Game theory time!
As a Norwegian it was quite a big epiphany once I started working with international clients. I realised that most of the world have turned into this rat race where cutting corners as much as possible for short-term gains is the standard. But why?
There's a hidden force driving society toward destruction, one that consumes ambition, creativity, and cooperation. This force is Moloch—an ancient symbol of self-destructive competition, where everyone races toward short-term gains, ultimately leading to long-term ruin for all. The name might be ancient, but its influence is more relevant than ever.
Moloch represents the systems and incentives that pit individuals, businesses, and nations against each other in a "race to the bottom." It's the reason why companies cut corners on quality to outprice competitors, why environmental destruction continues despite everyone knowing the consequences, and why nations stockpile weapons instead of fostering peace. In the pursuit of survival and advantage, humanity is sacrificing its future.
But here's the key: Moloch isn't invincible. The first step to defeating it is understanding that collaboration, not cutthroat competition, is the real solution. When individuals or groups align around shared values and a common vision, they create systems that reward long-term thinking, sustainability, and mutual benefit.
Innovation is also part of the answer. By designing systems with built-in incentives for cooperation—whether through decentralized technologies, fair governance, or ethical business models—we can align individual interests with collective well-being. Imagine an economic model where succeeding doesn't mean someone else must fail, or a governance structure where power isn't concentrated, but distributed.
Finally, a cultural shift is needed. We must prioritize purpose over profit, integrity over short-term gains, and vision over vanity. It's about resisting the seductive pull of quick wins that feed Moloch and instead investing in the long game—one that elevates humanity as a whole.
Moloch thrives on blind competition and shortsightedness, but humanity has the power to create better systems. Through cooperation, innovation, and a focus on shared progress, we can starve Moloch and build a future where human potential is realized, not sacrificed.