In My Tribe

In My Tribe explores complex societal, political, and economic issues with a focus on skepticism, the importance of epistemology, and the critique of managerial elites and institutional dynamics. It addresses contemporary social debates, including drug policy, gender roles, and the influence of libertarianism, while promoting intellectual discussions.

Societal and Epistemic Analysis Political and Economic Views Drug Policy and Regulation Gender Dynamics in Institutions Racial Perceptions in Legal Systems Generational Cultural Shifts Evolutionary Perspectives on Behavior Managerial Class Critique Cultural and Political Discussions Religious Authority in Modern Societies Financial Regulation Economics and Sociology Political Beliefs Formation Libertarianism Health Insurance Policy

The hottest Substack posts of In My Tribe

And their main takeaways

The central planners come for me

653 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local Governance Urban planning Transportation Policy Community Development Zoning Laws
  1. Central planners are trying to reshape communities based on their ideas, which may not reflect the preferences of the people living there. Residents should have a say in how their neighborhoods are developed.
  2. Plans for new walkable communities can complicate life for those who rely on cars, especially in areas that are already affordable and diverse. It's important to consider the needs of all residents before making drastic changes.
  3. Incremental improvements might be better than sweeping changes. Solutions like reducing traffic speed can help, but they should not disadvantage those who depend on cars to get around.

My Number One Issue

1655 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education Intellectualism Social Issues Cultural critique Critical Thinking
  1. Higher education is facing an anti-intellectual trend. Many students are taught to think simply about identity, rather than critically.
  2. The growth of colleges and universities has led to a decline in intellectual quality. More students don't necessarily mean better thinking; it can create mediocrity.
  3. There's a need for new educational institutions for young people. Current colleges may not be fixable, and we need alternatives to support thoughtful learning.

DOGE, Software, and Government

668 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Technology Public Policy Digital Infrastructure
  1. DOGE aims to completely change how the government uses technology. If it works, it could make federal spending easier to track and reduce the number of government jobs through automation.
  2. Historical examples show that improving information systems doesn't always lead to better results. Without discipline and cooperation in departments, new tech can't help fix deeper issues.
  3. Unlike Estonia's fresh start, the US has a complex and disorganized government structure. For any major tech changes to succeed, the executive branch may need a complete overhaul first.

If the doctrine fits, ...

1002 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ideology Political theory Ethics History Human behavior
  1. Some ideologies, like Communism, can attract people who seek power and control, often leading to oppressive regimes. This happens because the ideology allows leaders to justify cruelty in pursuit of a supposed utopia.
  2. Certain belief systems can be appealing to individuals with violent tendencies, while others attract more peaceful people. This means that personality can shape which doctrines someone might follow.
  3. The way people interact with each other, such as cooperating or competing, is influenced by their personal traits. People usually lean toward beliefs that match their nature, which affects how societies function.

The Real Cause of Health Care Dysfunction

1002 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Public Health Health Policy Medicare Insurance
  1. A big reason we spend so much on healthcare is that we often get expensive tests and procedures that don't help us much.
  2. Simply making more people eligible for Medicare won't fix the problem of overspending in healthcare.
  3. Many people like to think that healthcare costs are high because of greedy doctors or insurance companies, but that's not the main reason.
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Which Jobs will AI Take?

653 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Jobs Automation Industry Productivity
  1. AI will change many jobs, especially in sectors like transportation and finance, where automation is expected to replace a lot of workers.
  2. Some industries, like health care and entertainment, will likely grow and adapt to include both humans and AI, creating new types of jobs.
  3. The future job market will be different, with many traditional roles disappearing, but it’s believed there will still be plenty of new jobs created in emerging fields.

The Conservative Worry

1184 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Revolution Conservatism Governance Leadership
  1. There's a concern that Trump’s style is more about radical changes than traditional conservatism. This could lead to extreme actions rather than stable governance.
  2. People in leadership roles, like running the Defense Department, need to have experience managing other managers. Without this experience, they might struggle to lead effectively.
  3. The new appointments might focus on what they want to change, but managing large organizations is hard, and mistakes could happen if they move too quickly.

