Istumists

Istumists are adherents of Istumism, a philosophical and cultural movement that originated in the fictional city of Istum in the early 22nd century. The movement examines how memory, identity, and technology shape social life, and it seeks practical guidelines for the governance and design of information systems, archives, and public institutions.

Core tenets include memory stewardship, transparent governance, and pluralism. Istumists contend that individual and collective memories should be curated through open archives and participatory processes, with safeguards to protect minority voices. They advocate that digital augmentation and data systems enhance human autonomy rather than erode it, while ensuring accountability.

Practices typically involve regular gatherings, study circles, and collaborative archiving. Members share experiential accounts, verify them against archival records, and participate in ethical deliberations about technology policy. Community archives and mutual-aid networks are common, as are public lectures and deliberative forums designed to foster informed citizen participation.

Organizationally, Istumism lacks a centralized authority. Local groups operate autonomously but connect through loose networks and peer-reviewed ethics councils that advise on projects affecting memory and technology. Membership is usually earned through contribution to archives, scholarship, or community service rather than fiat.

Reception is mixed. In academia, Istumism is studied at the intersection of memory studies, information ethics, and political philosophy. Critics warn against technocratic bias and overreliance on archival control, while supporters see the movement as a pragmatic framework for balancing privacy, memory, and democratic deliberation.