Charles Hugh Smith's Substack

Charles Hugh Smith's Substack

Why Is Everything Such a Hot Mess?

Nobody believes that "doing more of what's failed" will actually fail, because to date it's only made insiders rich.

Charles Hugh Smith's avatar
Charles Hugh Smith
Jan 12, 2026
∙ Paid

Why Is Everything Such a Hot Mess? Let’s summarize the consensus views.

1. Sociopaths are in charge. There are two options: A) the sociopaths gained power through official, legitimate means such as elections or royal bloodlines, or B) the real web of power is hidden from public view and operates behind the screen of official authority.

2. Alternatively, t…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Charles Hugh Smith.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Charles Hugh Smith · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture