Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality $10 / month

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality explores economic history, economics, political economy, finance, and forecasting with a focus on understanding and addressing the complexities of contemporary global challenges. It critically analyzes current events, historical occurrences, and theoretical perspectives to offer insight into economic inequalities, democracy, neoliberal ideas, and geopolitical tensions.

Economic History Political Economy Finance and Forecasting Contemporary Global Challenges Economic Inequalities Democracy and Governance Neoliberalism Geopolitical Tensions

The hottest Substack posts of Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality

And their main takeaways

Politics as Making Hardwood Furniture with Dull Tools: Mamdani's NYC Primary Win Is Not a Win, But Only an Uncertain High-Stakes Bet

192 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Coalitions Political strategy Campaigns Political theory
  1. The Democratic primary doesn't really matter; it's just practice before the real election. Understanding this can help build better teams and avoid mistakes.
  2. Winning a primary is not the same as winning the general election. It's important to think about if the chosen candidate can actually win and do good things if elected.
  3. Politics is about creating connections and rallying support. Success comes from believing in new possibilities and building a team that represents diverse backgrounds and needs.

Regency or Ruin: The 25th Amendment, Trump the Chaos-Monkey, & Zero Adult Supervision of the Use of American Power

338 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Constitution Political parties Foreign Policy
  1. The current leadership struggles with issues of competence and decision-making at the highest levels of government. This creates a chaotic environment where important decisions may not get the thoughtful consideration they need.
  2. There's a concern that the political system is not functioning well, particularly in managing presidential incapacity. Mechanisms like the 25th Amendment and impeachment seem ignored, even when they might be necessary.
  3. The lack of experienced, serious leaders in the political landscape is troubling. Without capable individuals to step in, the risks of poor governance increase, potentially leading to significant consequences for the country.

In the Country of the Tswana

199 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🏝 Travel Adventure Wildlife Nature Cultural
  1. In 2007, earthquakes changed the landscape in Botswana, reopening the Savuti Channel and making it a year-round wetland again. This has impacted local wildlife and the ecosystem.
  2. The careful movements of predators, like lions and leopards, show their hunting strategies in the wild. They often use teamwork and stealth to catch their prey.
  3. Seeing wildlife interact in their natural habitat is a unique experience. It highlights the delicate balance between nature and the animals' survival instincts.

Spreadsheet, Not Skynet: Microdoses, Not Microprocessors

130 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Economy Data Innovation Impact
  1. AI tools like GPT are not as powerful as some say; they're more like useful spreadsheets than super intelligent machines. This means their impact on the economy is real but not world-changing.
  2. The benefits of AI on human welfare will be positive but limited. It's important to use AI wisely and not let it distract us.
  3. AI models are great for processing language, but they aren't complex enough to be truly revolutionary. They function similarly to simple input-output machines rather than groundbreaking technologies.

MAMLM as a General Purpose Technology: The Ghost in the GDP Machine

130 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Innovation Productivity Data Analysis Economic Impact
  1. Big technology changes, like AI, often take longer to have an impact than we expect. History shows that these changes usually happen in small steps instead of all at once.
  2. The way AI is being used in businesses is growing, with more companies starting to adopt these technologies. This can lead to higher productivity over time.
  3. To really benefit from new technologies like AI, we need patience and creativity in our systems. The changes won't happen overnight, but it's important to stick with it.
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Cattle, Social Cohesion, Culture, Civic Cohesion, Collective Uplift, & Civilization in Sub-Saharan Africa; Causality; & the TseTse Fly

123 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Economic Development
  1. The tsetse fly has had a huge impact on Africa's history by harming cattle and limiting agricultural development. This meant less farming and a weaker economy for many regions.
  2. Without cattle, societies couldn't use plows, which hurt their ability to farm efficiently. This led to fewer roads and central governments.
  3. If the tsetse fly didn't exist, Africa might have developed more centralized states and lower rates of slavery, resulting in a stronger economy and bigger population over time.

