Rebooting Humanity: Wokeness Is the Anti-Virus Update We Need
How Reasonable People Can Unite to Remove the Virus of Pathocracy and Restore Justice, Decency, and Collaboration
Humanity’s Operating System Has Been Infected
Humanity is like a vast operating system designed to run on principles of fairness, collaboration, and kindness. Research in sociology, psychology, and evolutionary biology shows that humans are hardwired to work together, share resources, and build systems based on trust and mutual benefit. This is how we’ve survived and thrived for millennia.
But our current system has been corrupted.
What should be a fair and collaborative operating system is now riddled with viruses. Neoliberalism, the corporatisation of every aspect of life, the erosion of democratic institutions, the rise of authoritariansim, and the excessive power of tech billionaires have hijacked the system. This is our Second Gilded Age, where a tiny elite hoards wealth and power while the rest of humanity struggles with growing inequality, climate breakdown, and the weakening of social trust. To distract us, figures like Elon Musk have coined terms like the “woke mind virus,” weaponising fear and disinformation to deflect attention from their exploitation of resources and power, all while undermining the systems of fairness and accountability that protect society from collapse.
Systems are complex, and the most dangerous thing about corruption is how hard it is to see until it’s too late.
Like a computer infected with malware, society often continues running, albeit sluggishly, while the damage spreads unseen beneath the surface. The warning signs—like the collapse of trust in democratic institutions, record profits for corporations during crises, and tech monopolies dictating public discourse—are everywhere. But unless we act now, the degradation will reach a point of no return.
The good news is that we can see the virus for what it is and call out what is wrong. From climate inaction to runaway corporate greed, we can identify the flaws in the system and take steps to fix them. Wokeness—the collective call for accountability, fairness, and justice—is the anti-virus we need to clean the system and reset humanity on a better path.
Wokeness: The Antidote, Not the Problem
At its core, wokeness is about awareness, accountability, and action. It’s the software update that keeps humanity’s operating system running smoothly, addressing bugs like injustice, inequality, and exploitation. Wokeness calls us to confront systemic racism, fight for gender equality, tackle climate change, and hold power to account.
But this essential update has been branded as a threat. Extremists and vested interests have weaponised the term “wokeness,” twisting it into a bogeyman to stoke fear and division. Why? Because wokeness threatens their ability to exploit unchecked. It demands transparency, fairness, and responsibility—values that undermine their grip on power.
This isn’t the first time forces of oppression have attacked movements for justice. History shows us that those in power have always demonised those fighting for equality, from the civil rights movement to the suffragettes. But these movements prevailed because reasonable people stood together to demand change.
Lessons From History: Recognising the Signs of a Hacked System
History has repeatedly shown us the devastating consequences of ignoring the warning signs of a corrupted system. Each time, the cost of inaction grew as pathocrats gained power. Consider these examples:
The Rise of Fascism in the 1930s
Fascist leaders like Adolf Hitler exploited societal instability, spreading lies and division to gain power. Millions paid the price for ignoring the early warning signs of a hacked system.McCarthyism in the 1950s
In the U.S., fear of communism created an environment of paranoia and persecution. Careers were destroyed, freedoms were eroded, and communities were divided—until reasonable people finally stood up to challenge the lies.South Africa’s Anti-Apartheid Movement
The apartheid regime labelled activists like Nelson Mandela as threats to the system. But the solidarity of ordinary people dismantled this oppressive regime, proving that collective action can reboot even the most corrupted systems.
Each of these moments shows that when reasonable people act, they can bring down dangerous demagogues and restore decency. But waiting too long allows the infection to spread, making the fight harder and the losses greater.
Pathocracy: The Virus Infecting Our Operating System
Psychologist Andrzej Łobaczewski, who fought in the Polish resistance during World War II, developed the concept of pathocracy to describe a system of governance hijacked by individuals with pathological traits, such as narcissism, psychopathy, sadism, and a lack of empathy. His experiences resisting the brutal Nazi regime gave him firsthand insight into how authoritarian leaders manipulate societies, exploiting fear, division, and disinformation to seize and maintain power.
