April 17, 2002: Anarchist - John Zerzan

Art Bell interviews anarchist author John Zerzan, who advocates dismantling industrial civilization and believes technology inherently reduces human freedom. Zerzan, who owns no car or computer, travels by bicycle, and corresponds with Unabomber Ted Kaczynski, argues that the pre-civilization period of human history spanning roughly two million years demonstrates that organized violence and social alienation are products of civilization rather than human nature.

Art challenges Zerzan on the contradictions of using radio technology and air travel to spread an anti-technology message. Zerzan acknowledges the paradox but maintains that participation in the current system is unavoidable while working to change it. He advocates property destruction targeting corporations responsible for environmental harm, distinguishing this from violence against people, and points to the anti-globalization movement as the most promising vehicle for change. The conversation touches on the 1999 Seattle WTO protests, which Zerzan views as an inspirational moment of resistance.

The two spar over the internet, with Art arguing it represents unprecedented access to information and Zerzan countering that people have never been more isolated or culturally standardized despite supposed connectivity. Zerzan concedes he has running water, electricity, and a telephone, admitting these are compromises he makes while living within the system he opposes.