refactor: replace images with much improved versions

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

@@ -41,8 +41,19 @@ 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>
+
 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.
 
+<Figure caption="John Galt’s Speech">
+  <YouTube id="wseyWRBWzyM" />
+</Figure>
+
 <Banner summary="John Galt’s Speech & the Atlas Shrugged Movie">
   The speech is available in several versions on YouTube, which is a great alternative if you don’t
   want to read the full book. However, reading the book would be worthwhile. There is also a
@@ -53,10 +64,6 @@ My favorite chapter from the book is Part 3, Chapter VII, “This is John Galt S
   by the actor Greg Gomes.
 </Banner>
 
-<Figure caption="John Galt’s Speech">
-  <YouTube id="wseyWRBWzyM" />
-</Figure>
-
 The world of _Atlas Shrugged_ portrays a landscape of industrial decline, with factories closing across the country and essential products becoming scarce. The government nationalizes the private sector, implementing price controls and economic regulations. A crucial rail bridge, the Taggart Bridge, collapses due to substandard materials. Train schedules become unreliable, resulting in frequent derailments and accidents caused by poor maintenance and incompetent employees. One significant incident is the Taggart Tunnel disaster, which leads to the deaths of many passengers from coal smoke. New York City goes dark when the power grid fails.
 
 Many productive individuals mysteriously disappear. Incompetence is rising, and many positions are filled based on connections rather than merit. Sacrifice and need are valued more than achievement and productivity, while political interests influence scientific research.
@@ -78,8 +85,6 @@ 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.
 
-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.
-
 <Figure>
   <Image
     src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-decline.webp"
@@ -87,6 +92,8 @@ The statistics present a troubling scenario. Germany’s GDP decreased by 0.2% i
   />
 </Figure>
 
+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.
+
 Germany’s industrial strength is unraveling. The automotive sector, once a global leader, is stumbling—Volkswagen’s stock has dropped from €250 in 2021 to €86 in 2024. The steel, chemicals, and shipbuilding industries are also struggling as production declines. Family businesses, the backbone of the economy, are suffering: 20% plan job cuts in 2025, while only 16% intend to hire—the lowest rate since 2015. Investment is hesitant due to uncertainty and bureaucracy, with 62% of firms citing overregulation as a barrier. Job statistics reveal the situation: the car industry has shrunk to 97.5% of its 2021 workforce by 2024, while public administration has grown to 106%. Meanwhile, German companies are looking to Poland for lower costs, and tech firms are moving to the US. The industry isn’t just declining—it’s defecting.
 
 The economic decline seeps into society. The middle class shrinks, social mobility stagnates, and the lower classes sink deeper into poverty. Real estate is unstable as aging Boomers, who own most of it, will pass away—prices could implode within a decade. Trust erodes: satisfaction with the federal government plummeted from 60% in 2022 to 12% in 2024. A “dictatorship of opinion” silences dissent, and media illusions replace reality, driving people into escapism. Talent flees—90% of EU tech workers would move to the US for better pay (50% higher) and funding (five times more). In Berlin, startups face suspicion; founders are labeled “capitalist parasites.” Germany isn’t just losing wealth—it’s losing hope.
@@ -114,6 +121,13 @@ 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>
+
 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.
 
 The train service has deteriorated to the point that some neighboring countries have halted connections from Germany. This includes not just individual trains but increasingly entire routes. Since April 29, 2025, the EC7 and EC9 connections from Germany have been terminated at Basel Central Station in Switzerland due to significant delays on German trains. In contrast, 93% of all trains in Switzerland arrive on time. The termination of these connections will remain in effect at least until December.
@@ -124,6 +138,13 @@ 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>
+
 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.
 
 Compared to 2021, the number of complaints has nearly tripled. While criticism affects the entire postal and parcel industry, 89% of all complaints are directed at market leader DHL and its mail division, Deutsche Post. Customers are not only voicing concerns about delivery issues but also about branches that closed during their stated opening hours. The company typically attributes these problems to staff shortages.
@@ -136,8 +157,6 @@ 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?
 
-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.
-
 <Figure>
   <Image
     src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-education.webp"
@@ -145,6 +164,8 @@ Germany’s competency crisis starts with its demographics. For over 50 years, f
   />
 </Figure>
 
+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.
+
 Compounding this demographic challenge is a significant shift in education. While 90% of baby boomers trained in trade schools to become electricians, nurses, or police officers, today, 60% of high school graduates pursue college degrees, often in fields like business or social sciences. This educational expansion has lowered entry standards to accommodate average or below-average students, leaving vocational trades to recruit from the bottom third of the cognitive pool. Once drawing from a broad talent base, trades now struggle with less-qualified trainees, which erodes the quality of essential services. Germany’s economic engine, long fueled by skilled labor, is sputtering as a result.
 
 ### Integration or Erosion?
@@ -196,8 +217,6 @@ 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.
 
-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.
-
 <Figure>
   <Image
     src="/assets/images/posts/modern-atlas-shrugged-knife-crime.webp"
@@ -205,6 +224,8 @@ Similar alarming trends are evident in crimes against sexual self-determination,
   />
 </Figure>
 
+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.
+
 Statistics on migrant violence from 2016 to 2022 reveal stark contrasts for selected crimes. For completed homicides, the numbers are 17 for Germans compared to 191 for immigrants; for attempted homicides, 329 versus 930; and for sexual offenses, 733 versus 19,097, according to BKA (Federal Criminal Police Office) reports.[^bka2025aa] Afghan nationals are notably overrepresented in serious crimes such as rape and murder, intensifying debates on migration and crime. Furthermore, it is not only a problem among adult criminals; according to the BKA, a girl is raped every three days by a 12- or 13-year-old. There are currently 688 registered sex offenders aged between 6 and 8.
 
 In 2023, 85,552 violent crimes were attributed to non-Germans out of a total of 248,700 offenses, accounting for 34.4%. This equates to approximately 234 daily incidents.
@@ -231,23 +252,32 @@ 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.
 
-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.
-
 <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."
+    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>
 
+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.
+
 The EU comprises core countries and newer members, with 20 nations using the Euro while others maintain their currencies, resulting in varying economic policies and levels of integration. Some EU states serve as direct entry points for migrants and asylum seekers, while others cannot be accessed legally by land. Additionally, some countries are pro-US and critical of Russia, while others prefer greater autonomy and dialogue. Western and Northern nations advocate aggressively for climate action, whereas Eastern countries are slower to phase out coal and transition to green energy. We also see countries that prioritize joint defense, like France, contrasted with those that emphasize national sovereignty, such as Hungary and Poland.
 
 The European Union, under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen, actively promotes the progressive ideas of specific countries, such as the Green Deal, an open border policy, and a confrontational stance against Russia. Countries that do not comply face fines and penalties. Potential candidates from right-wing parties are targeted. Marine Le Pen from France was excluded from the elections, Călin Georgescu’s election victory in Romania was annulled, and the AfD (Alternative for Germany) was labeled as “securely right-wing extremist.”
 
 The Euro devalues each year, and inflation is rampant. The EU has lost credibility, and the European Central Bank (ECB) is losing its independence. The ECB’s policies are increasingly influenced by political interests rather than economic stability, leading to a decline in confidence in the Euro. The ECB’s balance sheet has expanded significantly, raising concerns about inflation and the long-term sustainability of its policies. The Euro may face failure in the near future. The rushed introduction of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) signals desperation, as the ECB attempts to regain control over monetary policy and combat inflation to prolong its Keynesian money policies. This move raises concerns about privacy and government surveillance, as digital currencies can be easily tracked and monitored. The introduction of CBDC does not address the problems facing the Eurozone; rather, it highlights deeper economic issues.
 
+### Two Countries in One
+
 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>
+
 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.
 
 When examining economic maps of Germany, the East remains significantly poorer than the West. The average income in the East is about 20% lower than in the West. In many cities, such as Hamburg, salaries exceed the national average by 10%. The annual household income in the West ranges from €20,000 to €25,000, while in the East, it falls between €17,500 and €20,000. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has the lowest household income in Germany, with figures between €15,000 and €17,500. This region also has the highest percentage of voters for the AfD, as seen in the city of Groß Luckow, where 74.7% of the votes went to the AfD. In contrast, the lowest support was in the district of Sternenschanze in Hamburg, with only 2.8% of the votes in the last elections.
@@ -277,8 +307,17 @@ The country is divided on many issues, making it difficult to keep track: climat
 
 A survey by Datapraxis and YouGov, conducted across all European countries, reveals shocking results. As of 2021, only about 11% of Germans “feel free” to speak openly, meaning they believe they can express themselves without fear of repercussions. This figure has dropped from 68% in 2019 to its lowest point ever recorded.
 
+### The Gender Divide
+
 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>
+
 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.
 
 This phenomenon is evident on social media and in the news, featuring numerous horrifying stories about independent women traveling in dangerous places like India, Africa, or the Middle East, where they become victims of harassment, rape, and even beheading. It also appears in the support for risky policies such as open borders, which allow entry to individuals who are anti-Semitic, anti-gay, and suppress women in their cultures. The result of this world view is bizarre groups like “Queers for Palestine,” whose members would be thrown off roofs or hanged from cranes just 30 minutes after arriving in Palestine.