David Deutsch on the Pattern

Physicist David Deutsch proposes a theory of "the Pattern" to explain the historical persistence of violence and hostility toward Jews. Unlike standard explanations rooted in racism or economic envy, the Pattern is defined as a deep-seated cultural impulse to legitimize hurting Jews, with specific accusations—such as deicide, economic exploitation, or modern political critiques—serving as shifting rationalizations for a constant underlying drive. This phenomenon often intensifies during periods of moral progress, like the Enlightenment, because universalist values threaten the Pattern’s internal logic. While the Anglosphere’s political traditions have historically suppressed the enactment of this violence, the current global climate represents a "worldwide pogrom" where digital platforms facilitate the rapid spread of these ancient irrationalities. Despite this, the presence of vocal non-Jewish allies and the existence of a sovereign Jewish state distinguish the modern era from past tragedies, offering a unique counter-force to this recurring historical cycle.