HOISTED FROM COMMENTS: RAFAEL KAUFMANN: Carving Nature at the Joints: Faithful Representation, the Platonic Dream, & the Unreasonable Near-Success of GPT LLM MAMLMs

69 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Philosophy Data science Automation
  1. Machines, like large language models, can imitate human language because they find patterns hidden in how we express ourselves. They simplify the chaos of our words into something easier to understand.
  2. Even though these models are good at predicting responses, they struggle with truly understanding the world. They can replicate language well, but grasping the deeper meaning remains a challenge.
  3. The hope is that with better training and understanding causal relationships, these models could evolve to not only imitate but truly comprehend the world around them.

LECTURE NOTES: Lash, Cash, & Cotton in the Imperial-Commercial & Early SteamPower Age

299 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
💾 History Slavery Capitalism Race Civil War Economics
  1. Slavery changed over time, especially after 1500, when it became more about race and capitalism. Before that, people could become slaves due to war or debt, but that changed.
  2. Wealthy societies benefited from slavery, with the middle class enjoying cheap goods thanks to the suffering of enslaved people. This created a system where profit came at a high human cost.
  3. The idea of race was used to justify slavery, making it seem like it was natural for certain groups to be enslaved. The American Civil War, while costly, was part of the struggle to end this brutal system.

Stablecoin Wildcat-Bank Roulette: The Genius Act Gambles with America’s Money

292 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
💰 Finance Banking Investments Cryptocurrency Regulation Economy
  1. Congress is considering allowing companies to create their own currencies through stablecoins, which could lead to financial chaos like what happened in the past.
  2. There are concerns that regulators may struggle to manage the many stablecoins that could flood the market, posing a risk to the economy.
  3. Instead of issuing more currencies, a better approach might be to adopt practices from the European Union to focus on reducing fees and helping consumers without overloading regulators.

Who Were the ‘We the People’ Back in 1787?: Race, Law, & Original Constitutional Sin

238 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Constitution Race Law History Politics
  1. The concept of 'We the People' in the U.S. Constitution originally referred mainly to white citizens, with racial exclusion being a key part of that history.
  2. Some legal arguments today echo past ideas about racial citizenship, questioning who is included in the legal definitions set by the Constitution.
  3. There's ongoing debate about the historical voting rights of free Black men during the time of the Constitution's ratification, showing complexities in understanding who had a voice back then.

Tariffs, Chaos, & the G6: I Watch Adam Posen as an Eloquent Cassandra on the Economic Wages of Pluto-Populist Trade-Policy Folly

269 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic Policy Populism Tariffs International relations
  1. Tariffs can harm regular American families by increasing prices and creating uncertainty. They may seem like a good idea to support local industries, but they often backfire.
  2. The U.S. is becoming more isolated in global trade because of unpredictable policies. Other countries will easily find new trade partners, leaving the U.S. at a disadvantage.
  3. The chaos caused by tariffs leads to significant financial burdens on lower-income households. The overall economic impact will hurt many people, especially those with less money.

Discounting the Future: Financial Markets, Memory, & the Mirage of ‘Normal’

192 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
💰 Finance Market Trends Interest Rates Central Banking Economic Policy Investment Strategies
  1. Financial markets are uncertain right now, with discount rates showing anxiety about growth and policy directions. It's a confusing time that could lead to either growth or recession.
  2. The Federal Reserve is divided on its future rates, indicating a cautious approach as they wait for more data. Mixed opinions exist about how to respond to inflation and economic conditions.
  3. The concept of a 'normal' economy has changed significantly since the 1990s. Today, interest rates and inflation are at levels that do not align with past expectations, leading to a new financial landscape.

The Phantom Menace of the Trump Mobile T1 SmartPhone: Silicon Dreams & Supply Chain Realities

261 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Smartphones Manufacturing Supply Chain Economics Media
  1. The Trump Mobile T1 smartphone is less about real technology and more about selling a confidence game. It's surprising how many people are willing to overlook this.
  2. The idea of making a high-spec phone in America for a low price is a fantasy. Real manufacturing takes much more investment and planning than what's being promised.
  3. Many reports about the T1 phone show uncertainty and skepticism. Experts think it's more of a marketing gimmick than a feasible product.

Chaos Monkeys at the Gate: Elon Musk, Donald Trump, & the Unraveling of Rocket-&-Rage-Tweet Tech Statesmanship

361 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Public Figures Policy Analysis Political Commentary Political Conflict
  1. Elon Musk initially found success by overpromising but often delivered exceptional results with his companies, like Tesla and SpaceX. However, this ability may have been overshadowed by his association with Donald Trump.
  2. Musk's close relationship with Trump, while beneficial in certain cultural aspects, poses significant risks to his businesses and financial interests. Trump's policies could threaten the viability of Musk's ventures.
  3. Musk underestimated the power dynamics at play and did not secure enough protections for his interests. His strategy to deal with Trump seems ineffective, leading to a retreat from previous positions.

DRAFT: Prosperity & "Utopia": The Moving Target :: History of Economic Growth Lecture Notes 1.5

199 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Economic Theory Political Philosophy Historical Analysis Cultural critique
  1. Utopias represent different ideas of a perfect society, like order, simplicity, pleasure, freedom, and collective purpose. However, real examples often don't match these ideals.
  2. Economic growth is important, but it doesn't guarantee happiness or satisfaction. It's complicated because people might just want more, rather than knowing what truly makes them happy.
  3. Historical models of societies like Sparta, Arcadia, and Rome show that chasing perfection can lead to problems. It's vital to think critically about what we truly want from life.

Rakes, Rage, & the Rationality Racket: Jane Austen, High-T, & the Long Arc of Bad Decisions

222 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
📚 Literature Novels Analysis Classic Comedy Romance
  1. In literature, marriage isn't always about love. Sometimes it's about making practical choices for a better life, like choosing a stable partner over a passionate fling.
  2. Men often act irrationally due to their biology, especially when younger. As they age, they typically make better decisions and prioritize stability.
  3. Comedy can reveal truths about human behavior. Jokes about testosterone highlight how social expectations and biology can lead to poor choices, which have been recognized across history.

What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him?: How We All Already Have Our Superintelligent AI-Assistant :: POSSIBLE LECTURE OUTLINE

107 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Cognition Human Evolution Social Dynamics Collective Intelligence
  1. Humanity's collective brain can be viewed as our superintelligent partner, and we don't need to create a new one. We already have intelligence through our connections and shared knowledge.
  2. Our evolution has shaped us into a high-energy species that relies on cooperation and sharing, helping us thrive over time. This social interaction was key to our development and success.
  3. Smartphones and technology are just the next step in our long journey of collective thinking. They are tools that enhance our ability to connect and process information together.

On the Political Economy of Mendacity in 21st Century America

330 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Economic Policy Media Critique Immigration Policy Forecasting
  1. Economic analysis can sometimes feel like a performance rather than a serious discussion. People in media might act like they believe things that aren't true.
  2. Immigration can boost a country's economy, but some policies can slow down growth. If certain negative policies continue, economic growth could be very low.
  3. Even when people know the truth about economic issues, they still might not say it. This creates a situation where misleading information can seem credible.

The "Economist" Is Not Amused: The Fraudulent "Shining City" of Today's Republicans

599 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Public Policy Government Political Ideology
  1. The modern Republican Party seems to ignore reality and cling to nostalgic ideas instead of addressing current issues. It's like they're in a fantasy world, focusing more on applause than on real economic policies.
  2. There's a growing sense among party members that they can blame Democrats for economic problems, despite their own history of increasing the deficit. It's like they're playing a blame game instead of taking responsibility.
  3. The leaders in the Republican Party appear more interested in tax cuts and deregulation rather than forming effective policies. They rally the crowd with grand tales but tend to avoid tough discussions about the economy.

The Oddest Man Out Among Our $Hundred-Billionaires: Elon Musk

492 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Market Trends Corporate strategy Investment
  1. Elon Musk's wealth, largely tied to Tesla, is facing challenges as the company’s profit growth may not continue. The recent surge in Tesla's sales was helped by market conditions and celebrity status, but that charm seems to be fading.
  2. Many billionaires, especially those in tech, have consistent income from their businesses. In contrast, Musk's financial future looks uncertain as competition in the electric vehicle market increases and his brand image shifts.
  3. The reasons people used to buy Teslas included its innovation and eco-friendliness. Now, with Musk's controversial actions, many of those who once supported the brand are distancing themselves, which could hurt Tesla's future sales.

Brad Setser Says Smart Things on Exorbitant Privilege Unearned & Earned

322 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
💰 Finance Investments Economics Global Markets Monetary Policy Trade
  1. The dollar's power is not just a natural right; it relies on global faith in American institutions and returns. It's a constant balance that can shift quickly if trust is lost.
  2. Private investors have played a huge role in keeping investment flowing into the U.S., as they seek returns and perceived safety. This pattern has changed from reliance on central banks to a focus on individual investors.
  3. The stability of the dollar could be threatened by political issues within the U.S. If the legal and financial systems weaken, trust may fade and capital could flee quickly.

What Have We Here? A Headline Toning-Down the Hype! Something Is Awry Inside Bloomberg News

399 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Media Analysis International relations Government Accountability Trade Policies
  1. News headlines often exaggerate to grab attention, but Bloomberg seems to be toning things down lately. This raises questions about their reporting approach.
  2. Statements from officials about upcoming talks can often be just optimistic hopes rather than facts. There hasn’t been any independent confirmation that a call between Trump and Xi is actually happening.
  3. When headline writers are more cautious than reporters, it suggests something might be off within the news organization. It’s important for news to prioritize informing readers accurately.

Monopoly Profits, AI Arms Races, & the Mirage of Silicon Valley Platform-Oligopoly Disruption

130 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Platforms Disruption Innovation
  1. Users might benefit greatly from advanced AI technology if tools like chatbots serve them well. It's all about whether these tools work for us or the other way around.
  2. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft are facing challenges as AI rapidly evolves. Their old methods of operation may not keep up with new AI advancements.
  3. Even though AI is changing the tech landscape, it might not lead to the rise of new dominant companies. The existing major players could still remain strong despite the disruption.

READING: Harriett Martineau Observes the Court of President Andrew Jackson in Washington DC in the Early 1830s

238 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Government Society Culture Political theory
  1. Harriet Martineau's observations give a unique view of early 19th-century America, focusing on the gap between ideals and reality in politics.
  2. She highlights the diversity and complexity of Washington, D.C. society while also noting the tensions surrounding power and privilege.
  3. Martineau's critical perspective reveals both admiration for American democracy and concerns about exclusions and contradictions within it.

Subsidies, Sanctions, & SpaceX: Musk’s Gambit in the Post-Truth Political Economic Environment of Modern Republicanism

276 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Economy Political strategies Trumpism
  1. Elon Musk may face financial troubles in the future due to his unexpected fallout with Trump. He thought business deals could be made based on loyalty, but that's not how Trump operates.
  2. Musk is trying to show Trump that he has power, which may help him secure subsidies and support for his businesses, Tesla and SpaceX. It's uncertain how effective this strategy will be.
  3. There’s a lot of unpredictability in the political and business landscape, especially with figures like Musk and Trump leading the charge. It's like watching a high-stakes game unfold.

DRAFT: Do Birds Do It Much Better? (Intelligence, That Is), & Other Topics Related to the Deep Substrate of Economic History

146 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💾 History Economic History Cultural Evolution Intelligence Anthropology
  1. The evolution of human intelligence is tied closely to our ability to learn and communicate as a group, not just the individual brain's development.
  2. Birds and some other animals have developed intelligence in their own ways, showing that complex thinking can exist in brains much smaller than humans.
  3. Different species can reach similar levels of intelligence using different brain structures, which suggests that intelligence can evolve independently in various forms.

Apple Computer in Strategic Retreat? Is It Shifting from Its AI Fantasies to Its Old Religion of Usability-Focused Hardware-Software Integration?

