refactor: update images in blog posts

src/content/journal/2025/modern-atlas-shrugged-1-signs-of-decline.mdx

@@ -41,12 +41,11 @@ I first read Ayn Rand’s fiction in March 2023. Since then, I have [read numero
   This essay will be full of spoilers in case you haven’t read the book.
 </Banner>
 
-<Figure caption="“This is John Galt Speaking.”">
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-john-galt.webp"
-    alt="A serious-looking John Galt in a shirt and tie speaks into a vintage microphone, with sunburst patterns and art deco designs in the background."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  caption="“This is John Galt Speaking.”"
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-john-galt.webp"
+  alt="A serious-looking John Galt in a shirt and tie speaks into a vintage microphone, with sunburst patterns and art deco designs in the background."
+/>
 
 My favorite chapter from the book is Part 3, Chapter VII, “This is John Galt Speaking.” In this chapter, the ominous John Galt takes control of all broadcasting in the country and presents a four-hour argument that human reason and individual self-interest form the foundations of a moral and productive society. He rejects altruism and collectivism as destructive forces that enslave the capable to the incompetent. Galt asserts that the mind is the source of all value and calls on the “men of the mind”—the innovators and producers—to withdraw from a world that punishes their virtues, leading to its inevitable collapse. This chapter defends capitalism, personal freedom, and the pursuit of happiness through rational self-reliance.
 
@@ -72,12 +71,11 @@ The socialist government is developing a secret weapon system called “Project
 
 People use the phrase “Who is John Galt?” to express their frustration and anger at government policies. If you recognize these signs, congratulations! You are not alone. If you don’t, allow me to share my thoughts.
 
-<Figure caption="Who is John Galt?">
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-who-is-john-galt.webp"
-    alt="A narrow, dirty alleyway at night, lined with tall brick buildings covered in colorful graffiti, one with says 'Who is John Galt?', and scattered with piles of trash, while a glowing city skyline is visible in the distance under a starry sky."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  caption="Who is John Galt?"
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-who-is-john-galt.webp"
+  alt="A narrow, dirty alleyway at night, lined with tall brick buildings covered in colorful graffiti, one with says 'Who is John Galt?', and scattered with piles of trash, while a glowing city skyline is visible in the distance under a starry sky."
+/>
 
 ## Industrial and Economic Decline
 
@@ -85,12 +83,10 @@ People use the phrase “Who is John Galt?” to express their frustration and a
 
 Sixteen years ago, the economies of the European Union and the United States stood shoulder to shoulder, each a titan of global prosperity. Today, the US boasts a GDP of €25,5 trillion—50% larger than the EU’s €16,6 trillion. At the heart of Europe’s faltering fortunes lies Germany, once an industrial juggernaut, now a shadow of its former self. The International Monetary Fund ranks it last among the world’s top 30 economies, and it ended 2023 with a negative growth rate of 0.3% GDP. Germany has fallen from 6th in global competitiveness in 2014 to 24th in 2024. This decline is not only a national crisis—it’s a warning for Europe and the West. What went wrong? A toxic mix of energy missteps, industrial neglect, and excessive state control has dragged Germany into an economic mire, with ripple effects threatening the broader Western world.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-decline.webp"
-    alt="A golden, muscular figure stands confidently among ruined buildings, with dark clouds and sun rays shining through in the background."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-decline.webp"
+  alt="A golden, muscular figure stands confidently among ruined buildings, with dark clouds and sun rays shining through in the background."
+/>
 
 The statistics present a troubling scenario. Germany’s GDP decreased by 0.2% in 2024, and productivity growth has stalled. The IMF reduced its 2025 forecast by 0.5 points to just 0.3%, while the country’s long-term potential growth has halved from 1.4% to 0.7% over five years. In contrast, the US has seen its potential growth rise to 2.8%. Globally, Germany’s share of GDP has fallen from 5% to 4% over the past decade, while the US’s share increased from 22% to 26%. Domestically, the DAX index of export giants surged by 18.56% in 2024, masking the MDAX’s decline of 5.35%. Wealth per person has dropped to €68,000, leaving Germans poorer than Slovenians and ranking 30th worldwide. These figures are not only statistics; they signal distress from a nation losing its economic stability.
 