Łobaczewski observed that these so-called pathocrats thrive in environments of chaos and mistrust, systematically dismantling institutions of fairness and justice while consolidating control for their own gain. Like a virus infecting a healthy system, they disable society’s natural defences—its trust, collaboration, and accountability—and redirect its resources to serve their destructive agendas. His work offers a chilling warning: societies can be corrupted from within when power falls into the hands of individuals driven by greed and cruelty rather than empathy and decency.
Importantly, these pathocrats are a vocal minority. Studies show that individuals who seek to dismantle justice, equality, and sustainability represent no more than 10-15% of the population. However, they rely on the apathy, silence, and inaction of the majority to maintain their grip on power. By creating division and fostering mistrust, they weaken the collective resolve needed to challenge their control.
The Second Gilded Age is a prime example of pathocracy in action. Tech billionaires dominate public discourse, corporations rewrite laws in their favour, and democratic institutions are eroded by lobbying and disinformation campaigns. These forces exploit humanity’s operating system, draining resources and destabilising society for profit.
Wokeness is under attack because it threatens the ability of pathocrats to manipulate and exploit unchecked. They weaponise fear, branding wokeness a “mind virus” to distract us from the real threat: their greed and cruelty. But their power depends on our inaction. If we see through their lies, reject division, and act together, we can neutralise their influence and restore fairness, collaboration, and decency to our systems.
Karl Popper’s Paradox of Tolerance
Philosopher Karl Popper warned us about the Paradox of Tolerance: if a society tolerates intolerance, it will destroy tolerance itself. Allowing extremists to spread lies and dismantle democratic norms is not civility—it’s surrender. Politicians who accuse others of 'wokeness' reveal more about their true intentions and own fear of accountability and change than the people they criticise—such attacks are a desperate attempt to shield themselves from the scrutiny of a fairer, more just society.
Anti-virus systems, like wokeness, are designed to protect us from these threats. Defending wokeness isn’t about being oversensitive—it’s about preserving the fairness, collaboration, and justice that make society function.
The Case for Human Kindness: Why Most of Us Are the Solution
Rutger Bregman’s Humankind: A Hopeful History reminds us that humans are wired for kindness and cooperation. Far from being selfish or cruel, the majority of people are decent and want to help others. This is our greatest strength—and the ultimate defence against the virus of pathocracy.
But kindness alone isn’t enough. Like any operating system, humanity needs maintenance and updates to stay healthy. Wokeness is that update. It ensures we confront injustices, hold power to account, and stay vigilant against emerging threats.
How We Can Reboot the System: A Call to Action
The system is under attack, but it’s not beyond saving. Reasonable people can act as the anti-virus, removing the malware of pathocracy and restoring humanity’s operating system. Here’s how:
Install Integrity
Support community independents and leaders who prioritise accountability, fairness, and sustainability.Eliminate Disinformation
Speak up when you encounter lies or injustice. Challenge propaganda, even in your own circles.Strengthen Networks
Join forces with community groups, activist networks, or organisations fighting for justice and climate action.Upgrade to Ethical Systems
Shift your spending to businesses that prioritise sustainability and human rights.Demand Environmental Security
Hold corporations and governments accountable for their role in the climate crisis. Advocate for policies that prioritise our planet over profit.Share the Update
Stay informed and spread knowledge. Help others see through the disinformation.
Reclaiming Humanity Before It’s Too Late
The operating system is failing, but we still have time to act. Fires, floods, and rising authoritarianism are the signs of a collapsing system. Reasonable people have always been the ones to bring down tyranny—but the time for action is now.
Wokeness is the anti-virus humanity needs.
It strengthens our defences, restores fairness, and protects us from the forces of division and greed. As Karl Popper warned, tolerance cannot extend to intolerance. And as Rutger Bregman reminds us, our natural state is one of kindness and cooperation.
The monsters have revealed themselves.
The question is, will we stand by and let them destroy our future? Or will we rise together to reboot humanity and build a better world?
History is watching. Let’s ensure it remembers us as the generation that acted—not just for ourselves, but for all of humanity.