My Social Journey Toward the Right

1245 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Social influence Economic Theory Political History
  1. Beliefs are influenced by the people we trust. For example, trusting certain professors or colleagues can shape your view on politics.
  2. Life experiences, like working in different environments, can also change your political stance. Being around business-minded people can lead you to adopt more right-leaning views.
  3. Understanding complex issues, such as economics and evolution, can lead to a more nuanced perspective on human behavior and society, making one appreciate different political ideologies.

University and State

1093 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Political Influence Alternative Education
  1. Government involvement in higher education often leads to a focus on pleasing officials rather than genuinely educating students. This can create a cycle that stifles diverse ideas.
  2. There are too many people going to college instead of exploring other options like trade schools or apprenticeships. We need to rethink and expand our education paths.
  3. Instead of just making universities hire more conservative professors, we should consider cutting funding for traditional higher education altogether, and instead support alternative educational models.

If I Ran the DOGE

1199 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Structure Political Reform Public Administration Policy Analysis
  1. Reorganizing the government can make it more efficient by reducing the number of management layers and clarifying who is in charge. This could lead to better decision-making and less wasted effort.
  2. Creating a Chief Operating Officer to manage executive branch operations would help streamline authority and reduce overlap between agencies. This would allow a focus on running the government smoothly.
  3. The government could be simplified by cutting down from many agencies to just eight main ones, which would help eliminate redundancy and make it easier to manage services for the public.

Six Laws of Social Learning

896 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🚌 Education Learning Theory Cognition Epistemology Communication
  1. We decide what we believe based on who we trust. Trust is built through communication, reputation, and personal connection, even if these aren't always the best indicators.
  2. Status-seeking can sometimes get in the way of truly seeking the truth. People often support ideas or beliefs to look good, rather than because they genuinely believe in them.
  3. Healthy debate and competition of ideas lead to better outcomes. It's important to allow different opinions to be heard and to stay open-minded, even when faced with contrary evidence.

Goodbye, Menu Interfaces

440 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Interfaces Software User Experience Innovation
  1. Menu interfaces on websites may soon disappear. Instead of searching through menus, people will just ask AI what they need.
  2. Using AI means users can create their own features and functions. This makes getting information or services much easier and more personal.
  3. Web design jobs could change a lot as sites become less necessary. AI will interact with databases, and users will communicate with AI instead.

Producers and Parasites

759 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Political Ideologies Social Class Political elites Political Activism
  1. Political elites can be divided into two groups: producers who create goods and services and parasites who rely on those producers for income. This distinction helps understand their political leanings.
  2. Some professions, like lawyers and government workers, can straddle the line between being productive and parasitic. Not all roles in these fields are equally beneficial to society.
  3. There is debate about the Woke movement. Some see them as part of the parasitic group, while others argue that many symbolic professionals also contribute positively to society.

Psychology Links, 2/5/2025

486 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🔬 Science Psychology Decision-making Behavioral Science Risk Assessment Social Dynamics
  1. Humans tend to overreact to potential dangers. It's safer for our brains to think a harmless stick is a snake than to miss a real snake and get hurt.
  2. We often make decisions using shortcuts instead of thinking things through fully. This can lead to big mistakes because our brain swaps complicated questions for simpler ones quickly and without us noticing.
  3. Gossip plays a big role in how we connect with others. It helps us understand people's actions and build trust, showing how important social relationships are in our lives.

Why are corporations cutting managers?

698 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Corporate Structure Organizational Behavior Employment Trends
  1. Many companies are reducing their number of middle managers to trim costs and cut bureaucracy. This means fewer people are overseeing employees, which can simplify decision-making.
  2. Firms are focusing on their core business and letting go of complex managerial structures that don’t add immediate value. They might be cutting back on certain initiatives to streamline operations.
  3. Cost-cutting has become a priority for many senior executives, especially when revenue growth slows. This focus on reducing expenses can lead to a significant reshaping of company structures.

Beware of Econ Grad School

956 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education Economics Career Advice Teaching Methods
  1. Econ grad school might not be the best choice if you're just curious about ideas. It's better to explore other careers that can satisfy that curiosity, like business.
  2. Many econ programs focus on teaching specific skills rather than encouraging discussions and new ideas. This can stifle your interest and creativity.
  3. You can learn a lot about economics on your own. Understanding basic concepts and real-world business behavior can be more valuable than fancy math techniques from grad school.

Will President Trump Revive Liberalism?

774 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Government Elections Ideology Bureaucracy
  1. Liberalism works best when it allows for competition and debate, but those in power might forget this when they become too dominant.
  2. People in powerful positions often become resistant to change, even if they originally supported liberal ideas.
  3. To truly revive liberalism, there needs to be a system that encourages regular changes in leadership and holds those in power accountable.

My Debate with Curtis Yarvin

486 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Debate Political theory Public Policy
  1. Democracy allows for change in leadership, which can prevent bad leaders from staying in power. It's important that citizens can vote out leaders who aren't doing a good job.
  2. Absolute monarchies might seem appealing as they could mean strong leadership, but they come with risks like power struggles and potential tyranny. History shows that not all leaders are good.
  3. Choosing leaders based on competence is essential. In democracy, we try to pick capable people, while in monarchies, we might end up with unstable or dangerous leaders.

Business Relationships

607 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Workplace culture Career development Professional relationships
  1. Your job should be seen like a relationship that you can move on from, not as a marriage. It’s okay to leave a job when you’ve learned what you can and want to grow elsewhere.
  2. Selling a business can feel like watching your child grow up and become independent. You may feel lost afterward, but it’s a chance to explore new passions.
  3. Consider what you enjoy outside of work. If your job isn’t your true passion, find ways to express those interests in your free time instead.

Crypto is chain-letter technology

470 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency Investment Blockchain Finance Economic Theory
  1. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be compared to chain letters, where early participants may make money while later ones might lose everything. It only works as long as new buyers keep joining in.
  2. The American dollar, being a fiat currency, also operates like a chain letter. It's based on trust and belief rather than a physical backing, and its value can decline over time.
  3. Some people view Bitcoin as a safe way to protect against inflation, but switching from the US dollar to Bitcoin may not solve the fundamental issues with trust and value in these systems.

Jonathan Rauch on Disinformation

668 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Disinformation Congress Media Trust
  1. Disinformation is more about the actions and tactics used to manipulate people, rather than just labeling certain information as false. It's like a tricky game where bad actors twist the facts to confuse us.
  2. Fixing Congress could help heal divisions in society because it's the place where different groups can come together to negotiate and make compromises. When Congress isn't working well, everyone suffers.
  3. To reduce disinformation, we need better civic education so people understand how government works and how to engage in constructive discussions. But it's also important to recognize that the failures of elites can be a bigger problem than populism.

Social Learning Links

516 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education reform Freedom of Speech Social media Public Policy Higher education
  1. We need to make big tech companies more open about how they control what we see online. It's important for users to understand how decisions are made about content.
  2. There's hope for improving free speech in colleges, thanks to changes in culture and organizations pushing for reform. College leaders have a critical role in shaping this positive change.
  3. The current problems in education can be traced back to how ideas have been taught in schools. We might need to rethink who we trust in academia and lift up the better thinkers.

On the "elite overproduction" problem

774 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social Issues Education Inequality Public Policy
  1. The idea of 'elite overproduction' suggests that there are too many people aiming for top positions, which leads to instability. However, many college graduates still find good jobs, showing this idea might not hold true.
  2. Mounk argues that while many pursue fame in arts and media, this ambition has always existed. It can't explain the current issues in society.
  3. There are concerns that some sectors, like nonprofit and education, prioritize their own status too much, leading to a misunderstanding of what 'elite' really means.

AI and the individual human

394 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Digital Media Economy Creators Future work
  1. The internet has made it cheaper and easier for creators to produce and share their work, but it’s tough to get noticed among all the content out there. The real challenge now is standing out and getting attention.
  2. As AI advances, it could change the workplace dramatically. Some believe that many roles might be automated, leading to a future where individuals work more independently or in smaller firms.
  3. The success landscape for creators seems to favor a few big winners, like major companies, while many individuals struggle to make a sustainable income. This creates a winner-take-most environment where most won't profit significantly.

