Civilization Theory

A grand‑narrative approach that traces the life‑cycle of human societies from birth to decay. Jiang’s “Civilization” lectures argue that civilizations are driven not just by economics or technology, but by the unifying power of transcendent beliefs—religions, ideologies, and cultural myths. When those beliefs erode, the society loses its cohesion and eventually collapses. It’s a sweeping, philosophical take on why some cultures last millennia and others flame out in centuries.

“Civilization Theory says the West is in its ‘late‑imperial’ phase: too much bureaucracy, not enough faith, and a looming demographic winter. Time to reread Gibbon and pray for a renaissance.”

by Abzugal January 24, 2026

Applied Game Theory

Using game‑theory models to explain real‑world politics, economics, and social behavior. Jiang strips away the abstract math and applies concepts like the prisoner’s dilemma, zero‑sum games, and Nash equilibria to everything from dating to nuclear brinkmanship. The idea is that if you can figure out the “payoff matrix” of any situation, you can predict—and even manipulate—the choices of the players. It’s strategy for geeks who want to rule the world.

“Applied Game Theory explains why the U.S. and China are stuck in an arms race: it’s a classic ‘security dilemma’ where neither side can back down without looking weak. Spoiler: the only winning move is to change the game.”

by Abzugal January 24, 2026

Great Books Theory

The conviction that the classic texts of Western (and global) literature—from Homer to Dante to Shakespeare—contain timeless wisdom about human nature, morality, and the forces that shape history. Jiang argues that these “Great Books” are not just old stories; they are encoded manuals for understanding the present and navigating the future. Reading them is like downloading the software of civilization itself.

“Great Books Theory says that if you want to predict the next Trump, read Macbeth. If you want to understand modern propaganda, read *1984*. And if you want to know where society is headed, crack open the Iliad—it’s all there, dude.”

by Abzugal January 24, 2026

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

Social Control Theory

The study of how elites (states, corporations, institutions) keep the masses in line using a trio of levers: Money (economic incentives/debt), Ideology (narratives like patriotism or wokeness), and Fear (of chaos, violence, or ostracism). Jiang posits that stable societies master all three: pay people enough to be comfortable, convince them the system is just, and scare them with what happens if it falls. The theory examines which lever is pulled during crises—print more money, ramp up propaganda, or unleash the police.

Example: "During the pandemic, Social Control Theory was on full display: Money (stimulus checks), Ideology ('we're all in this together'), and Fear (of disease and social shaming). When one lever failed, they doubled down on the other two."

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

Imaginary Control Theory

The radical idea that the most powerful forces in society—Money, Individual rights, and Nation-States—are collective hallucinations we all agree to believe in. A dollar bill is just paper; a border is just a line; your "freedom" is just a story. Jiang's theory states that power is the ability to control these shared fictions and make them feel real and immutable. The most successful elites are the master world-builders who can create a new "imaginary" (like cryptocurrency or a new national identity) and get millions to buy into it.

Example: "Imaginary Control Theory explains Bitcoin: it's a new shared fiction of value, created from nothing, that competes with the old fiction of the U.S. dollar. The 'truth' is just whichever story more people believe and enforce. It's all a meta-game of make-believe with tanks and bank accounts."

by Abzugal January 24, 2026