Macaulay is a negative interlocutor for me. I read his 1835 Minute as a forerunner of the cognitive imperialism that foundation models now make possible.
How the word moved
In April and May 2026 I used him to name cognitive imperialism. He wanted a class of interpreters. AI could deliver something far bigger than he ever imagined.
In my words
"Macaulay was more successful than he thought, but his successes will be nothing compared to what AI will usher."
from Cognitive Sovereignty, 7 May 2026
Related
- Related cognitive imperialism - It's the Minute updated for AI.
- Related comprador class - Macaulay's class of interpreters is the template.
- Related cognitive sovereignty - It's what Macaulay threatened and what I want back.