@@ -104,12 +100,10 @@ Germany’s troubles resonate across Europe. The EU has no trillion-dollar compa
 
 One sign of decline is the collapse of infrastructure. In Germany, public infrastructure investment is critically low, ranking near the bottom in the EU. This situation is exacerbated by planning delays and a shortage of skilled labor. Despite the potential for course correction, experts suggest it may already be too late, raising concerns about Germany’s ability to catch up with other EU countries in infrastructure development.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-bridge.webp"
-    alt="A golden, muscular figure kneels on rubble by a river, surrounded by damaged buildings, with a bridge and a dramatic sunrise or sunset in the background."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-bridge.webp"
+  alt="A golden, muscular figure kneels on rubble by a river, surrounded by damaged buildings, with a bridge and a dramatic sunrise or sunset in the background."
+/>
 
 A prime example of this is the Carolabrücke in Dresden, which partially collapsed on September 11th, 2024, narrowly avoiding casualties during peak traffic hours. The left-wing city council majority rejected a crucial structural integrity review requested by the Free Voters, prioritizing political affiliations over public safety. More than half a year later, the debris remains uncleared, and the construction of a new bridge is not to be expected before 2035.
 
@@ -121,12 +115,10 @@ Ironically, Germany is lagging behind Brazil and Peru in terms of average intern
 
 While trains in China reach speeds of up to 800 km/h, in Germany, you are fortunate if they arrive at all. Deutsche Bahn exemplifies the inefficiencies and decline of the German railway system. Although it operates as a stock company, the state owns 100% of Deutsche Bahn AG, making it state-owned. In 2024, only 62.5% of long-distance trains arrived within six minutes of their scheduled time. Cancellations and disruptions are common, often due to ongoing construction and an aging infrastructure that requires extensive repairs. The company has launched a new initiative to improve punctuality and reliability, with plans to reduce delays by 2027 and achieve a punctuality rate of 75-80%.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-trains.webp"
-    alt="A golden train crosses a broken bridge over water, driving away from a futuristic city with tall skyscrapers, under dramatic sun rays and clouds."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-trains.webp"
+  alt="A golden train crosses a broken bridge over water, driving away from a futuristic city with tall skyscrapers, under dramatic sun rays and clouds."
+/>
 
 Cancellations are so frequent and problematic that anyone who has taken a train can share horror stories about their experiences. I have several stories, including instances where I was late by three hours or more due to snow, fallen trees, or suicides. I injured my leg when someone pushed me while I tried to board a replacement bus that arrived two hours after the trains stopped, as 500 people attempted to enter a bus with room for only 120.
 
@@ -138,12 +130,10 @@ Infrastructure decline is a critical issue. Decades of underinvestment have led
 
 Another company declining is the Deutsche Post AG or DHL Group. Although privatized in the 1990s, the state still holds nearly 17% through the KfW Bank. The company has been struggling with labor shortages, particularly in logistics and transportation. The shortage of truck drivers has led to delays in deliveries and increased costs for businesses. The company has also faced criticism for its treatment of workers, including low wages and poor working conditions, which have led to strikes and protests.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-post.webp"
-    alt="A golden delivery van labeled 'Golden Parcel' drives through a city with tall buildings, dramatic clouds, and sun rays in the background."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-post.webp"
+  alt="A golden delivery van labeled 'Golden Parcel' drives through a city with tall buildings, dramatic clouds, and sun rays in the background."
+/>
 
 More people than ever formally complained about the postal service last year. Over 44,000 complaints about the former state-owned company reached the Federal Network Agency in 2024, marking a 7% increase from the previous year and setting a record.
 