Economics Links, 2/2/2025

410 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Sustainability Energy
  1. The rising 10-year Treasury yield means higher costs for government debt and could hurt stock prices as investors change their expectations.
  2. Traders need to be careful with market momentum, as it can shift unexpectedly, leading to losses when everyone stops buying at high prices.
  3. Renewable energy projects face high costs to connect to the grid, and large battery systems have limitations, raising questions about their reliability.

The Brokenism Axis

683 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance
  1. The political scene is shifting from traditional left-right divides to a new battle between those wanting to reform current institutions and those pushing for radical changes.
  2. There are two types of people in both political camps: institutionalists who want to improve systems like government and media, and brokenists who think those systems need to be completely replaced.
  3. Silicon Valley influences and views on politics are changing, with some tech leaders now aligned with radical right ideas, moving away from their previous more progressive views.

Dan Williams on Democracy and Technocracy

410 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Technocracy Political Power Political institutions Public Opinion
  1. Democracy can face challenges because not everyone has the same knowledge or values. People's differing abilities can make equal input in politics problematic.
  2. Experts often try to control information to influence voters, but these efforts can be ineffective and lead to public resentment instead of understanding.
  3. Our political systems should focus on how power is shared and maintained. It's important to prevent a concentration of power and ensure it can change hands peacefully.

How Does "Reasoning" Work?

379 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Computer Science Philosophy Reasoning
  1. Reasoning in AI often involves finding and using analogies to solve problems. Just like a chess program cuts down on bad moves, AI looks for the best comparisons to answer a question.
  2. Human thought relies heavily on metaphors, which are used to understand new ideas. These metaphors can be good or bad depending on how well they fit the situation.
  3. Both humans and AI have strengths and weaknesses in reasoning. AI can be quicker but may miss the deeper meaning in a question, while humans can make creative leaps but might take longer.

Why are we badly governed?

1032 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Political parties Elections Corruption
  1. Governments often choose leaders based on their ability to navigate politics rather than their skills in managing and delivering results. This leads to poor governance because the focus is not on actually solving problems.
  2. Unlike businesses that need to perform to survive, governments tend to take on too many roles and rarely stop doing something, even if it is not effective. This makes them inefficient and less effective.
  3. Limitations in government activities can lead to better governance. Businesses succeed by focusing on a few things they do well, while governments often try to do everything without a clear focus, leading to clumsiness.

Mads Larsen on the Fertility Crisis

698 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Gender Roles Reproductive Rights Evolutionary Psychology
  1. Women today enjoy more independence and choices, which can lead to lower birth rates. As they become more selective in choosing partners, it impacts family size.
  2. Historical pair-bonding cultures ensured support for women and children, but this tradition is weakening as gender equality rises. The value of women's financial independence changes relationship dynamics.
  3. To encourage family growth, society may need to change how we view relationships and partnerships. Promoting earlier marriage and family life could help reverse declining birth rates.

Leaders, Followers, and Casuals

516 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Public Policy Political Communication Political Ideology
  1. Leaders are politicians or intellectuals who have strong opinions on various issues, but their reasoning may not always be sound. They often justify their views with logical arguments, even if those arguments aren't based on the truth.
  2. Followers support leaders but don't deeply engage with the reasoning behind their positions. They can easily switch their support to a different leader if they change their stance, similar to sports fans shifting their allegiance.
  3. Casuals are not very informed about politics and only pay attention during major events like elections. They might make poor choices due to their lack of knowledge, while leaders and followers can also create problems by clinging to biased beliefs.

Risers and Fallers

1032 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Intellectual history Cultural impact Psychology Political Science Sociology
  1. Some 20th-century thinkers, like John Kenneth Galbraith, have fallen in status, meaning fewer people today recognize their ideas or read their work.
  2. Others, like Rene Girard and John Maynard Keynes, have gained importance over time, with more people today acknowledging their contributions and theories.
  3. The relevance of intellectuals can vary by field; for example, figures in psychology like B.F. Skinner may be less noted now, while sociologists like Granovetter are gaining recognition.

