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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

The New Right vs. Conservatism

607 implied HN points • 18 May 25
  1. The New Right focuses on what America was founded on and aims to improve governance, even if it means changing some constitutional principles. They believe this approach is necessary to restore America.
  2. Older conservatives argue that the New Right lacks strong principles and can lead to dangerous government actions. They caution that without limits, power can be misused by anyone, including their own side.
  3. There are mixed views on fiscal responsibility between the New Right and Old Right. While the Old Right pushes for careful spending, the New Right tends to overlook important fiscal issues.

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.

Links to Consider, 11/27/2024

592 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Health care Civil Rights Political theory Social Issues
  1. Education systems were designed mainly to instill obedience and maintain social order, rather than to promote skills.
  2. Some cancer screening guidelines avoid discussing life expectancy, potentially putting patients at risk due to a lack of difficult conversations about their health.
  3. David Brooks argues that elite college admissions based on cognitive ability have created a new class society, but fails to recognize the moral arrogance and biases in the current system.

Syria after Assad

577 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Conflict Diplomacy Sovereignty Geopolitics Middle East
  1. Syria isn't ready for democracy yet. The country lacks the necessary conditions and institutions to support a democratic system.
  2. After Assad's fall, the rebel groups may struggle to unite due to their different ethnic and political backgrounds. Their divisions could lead to conflict among themselves.
  3. Syria has significant strategic importance to neighboring countries like Turkey, Iran, and Israel. These powers may influence Syria's future to protect their own interests.

Believing in order to Belong

546 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Beliefs Ideologies Social influence Cognitive dissonance Group dynamics
  1. We often choose our beliefs based on who we trust and want to belong to, rather than just the truth of those beliefs. Our need for acceptance can heavily influence what we believe.
  2. False beliefs can create a strong sense of identity within a group, making them appealing even if they're not true. It's easier to bond over unique beliefs that set us apart from others.
  3. Many political and social beliefs can't be easily proven or disproven, causing people to cling to their views to fit into their tribe. This makes discussions around these beliefs more about belonging than finding common ground.
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What I'm Reading

531 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Conservatism Literature Trumpism
  1. The book 'Furious Minds' explores the MAGA New Right and profiles various scholars who support Donald Trump. It highlights how these figures have gained influence in conservative circles.
  2. The author categorizes these scholars into three groups: Postliberals, Claremonters, and National Conservatives, each with unique reasons for supporting Trump. They have different views on markets and governance.
  3. There's a noticeable lack of prominent conservative voices in academia outside of specific institutions, which may make the conservative community appear more like a tight-knit group. This raises challenges for conservative thinkers.

Links to Consider, 11/16/2024

516 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Media Consumption Activism Religion Gambling
  1. Higher education has shifted to favor activism over scholarship, which affects true learning. Students should adopt a curious mindset to promote a better educational environment.
  2. Christianity has influenced social changes for centuries, but now its traditional role seems to be diminishing as society embraces these values without the Church.
  3. Political parties are evolving based on media usage, which may blur their ideological lines. Democrats focus on controlling legacy media, whereas Republicans thrive in digital spaces, leading to possible changes in party identities.

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.

Should you sell your words to AI?

516 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Digital Rights Content creation Intellectual Property
  1. Selling your words to AI can be seen as a smart idea, especially if it helps share your insights with more people. It could lead to interesting discussions and a chance to educate others.
  2. Some believe that using AI this way could harm the trust between a writer and their readers. They think that real human connection is essential in writing and shouldn't be replaced by machines.
  3. Personal legacy matters a lot. For some, like older writers, having an AI that reflects their thoughts can be a way to continue sharing their ideas even after they're gone.

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.

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.

Student Assessment in the Age of AI

501 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🚌 Education Assessment AI Integration Teaching Methods Critical Thinking
  1. AI can help monitor student assessments and make cheating harder. By having someone supervise, universities can ensure students aren't using AI to cheat during tests.
  2. Interviews can be a better way to assess students than traditional exams. They allow professors to see how well students understand important concepts and let students explain their reasoning.
  3. Using AI to conduct these interviews can be efficient and consistent. This way, professors can evaluate a large number of students fairly without getting overwhelmed by grading.

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 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.

High-school debate: Pro

486 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🚌 Education Debate Public Speaking Communication Skills Critical Thinking
  1. High school debate encourages students to think critically and understand both sides of an argument. This helps them learn how to engage in respectful discussions.
  2. Judging a debate focuses on the quality of arguments and how well teams respond to each other's points. This process is designed to improve speaking skills and critical thinking.
  3. AI could potentially be used to judge debates fairly by evaluating arguments based on set criteria. It seems feasible to train AI to understand the nuances of debate.