@@ -157,12 +147,10 @@ However, the postal service is contributing to these issues itself. By the end o
 
 In 2015, Germany’s education system faced a sobering reality check when the PISA results revealed a sharp decline in students’ reading, math, and science competencies. A decade later, this downward trend continues, with reading scores plummeting since Angela Merkel’s 2015 open-door refugee policy. This is not just a statistical anomaly; it reflects a broader competency crisis that threatens Germany’s future. The nation is grappling with a combination of demographic, educational, and societal shifts that require urgent attention. What is driving this decline, and how did a country once renowned for its precision and intellect reach this point?
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-education.webp"
-    alt="A teacher stands in front of a chalkboard filled with complex math equations, explaining to a classroom of attentive students."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-education.webp"
+  alt="A teacher stands in front of a chalkboard filled with complex math equations, explaining to a classroom of attentive students."
+/>
 
 Germany’s competency crisis starts with its demographics. For over 50 years, fertility rates have remained between 1.2 and 1.5 children per woman, well below the replacement level of 2.1. This has created an age pyramid with a large cohort of baby boomers, born in the 1960s, who are now nearing retirement. These workers, who form the backbone of Germany’s skilled trades and industries, will soon leave the labor market, taking decades of expertise with them. The result is a shrinking working-age population and a growing knowledge gap that younger generations are ill-prepared to fill.
 
@@ -184,12 +172,10 @@ Too often, fingers point outward—to schools, teachers, or abstract “systems
 
 One of the main drivers of the economic decline is Germany’s ideologically driven Energiewende policy, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2045. This policy seeks to transition the nation from fossil fuels and nuclear power to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Since 1971, the energy mix has evolved significantly, with low-carbon alternatives—such as wind, solar, biofuels, and hydropower—gaining traction. However, a crucial decision made under Angela Merkel and finalized under Olaf Scholz phased out nuclear power entirely, reducing capacity from 23 GW to 0 GW by 2023. This move, influenced by public fears following Fukushima and pressure from the Green Party, aimed to satisfy environmentalists but left Germany vulnerable. Over the past 25 years, the nation has invested more than €500 billion in renewables, constructing 30,000 wind turbines and over 3 million solar panels—many sourced from China. Yet, the promise of a stable, green energy future remains unfulfilled.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-energy.webp"
-    alt="A large golden hand blocks half of a radiant sun above a cityscape, dividing the scene into a warm side with wind turbines and a cool side with solar panels."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-energy.webp"
+  alt="A large golden hand blocks half of a radiant sun above a cityscape, dividing the scene into a warm side with wind turbines and a cool side with solar panels."
+/>
 
 The fragility of this transition becomes evident during “Dunkelflaute”—periods of cold, windless, and cloudy weather when renewable energy production declines. In late 2024 and early 2025, Germany experienced several such events, with wind and solar output plummeting to as low as 0.7 GW out of a 56 GW capacity—just over 1%—on December 27, 2024. During a week-long Dunkelflaute across Central Europe, which intensified over two days, wind energy provided almost nothing, and solar energy contributed zero. Electricity demand surged, but renewables could not keep up. Despite its scale, Germany’s renewable infrastructure fails to meet demand when nature does not cooperate.
 
@@ -217,12 +203,10 @@ A few days before the blackout, Repsol issued a mandatory stock market notice to
 
 Since Angela Merkel’s decision to permit an unlimited influx of immigrants in 2015, Germany has seen a significant increase in crime rates. In 2023, there were 21,000 reported knife attacks—nearly 60 per day. The online project [Messerinzidenz](https://messerinzidenz.de/) collects publicly available knife crime data and displays these attacks on a map daily. Nancy Faeser, the former Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, presented the Federal Crime Statistics (PKS), which reveal alarming figures and underscore the serious situation.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-knife-crime.webp"
-    alt="A golden figure kneels in the center of a cityscape, illuminated by the sun, while two shadowy figures on either side threaten with raised knifes."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-knife-crime.webp"
+  alt="A golden figure kneels in the center of a cityscape, illuminated by the sun, while two shadowy figures on either side threaten with raised knifes."
+/>
 
 Similar alarming trends are evident in crimes against sexual self-determination, which have surged from 30,000 to 80,000 per year since 2015. In 2023, group rapes in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) showed that 13% of suspects had clearly German names, while 34% had clearly foreign names, despite foreigners making up only 16.1% of the population in NRW. This indicates an overrepresentation of non-Germans in these crimes.
 