161 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Hardware AI Consumer Tech Innovation
  1. Apple is shifting its focus back to what it does best: making great hardware and software that work well together. This is a smart move for the company.
  2. By empowering developers and opening up new opportunities, Apple is creating more value and fostering better partnerships in the tech world.
  3. Instead of trying to chase new trends like AI, Apple is being more realistic and focusing on delivering solid products that people actually need.

The Unsolved Puzzle of Apple Computer's "AI" Misadventures Over the Past Year

107 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Gadgets Innovation Consumer Electronics
  1. Apple's Siri has struggled to keep up with other AI systems, which raises questions about the company's internal management and decision-making. Many people are wondering why they haven't been able to improve it over the years.
  2. Despite claiming to be on the cutting edge of AI, Apple has been criticized for over-promising and under-delivering. This has led to confusion both internally and among the public about what features are really available.
  3. There seems to be a lack of clear communication and situational awareness among Apple's leadership, which might be impacting their ability to deliver reliable AI solutions.

READING/HOISTED: From 2021: Matt Levine Is Bewildered by the Financial Economics of Elon Musk

222 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency Market Trends Investment Strategies Economic Analysis Behavioral Finance
  1. Elon Musk's influence on investments shows that value now often comes from social dynamics and celebrity power rather than traditional financial metrics. His tweets can drive prices up just because many people decide to buy into his hype.
  2. The rise of assets like GameStop and Dogecoin highlights a new way people coordinate their purchases online, often based on collective agreement rather than a solid analysis of the underlying value.
  3. Money and value are becoming less about concrete assets and more about social perceptions and internet culture. As social media evolves, how we view and use money is changing too.

Mondays with the Machine: The Tongue & the Token: Language as Interface in Our Current Age of AI

169 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Natural Language Machine Learning Computing
  1. Natural language interfaces are a big deal because they let us communicate with AI using everyday language. This makes it easier for everyone to use technology without needing to know complex coding or technical skills.
  2. AI systems, like language models, simulate understanding but don't actually think. They can help us find information and assist with tasks, but we should remember that they are not truly intelligent.
  3. Using conversational AI can democratize access to information, making it easier for people to learn and solve problems. However, we must be aware of the risks, like over-reliance on these systems.

From ChatGPT Back to Clay & Cuneiform: A Start at Rethinking Pedagogy for the Age of "AI"

322 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🚌 Education Pedagogy Technology AI Curriculum
  1. Education needs to focus on what students should remember and be able to do, rather than just what they can get from AI like chatbots.
  2. Instead of banning AI, we should find ways to use it in learning, just like we adapted to calculators in math classes.
  3. Understanding the basics behind complex tools like AI is important, as all tools have limitations and can miss important details.

Friday Macro Sitch Watching: The Grit from the Sandstorm Is Fierce!

207 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💰 Finance Macroeconomics Investment Economic Policy Market Trends Risk management
  1. In uncertain times, it's wise to be cautious and build safety instead of taking big risks. Waiting and watching can help us avoid bad decisions when the future is unclear.
  2. The economy is facing challenges like stagflation, which means slow growth and high prices. It's hard to tell if we're headed for a recession or if things will get better soon.
  3. Some people still have hope for a positive change, similar to past economic recoveries. They believe that chaos could lead to new growth opportunities, but there's a lot of uncertainty about what will happen next.

CROSSPOST: LEIF WEATHERBY: Our Spreadsheet Overlords

146 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Data Automation Bureaucracy Engineering
  1. AI tools like ChatGPT are often seen as super smart, but they're really just advanced digital bureaucrats. They help manage data and tasks but can hide errors behind a layer of complexity.
  2. Relying too much on AI can lead us to overlook its limitations. It doesn't think like humans; it's more about processing and translating data rather than genuine understanding.
  3. There's a risk in using AI for important tasks without careful oversight. As it automates jobs and decision-making, we need to stay aware of the potential for misuse and the loss of human judgment.

