Skeptical activist Chemazdamundi quits campaigning for good

Citing the ineffectiveness of his work and the deteriorating state of the world, a well-known skeptical science communicator has decided to give up his activism to devote himself fully to his personal life and immediate circle.

The current landscape, marked by a rise in anti-scientific neopopulism and poor economic management, has led many to reconsider their role in society. Against this backdrop, a prominent figure in the world of skeptical outreach has announced his definitive retirement from activism. After years spent warning about worrying trends and debunking hoaxes, the decision rests on his perception that his voice is being lost in a sea of misinformation and ideological fanaticism.

## The fatigue of the watchdog

The sense of powerlessness in the face of what he sees as a "cultural and mental regression of humankind" has been a decisive factor. The activist, who has devoted a significant part of his life to science communication and defending critical thinking, argues that enough warnings have been given and enough has been proven about the risks ahead. The growing wave of **anti-scientific neopopulism** and **poor economic management** worldwide, which harms the needs of the population, are alarm signals that, in his analysis, are going unheeded. The inaction, or even complicity, of the political class deepens this sense of abandonment.

The climate crisis, with increasingly frequent extreme events such as the **2023 heatwave** or the **pan-European drought**, adds to the concerns. To this are added forecasts of an **economic crisis stemming from the artificial intelligence bubble** and the rise of military conflicts. Faced with this scenario, the conclusion is that "there is nobody at the helm", or worse still, that those who should be steering are sailing the ship toward disaster. This overwhelming accumulation of problems, perceived as a "tsunami of suicidal stupidity", has eroded the communicator's mental health, leading him to conclude that his work is no longer effective.

## Personal life comes first

The decision to step back from the front line of activism is not an impulsive act, but a deepening of a line of thought that began in **2016**, when the deterioration of the global situation became evident with events such as the **Great Recession**, the election of **Donald Trump** or **Brexit**. At that point, he had already begun to prioritize the individual and his immediate circle. Now, this approach is being radicalized, with the intention of devoting himself "almost exclusively" to himself and those close to him.

The idea of starting a personal podcast remains a possibility, given his fondness for commenting on the human condition and pointing out obvious mistakes. However, the main goal is to disconnect from the whirlwind of news and online battles. The conviction that most people are unwilling to abandon self-destructive behaviors, such as believing in miracle cures or misunderstanding basic economic concepts, leads to a pragmatic resignation. The hope of long-term improvement is tied to a possible **reduction of the world's population**, a scenario that, given his age, he does not expect to witness.

## Bunkering down and enjoying life

Preparing for a scenario of "minimal dependence on my fellow humans" has been a constant in the communicator's life. From a young age, he observed how many people around him seemed unable to manage their own lives, which drove him to seek **self-sufficiency** as much as possible. Now, this strategy is being intensified with the "bunkering" of his home, the expansion of his vegetable garden, and a dedication to pleasurable activities such as reading, enjoying cinema and good food. The idea is to face the future, even a bleak one, with the highest possible quality of life.

The phrase he always wanted for his gravestone, "He tried", is now being qualified. His new aspiration is for it to reflect not only the effort, but also personal enjoyment despite the collective failure: "He tried and he failed. But he had a good time doing it, to your regret, you bunch of bastards." This final statement, laden with irony and resignation, sums up the attitude of someone who has fought against the current and now decides to enjoy the ride, regardless of humanity's final destination.