@@ -252,12 +236,10 @@ While socialist parties present immigration as the future and backbone of our ec
 
 Europe is more divided than ever. Even though some bureaucrats dream of a United States of Europe, this will never happen. The cultures, languages, and people are too different. Besides, the EU doesn’t want to create a federal system like the United States has with a constitution and 1st and 2nd amendment rights, but rather a centralized system that is more similar to the Soviet Union. Critics mock the EU as EUdSSR.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-politics.webp"
-    alt="Two politicians in suits angrily face each other with clenched fists, shouting, while dramatic sun rays and clouds fill the background."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-politics.webp"
+  alt="Two politicians in suits angrily face each other with clenched fists, shouting, while dramatic sun rays and clouds fill the background."
+/>
 
 The concept of a European state is more complex than just domestic trade and free travel; the countries involved are too diverse. Ideologically, we have progressive nations like France and Germany, alongside conservative ones such as Poland and Hungary, which hold vastly different views on migration, LGBTQ+ rights, and the rule of law. Financially, the countries are also divided. Wealthier nations like Germany and the Netherlands are net contributors, while poorer countries like Italy, Greece, and Spain face higher debt and unemployment, seeking more financial support from the EU.
 
@@ -271,12 +253,10 @@ The Euro devalues each year, and inflation is rampant. The EU has lost credibili
 
 The situation in Germany remains challenging. Thirty-six years after reunification, the country is more divided between East and West than it was when the Berlin Wall fell. The AfD (Alternative for Germany) has gained significant support in the East and is also growing in the West, making it the strongest party. This division is not only political; it reflects deeper cultural and ideological gaps that have persisted since reunification. However, the ideological divide between the AfD and other parties hinders the formation of a center-right coalition. The CDU (Christian Democratic Union) has broken all its pre-election promises and increased the debt by €1.5 trillion for rearmament, infrastructure, and ecological projects. They formed a coalition with the SPD (Social Democratic Party), the former leading party whose government collapsed prematurely, and continued the policies of the previous failed administration.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-rich-vs-poor.webp"
-    alt="A group of elegantly dressed people stand and sit on golden bars under rays of light, while a crowd of sad, hooded figures sits in the shadows below."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-rich-vs-poor.webp"
+  alt="A group of elegantly dressed people stand and sit on golden bars under rays of light, while a crowd of sad, hooded figures sits in the shadows below."
+/>
 
 Friedrich Merz, the new chancellor and a former Black Rock employee, understands that his party may cease to exist in the near future if it fails to deliver on its promises. He will face significant challenges in keeping these promises, as the socialist coalition partner will do everything possible to obstruct him. His election as chancellor was already embarrassing, as he became the first chancellor in the history of the republic to fail to secure a majority in the first round of voting. He needed additional support from the former SED—the Wall Murderer Party—to finally be elected chancellor in the second round.
 
@@ -296,12 +276,13 @@ Followers of the utopian vision view human nature as malleable, believing that p
 
 In contrast, followers of the tragic vision see human beings as inherently flawed and limited, both morally and intellectually. They believe that social evils and conflicts arise from these inherent limitations, not merely from poor institutions or a lack of effort. They argue that society must acknowledge these permanent limits. Progress involves finding workable trade-offs rather than pursuing perfection; attempts to achieve ideal outcomes can be futile and counterproductive. They emphasize evolved traditions, systemic processes (such as markets and families), and the importance of incentives, rather than relying solely on rational planning or moral intentions. Justice and freedom are viewed in terms of fair processes and the absence of arbitrary power, rather than guaranteed outcomes. They advocate for incremental social change, as categorical or sweeping changes often overlook complexities and lead to unintended consequences.
 