Developing a New (Alan) Taylorism for the Remainder of the 21st Century

238 implied HN points • 31 May 25
💰 Finance Macroeconomics Political Economy Inflation Interest Rates Globalization
  1. We need to learn from past economic crises so we can prepare for future shocks. They often have long-lasting effects on our economy, making recovery much harder.
  2. Controlling inflation is key for political stability. When inflation is low and stable, people trust their leaders and feel secure about the economy.
  3. Even with challenges, like low interest rates, we have a great chance for investment in things like infrastructure and education. We should take advantage of these conditions to grow.

Understanding Inequality: Can Gini Coefficients Be Fruitfully Demystified? (Revised and Expanded)

222 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Inequality Economics Policy Analysis Social Issues
  1. Gini Coefficients are complex measures of inequality that many people struggle to understand. It might be better to use simpler measures based on income percentiles, which are easier for people to relate to.
  2. When discussing income disparity, it's important to connect the data to real-life situations. Relating income differences to the average income helps individuals grasp the extent of inequality more easily.
  3. Income inequality affects people's experiences and social interactions. Understanding this can provide insights into how economic differences impact relationships and feelings of envy or spite among different economic classes.

Does the Federal Reserve Deserve Deference as a Bank Regulator? Kevin Warsh Says "No"

269 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Economic History Political Economy
  1. Kevin Warsh believes the Federal Reserve should not have authority over bank regulation and should defer to the Treasury instead. This raises questions about what role the Fed really should play in the financial system.
  2. Historically, the U.S. economy has struggled during banking crises due to a lack of a strong central bank. Events like the Panic of 1907 highlighted the need for a central authority to manage financial stability.
  3. The effectiveness of the Federal Reserve hinges on its ability to monitor and regulate banks. Without this oversight, its role as a lender of last resort becomes less effective, suggesting bank regulation is crucial to the Fed's mission.

"A Browser with a ChatBot": Watching the Evolution of The Browser Company Toward "AI", Whatever That Might Become

169 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Web Development AI Software User Experience Internet
  1. The Browser Company is trying to create a new web experience by mixing a familiar browser interface with a chatbot. They hope this will make it easy for users to adapt to their product.
  2. There is a lot of competition in the browser market, with big companies like Google and Apple also developing AI features. This makes it hard for smaller companies to stand out.
  3. The goal is to not just be another browser, but to help users manage their entire online life better. They want to offer advanced features that save time and improve productivity over time.

Yes. I Took a Vacation

207 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Travel Lifestyle Leisure Personal Growth Experiences
  1. Taking a vacation can be refreshing and necessary for mental well-being. It's important to step away from work sometimes and recharge.
  2. Returning from a vacation often brings a renewed sense of purpose and energy. Getting back to work can feel good after some time off.
  3. Sharing experiences from time away can be valuable for both the person returning and their audience. It offers insights and a chance to connect over shared interests.

Think of It as Generating Our "Investment Surplus", Not as Our "Trade Deficit"

146 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💰 Finance Economic Policy Global Trade Investment Analysis Financial Stability
  1. Think of the trade deficit as an investment surplus instead. This way, we can see the benefits of foreign investments in the U.S. economy.
  2. A current-account trade deficit actually reflects an investment surplus by nature. This means that money from foreign exports is being used to buy U.S. assets, which can help keep interest rates low.
  3. While there are some costs linked to trade deficits, such as job losses in certain sectors, it's also important to recognize that investments can lead to new technology and greater economic strength in the long run.

Mondays with the Machine: Thinking Out Loud About the Current "AI" Boom-Bubble

169 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Cognitive Science Digital Tools Information Technology
  1. New technologies like AI often cause panic as people worry about their impact, similar to how calculators were once banned in schools. Over time, we learn to use these tools responsibly.
  2. AI chatbots can seem human-like, but they are actually complex tools for finding information. Instead of treating them like people, we should learn how to use them effectively for our needs.
  3. While AI can generate a lot of ideas quickly, it lacks the depth and truthfulness that history provides. History gives us valuable lessons, but AI can still help spark new thoughts and start conversations.