasing the involvement of the state at all levels of one's personal behavior. It is not too speculative to assume – given what is going on generally as regards government intrusiveness – that energy companies in alliance with government forces might someday issue warning letters and penalties for those who stay in the shower too long or toast too many pieces of bread in the morning.

This then is the legacy of technocracy. After all, it was not a harmless idea that took root among scientists but a deeply malevolent plan to regulate human behavior in detail. Those who are ignorant of Technocracy or seek to defend it are assuming something is defensible when it is not.

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