-<Figure caption="Snicklink: The greatest psyop of all time.">
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-snicklink-psyop.webp"
-    alt="The image is split into two parts. The top part shows a group of wealthy men in old-fashioned suits and top hats, laughing together. The bottom part is a grid of cartoon-style drawings showing pairs of people angrily arguing, each pair with different symbols above them representing various political, social, or cultural issues."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  caption="The greatest psyop of all time."
+  source="Snicklink"
+  sourceUrl="https://x.com/snicklink/status/1746487986001186952"
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-snicklink-psyop.webp"
+  alt="The image is split into two parts. The top part shows a group of wealthy men in old-fashioned suits and top hats, laughing together. The bottom part is a grid of cartoon-style drawings showing pairs of people angrily arguing, each pair with different symbols above them representing various political, social, or cultural issues."
+/>
 
 The country is divided on many issues, making it difficult to keep track: climate change, energy policies, immigration, gender ideology and LGBTQ+ matters, COVID-19 vaccines and lockdowns, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, free speech, religion, the Ukraine war, the Israel-Palestine conflict, meat consumption, language, education, and even the concept of “freedom” itself. While the left was the peaceful faction in the 1970s, it has now become authoritarian and collectivist. They demand censorship against “hate speech” and “misinformation,” call for rearmament, and even advocate for open war with Russia, all while promoting a new form of moralizing authoritarianism. The terms “Nazi,” “Fascist,” and “Hitler” are used so frequently that they have lost their meaning. They support globalist agendas like the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030, and plans for a one-world government and 15-minute cities, pushed forward by organizations such as NATO, the UN, WHO, and the WEF. While many people might still have diverse opinions on topics, it has become nearly impossible to voice opinions without risking the loss of friendships, jobs, or even being reported to the reporting centers. The left has become the new authoritarian faction, and the right has become the new peaceful faction.
 
@@ -311,12 +292,10 @@ A survey by Datapraxis and YouGov, conducted across all European countries, reve
 
 The divide extends even between genders. A striking [article](https://archive.is/PSONZ) in the Financial Times from January 2024 examined how the perspectives of women and men aged 18 to 30 have evolved since the 1990s. The article compares several countries in the East and West, presenting diagrams for South Korea, the USA, Germany, and the UK. In Germany and the US, men have become slightly more conservative over time, while women have become more progressive by 20 to 30 points. In the UK, men have become 20 points more progressive, while for women it increased by 50 points. In South Korea, women have become 30 points more progressive, while men have become 20 points more conservative. The gender divide encompasses issues such as sexual harassment, immigration, and racial justice. This ideological split could have long-term societal implications, potentially influencing political landscapes, marriage rates, and social dynamics.
 
-<Figure>
-  <Image
-    src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-division.webp"
-    alt="Two golden figures hold hands in front of dark clouds, separated by a jagged black lightning bolt under bright sun rays."
-  />
-</Figure>
+<BasicImage
+  src="/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-division.webp"
+  alt="Two golden figures hold hands in front of dark clouds, separated by a jagged black lightning bolt under bright sun rays."
+/>
 
 While it may initially seem that men have issues with women becoming more independent, there are other explanations. The modern world has disconnected people, particularly women, from the real dangers of life. A world built and maintained by men—where in some jobs, men comprise 90% or more—creates the illusion of a consequence-free environment. Additionally, women tend to be more empathetic. While it is natural and beneficial for them to direct this empathy toward their offspring, family, and community, many women, particularly childless women, extend this empathy to the entire world, including strangers, animals, and nature. Dr. Gad Saad, a professor of marketing at Concordia University, coined the term “suicidal empathy” to describe this phenomenon. He argues that it results from the modern world’s [disconnect from reality](/interpretation-the-gods-of-the-copybook-headings/). This form of empathy can lead to a misunderstanding of the real dangers and consequences of certain ideologies and policies, ultimately causing societal harm.