David Friedman’s Substack

David Friedman's Substack explores a wide range of subjects from economic principles and climate change to intellectual debates and law enforcement, emphasizing critical thinking, skepticism towards mainstream narratives, and the interplay of natural and social sciences in understanding human behavior and societal issues.

Critical Thinking and Truth Seeking Political and Economic Theories Science and Climate Change Legal and Ethical Considerations Societal and Cultural Analysis Philosophy and Morality Education and Learning Methods Technology and Society

The hottest Substack posts of David Friedman’s Substack

And their main takeaways

My Views of the Trump Administration

287 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25

The Trump administration has mixed reviews, with some seeing it as a disaster and others viewing it as a necessary change towards less government control and more individual choices.
Tariffs and immigration policies under Trump are seen as not beneficial, especially since tariffs may harm trade and the economy.
Foreign policy is a huge concern, especially with Trump's approach of potentially reducing support for Ukraine and NATO, which could risk European stability.

Climate “Endangerment”

242 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25

🌞 Climate & Environment Climate change Environmental Policy Public Health

The debate about climate change includes arguments about whether its overall effects are negative or if there can be positive impacts too. It's important to look at both sides to really understand the issue.
Some scientists believe that overturning a key EPA finding on climate endangerment would be very hard, especially when many signs show that climate change is already hurting people now.
There's a worry that a mistaken belief in a scientific consensus on climate change could be maintained because researchers often rely on each other's work. This can lead to bias if everyone is already leaning towards the same conclusion.

Objectivism

206 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25

📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Debate Anarchism

Ayn Rand's idea of acting in your rational self-interest doesn't mean you should always respect others' rights. Sometimes, acting in your interest might involve violating those rights, but it's best to do so wisely.
An Objectivist government, which would need to fund services like defense, struggles with the idea of collecting taxes without violating its own principles since taxation is seen as initiation of force.
The conversation suggests that accepting some rights violations might be reasonable for the sake of a limited government, but there's a debate on whether a stateless society is actually a better solution.

Lessons for the Next Plague

206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25

🏥 Health Politics Public Health Pandemic response Vaccine Policy Political Impact

The pandemic response showed many mistakes, like unnecessary lockdowns and wrong theories about how the virus spread. Learning from these errors can help us better handle future pandemics.
Politics played a big role in how people reacted to health measures, with facts becoming linked to personal beliefs. This shows how polarized views can affect public health decisions.
Trust in science was low because there were no clear, reliable sources of information. It's important to establish trustworthy scientific reporting to avoid confusion during health crises.

Fertility Decline

233 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Demographics Social Policy Public Health Government Role Economic Impact

Fertility rates are dropping worldwide, even in nations that used to have high rates. This is happening due to reasons like better job opportunities for women and fewer economic benefits from having children.
The decline in fertility can have mixed effects, such as less housing and resources per person, but also potential challenges in creating new ideas and technology due to fewer people contributing.
To address the fertility decline, options include promoting family support or medical advancements that make having children easier, although implementing these solutions can be complicated.

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Retaliatory Tariffs

260 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Tariffs Economic Theory Political strategy International relations

Retaliatory tariffs are taxes on imports that match the tariffs a country imposes on exports. They aim to make both countries reconsider their tariff policies.
If one country sets high tariffs, the other may respond with corresponding tariffs, which might lead to both countries lowering their tariffs for mutual benefit.
The idea of reciprocal tariffs can help simplify trade negotiations, but it can also create loopholes where countries find ways to keep protections in place without directly using tariffs.

More Odds and Ends

170 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economics Political polarization Social Issues

Tariffs can raise revenue for a country but may not be the best tax choice compared to broader taxes. A high tariff rate would require taxing a major portion of imports, which isn’t practical.
Bigotry can stem from people's rigid mental models not matching reality. When someone or something doesn't fit cleanly into these models, it can create discomfort and irritation.
Political polarization is increasing, and it might help if political parties were less sorted. Encouraging issues that don’t follow the typical left/right divide could lead to more cooperation between parties.

More Misleading News

260 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political News Media Criticism Government Action Political Rhetoric

Disney is changing its approach to diversity programs. It might just be quieter about them rather than completely cutting them out.
Trump's comments about journalists at his rally were controversial. He wasn't saying he wanted someone to shoot them, but rather that he wouldn't mind dying if it happened during a confrontation.
Some news articles can exaggerate facts. For example, a machine was called indispensable in a story, but there are actually many similar machines, and the headline misled readers.

What Does “exploit” Mean?

287 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Utilitarianism Economics Social justice

The term 'exploit' can mean two different things: benefiting from an interaction or causing one party to lose while the other gains. It's important to differentiate these meanings to understand whether exploitation is actually happening.
In some cases, people feel that exploitation occurs when there is a big difference in gains between two parties, like in the example of trading cards or water in the desert. However, the fairness of a transaction can depend on additional context.
People may have strong feelings about what is fair or unfair in transactions based on their moral intuitions. These feelings can guide opinions about exploitation, even when the actual economic circumstances suggest a different view.

Measuring Redistribution

224 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Taxation Income Inequality Welfare state Economic Policy

Measuring how much wealth is redistributed in society is complicated because people's incomes can change a lot over their lifetime. A person might be considered poor at one point and rich at another, which makes it hard to classify them in studies.
Figuring out who actually pays taxes can be tricky. For example, corporate taxes affect not just shareholders but also employees and customers, so it’s hard to pin down who truly bears the burden of these taxes.
The increase in income inequality might come from factors outside of government policies. Things like changes in job value over time or how people marry within their social class can affect overall wealth distribution.

Shrinking Hierarchy

224 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25

💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Remote work Innovation

Agoric institutions are where most people are self-employed and work together more like a community of entrepreneurs. This helps reduce reliance on traditional companies.
Technological advancements are making it easier for individuals to create and share their work without the need for companies, like self-publishing or AI helping in content creation.
As technology improves, it reduces costs and complexities of doing business. This means more people could work independently in the future, even if big companies still exist.

Searching Under the Street Lamp

260 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political issues Public Opinion Government Policies Media Analysis Political History

The public debates around political nominations often focus on personal scandals like drinking or infidelity, which distracts from more important issues like competence and policy.
People tend to engage more with sensational stories rather than complex issues, making it hard for meaningful discussions to happen.
Past controversies show a pattern where personal allegations overshadow qualifications, leading to decisions that might not truly reflect a candidate's ability to perform their job.

Travel Thoughts

125 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25

🏝 Travel Air Travel Travel tips Border control

Airlines are starting to offer free checked baggage at the gate to help with overcrowding in overhead bins. This can save passengers money if they are willing to check their carry-on bags.
TSA could improve security by making agents accountable for searching checked luggage. By identifying who searches bags, it might reduce the chances of theft or vandalism.
The passport system costs travelers a lot of time and money each year, but its effectiveness in controlling immigration and crime is questionable. There may be better ways to manage border security without such costly measures.

Skills for the Modern World

278 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25

🚌 Education Digital Literacy Critical Thinking Social Skills Information Management

In today's world, it's really important to know how to find good information online and tell what's true from what isn't. Being able to filter through all the noise is a skill we need to learn.
AI is a big part of our lives now, and we need to understand how to use it effectively and recognize when we're interacting with it. It’s also important to know how to protect ourselves from scams online.
Learning how to navigate online spaces for socializing and education has become essential. Whether it's finding friends, dating, or learning new things, being savvy with technology and online interactions is key.

Economic Errors

655 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24

💰 Finance Economics Wealth Trade Investment Tariffs

Wealth isn't just cash; it can be land, stocks, or buildings. A person's gain in wealth doesn't mean someone else has to lose money.
When countries trade, it’s not just about wages. The value of currencies affects trade costs, and tariffs can disrupt these complex economic balances.
People often hold on to incorrect economic beliefs because they sound easier or support their self-image. Understanding the real logic behind economics can be complicated but helps us see the true picture.

An Alternative University

287 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25

🚌 Education Higher education

The modern university system often struggles with being neutral on controversial issues while needing to take positions. A new model could focus more on individual choices and interests.
A market-based education system would allow students to directly choose and pay for classes with teachers, which might lead to more diverse subjects being taught, based on what students want.
Starting this new university model could be easier by partnering with existing institutions for degrees, and setting up near current universities could attract students and teachers looking for more affordable options.

If We Solve Aging

251 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25

🔬 Science Aging Health Technology Society Politics

There isn't a single fix for aging; it's a complex issue that requires addressing many changes in the body. Solving one part of the problem might only add a few years to life expectancy.
If people lived for centuries, they might change careers or take more leisurely paths in life. This could lead to many people retiring early, but society still needs workers for essential tasks.
Without aging, older politicians could hold power indefinitely, affecting society's decision-making. This might lead to less innovation and a government influenced more by the old than the young.

Neutral Universities

296 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25

🚌 Education Academia University Policy Academic Freedom

Universities should strive for neutrality to focus on truth and avoid political distractions. When they take sides, it can harm their ability to explore different ideas and create a closed environment.
Even if universities don't make public statements, their choices still communicate views on controversial topics. They can avoid unnecessary conflicts by being careful about their decisions and who they hire.
The idea of neutrality isn't just for universities but also applies to professional organizations. When these groups take political stances, it can affect their integrity and the public's trust in their expertise.

Anyone want a talk in Europe?

98 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

🎭️ Culture Events Speaking Travel Public Engagement Networking

A speaker is planning a trip to Europe around April to give talks, starting with an event in Prague.
If you're interested in hearing from the speaker, you can help set up the schedule based on where you want talks.
The speaker is open to covering expenses and wants to reach an engaged audience.

Marriage

386 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24

🎭️ Culture Marriage Economics Family Society Traditions Relationships

Marriage can be viewed as a partnership where both people share responsibilities like income, chores, and caring for children. It's like running a small business together.
People often choose not to buy all services from outside, like cooking or cleaning, because it's easier and cheaper to do these things at home. It saves time and effort to manage these tasks within a marriage instead of hiring others.
The decline in marriage rates might be linked to fewer household responsibilities and easier options for divorce, which make it less binding than before. People are adjusting to a modern world where marriage can seem less necessary.

Arguing with Software

251 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Software Automation E-commerce Customer Service Digital Platforms

Dealing with automated systems can be frustrating. Sometimes, your complaints are answered by software that just sends form letters instead of real help.
Getting issues resolved often requires persistence. If you keep pushing for a solution, a real person may eventually step in to help.
It's important to remember that companies aren't people. They may prioritize efficiency over empathy, which can impact how they handle problems.

Gerrymandering

404 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Rights Political parties Democracy

Gerrymandering can cause a major mismatch between the number of votes a party gets and the number of seats they win. For example, in Tennessee, Republicans won a majority of the votes but secured nearly all the congressional districts.
Courts can create confusion when deciding on gerrymandering cases. For instance, in Louisiana, one court ordered a new district to favor black voters while another barred such a plan, leading to mixed rulings.
The current laws regarding voting representation may not consider how districts are drawn, creating issues for both racial and political fairness. Just because a group doesn't have representation proportional to their population doesn't mean gerrymandering is happening.

Elegant Solutions

404 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24

🪑 Design Product Design Industrial Design User Experience Graphic design Systems Design

Using both words and numbers when writing a check helps reduce mistakes, making it much harder to misread the amount. It's a clever way to prevent errors and fraud.
The design of everyday items, like rubber spatulas and manhole covers, often has simple solutions to practical problems. These designs make them more useful in various situations.
When faced with a decision or a problem, looking for the simplest and most practical solution is key. Sometimes, the best way to find a solution is to observe how things are naturally done.

