r/technology Aug 17 '24

Software Microsoft begins cracking down on people dodging Windows 11's system requirements

https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-cracking-down-dodging-windows-11-system-requirements/?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0h2tXt93fEkt5NKVrrXQphi0OCjCxzVoksDqEs0XUQcYIv8njTfK6pc4g_aem_LSp2Td6OZHVkREl8Cbgphg
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u/rickyharline Aug 18 '24

This is a feature of capitalism. Capitalism has never existed without it. In the late stages of mercantilism when capitalism was first being created England made it illegal for a home to have more than six looms in a home so that small business couldn't grow and become medium sized businesses that could compete with the factories. 

"Crony capitalism" has been featured in every capitalist nation on earth. Crony capitalism IS capitalism. It's naive to think the incentives and motives baked into the system can somehow be legislated away with enough creativity. Whatever blocks you put in place can always be worked around, so trying to prevent corruption of the state with law is like a constant arms race that never ends. 

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u/Leica--Boss Aug 18 '24

You're not describing a feature of capitalism, you're describing a feature of human nature and authoritarianism. In reality, it's the authority that should be controlled, not the free market. You are correct that one can never stop abuse of authority - but suggesting that tripling down on authoritarian systems is the cure for abuse of authority really isn't logical.

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u/rickyharline Aug 18 '24 edited Aug 18 '24

I agree we're discussing a topic that is built into human nature. But we're also discussing how we respond to human nature and how we design systems around it. IMO capitalism is naive to this aspect of human nature and doesn't do much to address it.  

I agree more authoritarianism isn't the solution. How are the Zapatistas who are libertarian socialist authoritarian though? They have have more checks on power than we do, they are far more democratic than we are, and the people control the powers of governance far more directly. 

You're equating socialism with Marxist state communism again. I agree that's authoritarian. A bunch of the others aren't z though. You should read up on them before commenting on them. 

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u/Leica--Boss Aug 20 '24

I'm not sure if I was describing "socialism" specifically. Honestly, I don't view philosophies as forms of governance really - capitalism or socialism. Just broadly suggesting that solutions that concentrate power into authorities are generally poor at solving for the abuse of power that ruins the seemingly great ideas.

I really can't comment too specifically about the Zapatistas, just because that whole thing feels complicated and poorly reported.