Clayton, Missouri

486 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Identity History Education Society Biography
  1. Sam Altman grew up in Clayton, Missouri, which is known for its strong educational system and smart students. The schools there were very competitive, and many students had high academic achievements.
  2. The author reflects on the importance of understanding different personalities in the startup world. Some talented individuals might be seen as difficult, but their unique contributions can be valuable.
  3. The history of Clayton and its changing demographics highlights issues like segregation. The neighborhood has transformed over the years, showing shifts in social dynamics and community identity.

Macroeconomics: Some Defects

486 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💰 Finance Macroeconomics Banking Economic Theory Fiscal policy Financial Sector
  1. Macroeconomics often treats the economy like a simple factory that can be controlled centrally, but the reality is much more complex with many different goods and services. It's not just about one measure like GDP.
  2. Many economics students learn about macro without understanding the important role banks play in the economy. Banks help manage risks and their crises can lead to major economic downturns.
  3. Macroeconomic theories are often presented as timeless, but they should consider historical changes and events that shape the economy. Each economic crisis is unique and influenced by different circumstances over time.

Taking a New Direction

486 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Higher education AI Technology Software Development Teaching Methods Digital learning
  1. The focus is shifting towards developing an AI-assisted seminar, which aims to improve higher education through new technology. This will involve creating a learning environment where students can interact with AI characters instead of traditional lectures.
  2. The project is driven by concerns that current universities are not equipped to innovate or improve their practices, especially after past mistakes. The hope is that AI can help create a better educational model without the need to build completely new institutions.
  3. The developer is learning about modern software development and working step-by-step with a software partner to create a functional product. They plan to share progress updates and insights from this journey, showcasing both the potential of AI and the seminar format.

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 I Fear Trumponomics

486 implied HN points • 24 May 25
  1. Trumponomics could lead to more government regulations on cryptocurrencies, possibly even supporting illegal activities. Mixing traditional banks with crypto could create serious issues.
  2. There's a major spending problem in Congress which can't be solved by just cutting taxes. Future policies need to seriously address how much money is being spent.
  3. Trumponomics might push the U.S. towards progressive policies that could lead to risky political outcomes, like an increase in radical left ideologies.

Can society be perfect?

486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Politics Society Tradition
  1. Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
  2. Anti-perfectionists believe that trying to perfect society often fails because of human flaws. They think it's okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them.
  3. Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.

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.

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.

Social Learning Links, 12/7/2024

470 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Education Social Issues Philosophy Politics Human behavior
  1. We often form our beliefs based on who we trust rather than just the facts. It's easy to fall into thinking everyone else is wrong if they disagree with us.
  2. People have a bias where they see good things happening to their group as a result of their strengths, while bad things are blamed on outside factors. This leads to unfair judgments about others.
  3. Understanding and acknowledging our own mistakes is tough but important. It helps us to think clearly and make better decisions, even when it feels uncomfortable.

Assorted Links

470 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🚌 Education Higher Ed Academic Freedom Student outcomes
  1. Colleges, especially elite ones like Harvard, have been criticized for not being open to conservative ideas and for having a biased hiring process. Many believe they aren't likely to change on their own.
  2. There's a call for breaking up large universities into smaller entities to focus on research and education more effectively. This might help reduce their political activism and improve academic standards.
  3. New societal trends are shifting the way people view knowledge and expertise, often valuing common sense over traditional authority. This can create a space for new types of knowledge systems to emerge.

The Decade of Greed

470 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate Finance Investing Economic History Management Stock Market
  1. The 1980s was known as the 'decade of greed' where corporate competition and higher stock prices became the focus. Companies were often run for personal perks rather than to boost shareholder value.
  2. The leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco showcased how investment strategies changed, with firms paying high prices for companies, anticipating future profits. This often led to restructuring that wasn't always kind to employees.
  3. Despite concerns about overpaying for stocks and creating economic instability, overall wealth has increased in America since the 1980s. What seemed excessive at the time might now look like a small correction in the grand scheme.

Links to Consider, 10/26/2024

455 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Safety Social movements Free speech
  1. Noah Smith emphasizes that police are important for public safety and crime reduction. However, he believes there are still ways to improve police practices.
  2. Greg Lukianoff notes that campus deplatforming is at an all-time high, with many attempts to silence differing opinions. It's a worrying trend for free speech.
  3. Aswath Damodaran questions whether breaking up big tech companies is beneficial, suggesting that it may hurt innovation and favor legal professionals instead.

Fischer Black vs. Monetarism

455 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
💰 Finance Monetary Policy Economic Theory Inflation Market Dynamics Financial Systems
  1. Fischer Black believed that both money supply and price levels are based on collective beliefs rather than strict numbers. People accept money because they trust others will accept it too.
  2. Inflation and prices are influenced more by market behavior and expectations rather than solely by money supply. This means prices can change based on what people think will happen in the future.
  3. The relationship between money and prices might be less reliable than before. As people use less cash and more digital forms of payment, traditional ways to predict inflation might not work well anymore.