The Economist on Mao

476 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24

💾 History Political History Communism Totalitarianism Intellectual history

Mao Zedong is often credited for significant changes in China, but his policies caused massive suffering, including a severe famine that killed millions. It's important to look at the real consequences of his leadership, not just the positive narratives.
There was a strong bias among Western intellectuals towards communism, which led to overlooking the negative impacts of Mao's rule. This shows how personal beliefs can cloud judgment about political regimes.
Even reputable publications like The Economist can misjudge historical figures due to a lack of direct information. It's crucial for media to be critical and accurate, especially concerning totalitarian states.

The Virtue of Diversity

431 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24

🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Epidemiology Policy Analysis Scientific research

Many countries had similar Covid-19 policies, even though their cultures and situations were very different. This shows that having different approaches can be useful because it allows for diverse solutions.
The Great Barrington Declaration suggested protecting vulnerable people while allowing the virus to spread among others. This idea faced strong opposition, highlighting how challenging it can be to propose different solutions in a uniform system.
Countries like Sweden took a different path during the pandemic, opting for lighter restrictions. This led to a less severe impact than predicted, suggesting that a variety of strategies can lead to better outcomes.

Biden’s Commutations

323 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial system Drug policy Criminal Justice

Biden pardoned 39 people convicted of non-violent offenses, mostly related to drugs. This helps them rebuild their lives by removing convictions from their records.
He also commuted the sentences of 1499 others still in prison, allowing them to be released but still keeping their criminal records. Some of these cases drew criticism, especially concerning a judge involved in a major bribery scandal.
Critics argue that Biden's policy to commute sentences was too broad and didn't consider the individual circumstances of those being released. There's concern that some who received commutations, like the corrupt judge, still deserved harsher punishment.

The Adoption Market

341 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24

Animal shelters often make it hard to adopt pets, even when there are many looking for homes. This can lead to sad outcomes where animals are not adopted and face death.
In the baby adoption process, laws make it illegal to pay biological mothers for their children. This creates shortages and waiting times, making the process confusing and difficult for prospective parents.
Adoption agencies control who gets to adopt, focusing on their own procedures. This can be problematic because their motivations might not always align with the best interest of the child.

The Economics of Altruism

179 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25

📖 Philosophy Ethics Altruism Economics Evolution Psychology

Altruism can be understood in economic terms by suggesting that people might care about others' well-being as part of their own happiness. This means that helping others can also benefit the helper.
The 'Rotten Kid Theorem' explains that even selfish behavior in children can lead them to act in ways that are good for everyone, as they understand their actions affect their parent's support.
Altruism may have evolved as a way to help groups survive better. When one person helps others, it can create better cooperation for the whole group, making it more successful over time.

The Marriage Market

161 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25

🎭️ Culture Marriage Economics Social norms Gender Roles Legal issues

Marriage can be viewed as a market where people offer certain terms to get a partner. If there are fewer options for one gender, the price or terms improve for the other gender.
Having different qualities can change the 'price' of potential spouses. Attractive or compatible people often have better terms in marriage deals, similar to how desirable products are priced in a market.
Legalizing practices like polygyny or polyandry can shift the demand for spouses, leading to better terms for some while making it tougher for others. It may seem confusing, but more choices can change how relationships are valued.

First ask what it means

269 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Political Philosophy Epistemology

It's important to first understand what statements about climate change really mean before accepting them as true. Definitions of extreme weather can vary, so the impact of climate change may not be as straightforward as it seems.
When people say healthcare is a human right, it raises questions about what that actually means and whether healthcare workers could be forced to provide care. The term needs clarification to avoid misunderstandings about what rights entail.
Terms like 'living wage' can be vague and subjective. People often think of it as a wage that allows for a comfortable life, but what that looks like varies widely between individuals.

Hunter’s Pardon

323 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Legislation Judiciary Political Ethics Public Policy Government

Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, shows how complicated family loyalty can be versus the idea of justice. Many people believe a good father protects his child, even if it looks bad politically.
The discussion over Biden's actions raises questions about what makes someone a good person. Is it better to prioritize family or to uphold laws and promises to the public?
Biden's claim that politics affected Hunter's legal troubles highlights concerns about how political status influences justice. Some feel that Hunter received special treatment because of who his father is.

Are Books Worth Writing?

260 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24

📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Writing Publishing Reading

Writing a book can help spread ideas more effectively than blog posts. Books allow for a more organized presentation of related thoughts.
Converting blog posts into a book can save time since it involves editing rather than starting from scratch. It builds on existing content, which can be easier.
There's a possibility to create short books or combine related topics into one longer book. Exploring these options might benefit both the writer and the readers.

Friederich Hayek and Will Rogers on the Democratic Party

350 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Political theory Policy Making Political Behavior

The Democratic Party often acts more like a collection of individuals than a unified organization. This means that each member prioritizes their own goals, which can lead to conflicting actions and beliefs.
Politicians, like Biden, may not shift their policies towards the center because it could risk their own elections and support. They often focus more on their personal objectives than the party's overall strategy.
The behavior of political parties can reflect individual interests rather than a cohesive plan. This can result in decisions that don't necessarily align with making the party stronger or defeating opponents.

Heat Pumps, Thermostats, and Bad Design

242 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Energy Design Regulation Efficiency

Heat pumps can be more cost-effective than gas furnaces, but it depends on current energy prices. It's important to understand the right settings on your thermostat to save money.
Many thermostats are designed to prioritize heat pumps over gas furnaces, which can lead to unnecessary costs if gas heating is cheaper. Users should consider switching to 'emergency heat' if they have both systems.
Regulations often push for efficiency in heating systems, but not all thermostats work well for every dual-fuel setup. It's essential for customers to be informed about the best options for their specific heating needs.

Brilliant Simplicity

242 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24

🚌 Education Economics Science Philosophy Mathematics History

Brilliant individuals can contribute to knowledge in two main ways: through challenging, complex work and by highlighting simple ideas that others may overlook. Simple ideas often seem obvious once recognized.
Examples like the median voter theorem and Coase's theories show how simple concepts can explain complex phenomena, such as election outcomes or the functioning of firms, making them essential in economics.
Even in biology, like Darwin's theory of evolution, simple ideas can lead to significant insights, changing how we understand life and its development over time.

Abolishing the Dept of Education

260 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Federal Government Trump administration Public funding

Abolishing the Department of Education could mean different things, like removing it while keeping funding the same, or fully taking away its control and funding.
One suggestion is to give education funds directly to states to let them decide how to use the money, which might keep education more local.
Another idea is to create a voucher program, giving parents the choice of where to send their kids for education, potentially including various types of schools.

Bursting Bubbles

242 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Beliefs Political parties Media influence

People often react to uncomfortable truths or losses in different ways. Some might deny the truth, while others might try to explain it away.
When their beliefs are challenged, individuals tend to adjust their views to fit new information while keeping some old beliefs intact.
In extreme cases, people might refuse to accept objective truth and defend their beliefs as a way to maintain their group identity.

Problems of the Modern World

188 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24

🏥 Health Politics Public Health Environmental health Mental health Social Issues

There are many problems in the modern world, like rising autism rates, obesity, and lifestyle changes, but their causes are not always clear.
Different factors, such as environmental changes, political decisions, and lifestyle habits, might be contributing to these issues.
Identifying the true causes of these problems is complex and might require more research to understand what’s really happening.

Post Out of Order

251 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Political Analysis Party Dynamics Local Politics

The author usually posts every three days but chose to share something out of the usual schedule. It's okay to mix things up sometimes!
A specific news story showed surprising voting trends in New York neighborhoods, especially regarding Trump. It suggests that Democrats may need to rethink their strategies.
The author humorously implies that New York Democrats should seek advice from Chicago to better understand voter turnout. It's a playful way to highlight unexpected election results.