Social Power Theory

A framework ranking the fundamental forces that drive human societies, where Money is the base, tangible power (controlling resources), the Individual (genius, leader, or icon) is the catalytic power that redirects history, and the Nation-State is the supreme, organized power that monopolizes violence and ideology. Jiang argues these layers constantly interact: great individuals (like Steve Jobs or Napoleon) harness money to create change, but ultimately get co-opted or crushed by the state apparatus, which is the only entity that can legally print money, wage war, and define truth. It's a cheat sheet for who really calls the shots.

Example: "Social Power Theory explains Elon Musk: he has Money power (Tesla wealth) and Individual power (cult following), but if he clashes with Nation-State power (the U.S. government over satellites or China over factory rules), the state will win every time. The house always wins."

by Abzugal January 24, 2026

Religious Power Evolution Theory

A historical model tracing how humanity's ultimate authority figure has evolved: from Polytheistic gods (multiple, chaotic, like Greek myths), to Monotheistic God (one, absolute, providing universal order, like in Christianity/Islam), to the modern "gods" of Science & Atheism (where logic, data, and human reason are the new sources of dogma). Jiang argues each stage centralizes more abstract and powerful control over human thought and morality. The current "Age of Science" is just another religion with its own priesthood (academics), heretics (climate deniers), and promise of salvation (technological utopia).

Example: "Religious Power Evolution Theory says wokeism is the new monotheism: there's one original sin (oppression), a clear devil (the racist/sexist), a path to salvation (allyship), and an inquisition (cancel culture). It's not science; it's theology with a sociology degree."

by Abzugal January 24, 2026

Microwave Power Plants

Beaming energy like a sci-fi Wi-Fi router from hell. These systems generate electricity (likely from solar in space or ground-based fusion) and convert it into a focused beam of microwaves. This beam is transmitted wirelessly over long distances—for example, from a solar satellite in orbit to a receiving rectenna (rectifying antenna) on Earth—where it's converted back into grid electricity. It's the solution for powering remote bases, disaster zones, or entire cities without cables, but the idea of firing megawatt microwave beams through the atmosphere makes people understandably nervous.

*Example: "The moon base gets its power from microwave power plants—solar arrays on the lunar equator beam it up as microwaves to satellites, which then beam it down to our outpost at the pole. Just don't walk through the receiving zone without your protective suit unless you fancy being cooked from the inside."

by Dumuabzu January 29, 2026

UV Power Plants

A niche but brutal form of energy capture focused on the high-energy end of the light spectrum. These plants use specialized photovoltaic cells or thermal systems tuned to efficiently absorb ultraviolet light, which is more energetic than visible light. This is particularly useful in space (where UV isn't filtered by an atmosphere) or on planets with thin ozone layers. They represent a more specialized, high-efficiency form of solar power that ignores the visible light we see, instead harvesting the more powerful, invisible rays that give you sunburns.

*Example: "On Titan, the dim sunlight makes normal solar panels useless. But the high-altitude UV is still strong, so our entire outpost runs on UV power plants with collectors on the mountain peaks, soaking up the invisible rays that pierce the haze."

by Dumuabzu January 29, 2026

Science Power Struggle

The often-hidden political and economic battle over who controls the direction, funding, and narrative of scientific research. This is the dark underbelly of pure inquiry: tenured professors blocking rival theories, corporate funders shaping study outcomes, governments weaponizing research for prestige, and publishers charging outrageous fees. It's the realization that the "marketplace of ideas" is a rigged game with gatekeepers, investors, and propaganda.

Example: "His groundbreaking paper on a cheap battery was buried because of the science power struggle. A senior reviewer with ties to a lithium-ion company sat on it for a year, then recommended rejection based on a minor methodology quibble. Truth doesn't win; it needs a lobbyist." Science Power Struggle

by Abzugal January 30, 2026

Science Power Struggle

The hidden political and economic battle that determines which science gets done, by whom, and for what purpose. This is the dark underbelly of the paradigm struggle: the fight over grants, tenured positions, journal editorships, and prestige. It's where corporate funding shapes research agendas to favor profitable outcomes, where senior scientists block rivals' work, and where governments weaponize research for geopolitical advantage. Truth may win in the long run, but in the short term, power decides which truths get the microphone and the money.

Example: "His groundbreaking paper on a cheap renewable energy storage method was buried for a decade due to a Science Power Struggle. A powerful reviewer with ties to the fossil fuel industry sat on it, called it 'not sufficiently rigorous,' and fast-tracked his own graduate student's competing, weaker paper. The better science lost because it threatened the wrong people's kingdoms."

by AbzuInExile February 1, 2026

Portable Power Sources

Compact, high-density devices or systems designed to generate, store, and deliver substantial electrical or mechanical energy for mobile operations in remote or off-grid environments. This goes beyond a power bank; it's the lifeblood of field science, military ops, and planetary exploration. Think micro-reactors, advanced fuel cells, or high-capacity quantum batteries that can run a habitat, a vehicle, or a suite of instruments for weeks or years without a plug. The core challenge is maximizing energy density (joules per kilogram) while maintaining safety and durability under extreme conditions. It's the modern, high-tech equivalent of carrying fire.

*Example: In The Martian, Mark Watney's reliance on the Portable Power Sources of the RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator)—a nuclear battery that provided constant heat and electricity—is what kept him alive. A modern special forces team using silent, hydrogen fuel cell packs to run their comms, drones, and exosuits for a 72-hour mission is leveraging next-gen portable power.*

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 3, 2026