I Say Thank You to Big Pharma

455 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🏥 Health Politics Pharmaceuticals Medical Research Drug policy Healthcare systems
  1. It's important to keep encouraging medical research because it brings a lot of benefits to society. We rely on a mix of private and government support for this research.
  2. Cutting drug prices without considering the negative effects might hurt medical research and innovation. We should think about the long-term impact of such changes.
  3. Using prizes instead of patents could lead to fairer rewards for drug developers and might reduce some issues in the research funding system.

Economics Links

455 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
💰 Finance Economic Theory Regulation Labor Market Cryptocurrency Market Trends
  1. Academic economics has a culture that can feel snobby. Many economists avoid challenging well-known figures out of fear of seeming unimportant.
  2. The job market has changed a lot over the years, moving from agriculture to manufacturing, and now to service-based jobs. This shift reflects changes in demand and productivity.
  3. Cutting regulations can significantly lower prices, leading to increased real income for people. This could result in economic growth that exceeds what many economists expect.

AI in Meta Land

455 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Social media Video Games Virtual reality
  1. Meta plans to use AI to create millions of AI-generated users on its platforms. This could change how we interact online, possibly focusing more on fiction than reality.
  2. Using AI in social media might make it feel like an immersive video game. People could interact with dynamic AI characters, making learning fun and engaging.
  3. While there are concerns about addiction and harm from interacting with bots, these interactions might actually be less harmful than current social media interactions with real people.

Social Learning Links

440 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🚌 Education College Licensing Politics Online safety Social norms
  1. Many jobs today require expensive degrees that people might not even need. Instead, some suggest that students could go directly into work after high school and earn a good living.
  2. When people argue about politics, they often aren't trying to change each other's minds. Instead, they want to maintain their group loyalty and protect their beliefs.
  3. There are differing views on the Kids Online Safety Act. Some believe it will help protect kids online, while others think it could be ineffective and distracting for schools.

The Enemy is Us on Health Policy

440 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Policy Analysis Public Health Consumer behavior Health economics
  1. Many Americans see health care as a gift, not a product, which makes it hard to talk about costs. Doctors want to be paid, but they don't want to think of themselves as selling their services.
  2. There are certain cultural attitudes that shape the way our health care system works today. These attitudes include the reluctance to view health care as a commodity.
  3. People often ignore other ways resources can be used when it comes to health care. This can create issues in how we manage and think about health care policies.

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.

Freud and the Beatles

440 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Philosophy History Social Change Art
  1. Sigmund Freud had a huge impact on how we view ourselves, and even those who reject his ideas still carry some of his influence. It's hard to imagine our culture without him.
  2. The Beatles changed their music style after 1965 and became more complex, which helped them stay relevant. If they hadn't evolved, they might not have had the same lasting impact on music.
  3. The Beatles influenced popular culture in various ways, from hairstyles to attitudes towards drugs and spirituality. Their actions and style helped spread the hippie culture much wider than it would have gone on its own.

Links to Consider, 12/3/2024

440 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Mental health Criminal Justice Cultural critique
  1. Shaming and judging behavior is part of all cultures, but today's society often ignores harmful actions while focusing on different issues.
  2. To improve K-12 education, it's suggested to hire teachers based on their expertise in specific subjects rather than their credentials alone.
  3. Radical ideologies can be harmful because they often distract from real issues and the mental health struggles of those who promote them.

Trump Transition Issues

425 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political appointments Economic Policy Bureaucracy
  1. Trump's appointees may struggle because they lack management experience and don't bring their own teams. This can make it hard for them to effectively lead their agencies right away.
  2. Scott Bessent has clear goals for economic growth and budget management. His plan might help improve the economy if implemented well.
  3. There's a debate about government efficiency. Some think we should reward agencies for being cheap and effective, but others believe we need to challenge the way many agencies operate instead.

The Real Significance of the new AI

425 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Wearables Robotics
  1. New AI tools let us talk to computers like we talk to people. This makes using technology easier and more natural.
  2. With these advances, we may soon use smart wearables like glasses and watches with natural language rather than buttons.
  3. The new AI also opens up possibilities for better interactions with robots, making them simpler to train and use.

Psychology links

425 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
  1. Many psychology studies face issues like failing to replicate results and not asking important questions. This makes it hard to trust some findings in social science.
  2. Some research suggests that women's attraction to violent men may be linked to survival instincts from our ancestors. It's a complicated issue that we still don't fully understand.
  3. In social dynamics, females often form groups focused on togetherness, while males tend to organize into teams aimed at achieving specific goals. This difference affects how each interacts and collaborates.

Lyman Stone on the fertility decline

425 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Trends Cultural values Psychology Education
  1. People are having fewer children because they believe they should. This is influenced by cultural changes rather than just economics.
  2. Declining marriage rates are a big reason for lower actual family sizes compared to desired family sizes. When people marry later or not at all, they tend to have fewer kids.
  3. Education is seen as a factor that leads to lower fertility, but it's complicated. In some cases, better education can lead people to delay marriage and parenthood.