Wars of the Sexes

820 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Issues Social Change Human Rights Cultural Conflict Feminism
  1. Cultural conflicts often arise between men and women, but not everyone fits neatly into one side or the other. It's more about which side certain people feel connected to.
  2. Women's movements like suffrage and temperance had a huge impact historically, but not every cause gained lasting support. For example, the end of Prohibition showed a shift in societal values.
  3. There's a growing trend in institutions towards more feminine values, but this can create tension. Ideally, we should find a way for masculine and feminine values to coexist peacefully and appreciate each other.

Economics Links, 1/25/2025

410 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💰 Finance Economics Investing Market Trends Data Analysis Political Economy
  1. Many experts believe that relying on government decisions can be inefficient because it often favors those with political power instead of addressing real needs.
  2. Inequality is a natural part of society, and efforts to eliminate it through government action can lead to problems, including promoting wokeness.
  3. Economic data can often be misleading due to measurement errors, making it hard to trust figures that inform important decisions like GDP or monetary policies.

Fertility Links

470 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Fertility Marriage Parenting Demographics Aging
  1. Women are most fertile in their late teens, and the decline in fertility happens steadily between ages 20 and 40. It's important to understand this to make informed choices about family planning.
  2. Many countries are experiencing lower birth rates, and this trend is not just linked to economic factors. It's happening in places where we might not expect it, showing that fertility is a complex issue.
  3. Marriage is changing, becoming less common and often entered into later in life. This shift affects when couples start having children, which can contribute to declining birth rates.

Economics Links, 1/4/2024

501 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Economic Theory Regulation Crypto Investing
  1. Paul Krugman talks about how gambling on asset prices is like a natural Ponzi scheme. People get caught up with optimism, which can lead to bigger financial risks.
  2. There are new types of market leaders, like Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy, who influence markets and create a kind of cult-like following among investors.
  3. In Argentina, Javier Milei is changing things by cutting government departments and privatizing state companies. His aim is to weaken the power of his political rivals.

My Takes on the Election

865 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Policy Political parties Intelligence
  1. People can argue about why the Democrats lost, but there are many reasons to consider. Each side will focus on factors that support their views and can raise their status.
  2. J.D. Vance could keep Trump voters happy, but many voters are unsure about Trump. If things go wrong, there might be a quick change in popularity for him.
  3. The government can't keep increasing debt forever. The challenge will be finding ways to cut spending that don't upset voters. Intelligence agencies also need to be managed well to make sure they work effectively.

Hedging Inflation with Real Assets

622 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investments Inflation Bonds Real Estate Commodities
  1. Investing in real assets like real estate, gold, and commodities can help protect against inflation. These assets are expected to appreciate more when inflation rises.
  2. Understanding profitability is key when investing. It combines rental income, appreciation, and interest rates to determine if an investment is worth it.
  3. Inflation-indexed bonds (like i-bonds) can be a good hedge but have limits on how much you can buy. They provide some safety against inflation, even though their performance can vary.

Fertility Links, 1/29/2025

364 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Family Society Demographics Marriage Parenting
  1. Declining birth rates lead to more uncertainty for people choosing to have children. Many feel isolated as they navigate parenthood alone, without others in their circle sharing the same experience.
  2. Marriage, when built on cooperation and trust, leads to better outcomes for families. However, changing societal norms and laws are shifting it toward a system where partners may not fully commit.
  3. Africa's population is growing rapidly, and concerns about its implications are rising. This might lead to shifts in global demographics and create challenges if issues in African societies remain unresolved.

Social Learning Links

516 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Elites Media Victimhood Political Narrative
  1. People have different biases based on their political views. For example, those on the left focus more on oppression, while those on the right emphasize threats from outsiders.
  2. Elites are often held to higher standards than those challenging them. When elites show arrogance or suppress dissent, they can create backlash against themselves.
  3. It's important for communities to protect themselves against bad actors who misuse the idea of victimhood. Without this protection, those with harmful intentions can take control.