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 Porcfest Talks

0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 13
  1. David Friedman gave talks at the Free State Project's Porcupine Festival
  2. Topics included a debate between the Chicago and Austrian School, legal systems, and anarcho-capitalism
  3. Recordings of the talks are available online

James Hanson Gets it Partly Right

0 implied HN points • 02 Jun 13
  1. A carbon tax on fossil fuels with revenue returned to the population can be a sensible way to address global warming.
  2. Targeting a political center with a proposal can bridge gaps between differing ideologies on environmental policies.
  3. Advocating for nuclear power as a substitute for fossil fuels is a key aspect of the proposal.

How Strongly do Believers Believe: Historical Evidence

0 implied HN points • 27 May 13
  1. The strength of religious belief can be seen through historical examples of people risking their lives for their faith.
  2. When interpreting historical data, it's important to consider cultural and legal contexts to avoid misinterpretation.
  3. One cannot overlook the impact of institutional practices and external pressures on individuals' actions and beliefs.

My Europe Trip: Final Thoughts

0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 13
  1. Audiences in Europe were interested in libertarian ideas.
  2. Libertarian movement is thriving in Europe.
  3. More women were attending libertarian events.

Overcharging: The Aaron Swartz Case

0 implied HN points • 24 Jan 13
  1. Prosecutors can overcharge defendants to pressure them into accepting plea deals.
  2. One way to prevent overcharging is to consider eliminating plea bargaining.
  3. An alternative approach could be to limit prosecutors to treating a single act as a single crime or specifying that only the most serious conviction counts.
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Unsolicited Ad for Genetic Testing

0 implied HN points • 11 Dec 12
  1. Genetic testing by 23andMe can provide information about medical predispositions and ancestry.
  2. Getting tested not only offers personal benefits but also contributes to a collective pool of genetic information.
  3. A sale on genetic testing services may be available for $99, which is less than the standard price.

Googling for Usage

0 implied HN points • 26 Nov 12
  1. Using Google to compare word usage helps to choose the right term for your writing.
  2. Schelling focal point involves coordinating without communicating, similar to language usage.
  3. Language evolves through common usage, impacting communication and understanding.

The First Experimental Science?

0 implied HN points • 25 Jul 12
  1. Cooking could have been the first experimental science, as chefs experiment daily when preparing food.
  2. Tasty food was a luxury in medieval times, giving chefs the motivation to innovate and create new dishes.
  3. Simple changes in ingredients and cooking methods can lead to significant culinary discoveries.

A Real Life Catch-22

0 implied HN points • 16 May 12
  1. Received automated call for son, told to relay message, son needed to call from original number.
  2. Encountered impossible phone loop with robot responders.
  3. Suggested improvement but unsure if changes will be made.

Successful Dieting: Report from a Sample Size of One

0 implied HN points • 15 May 12
  1. Limiting meals to one per day can be effective for some in weight loss.
  2. Choosing low calorie foods, like fruit salads and kimchee, can help with dieting.
  3. Regularly weighing oneself and using that feedback to adjust diet is important in successful weight management.

No Plot Survives

0 implied HN points • 05 Feb 12
  1. Outlining a story doesn't always prevent characters from evolving in unexpected ways.
  2. Character motivations and relationships can greatly influence the plot and its direction.
  3. Unexpected plot twists and new characters can enrich the storytelling process.

David Brin and Adam Smith

0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 11
  1. A discussion on David Brin and Adam Smith and their views on wealth disparities and competition.
  2. Brin claimed Adam Smith spoke on disparities affecting competition, but evidence suggests otherwise.
  3. Contrary to popular belief, Smith's criticisms were often aimed at merchants and manufacturers rather than the landed gentry.

Donating to Both Sides: A Research Proposal

0 implied HN points • 04 Oct 11
  1. Corporate donors may give money to both candidates in some races to buy influence with the winner.
  2. Donations to both candidates may not always be intended to influence the election outcome.
  3. Research could explore reasons behind donating to both sides of a political race.

(Almost) Free Medical Advice

0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 11
  1. Using smartphones as health monitors is a valuable idea with potential benefits.
  2. Monitoring simple measures like reaction speed in games could help detect gradual cognitive decline early.
  3. Cost-effective methods like this could lead to early detection of serious medical conditions.

Stranger in a Strange Land: Fifty Years After

0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 11
  1. Stranger in a Strange Land had a significant short-term impact on culture, but its long-term effect has been minimal.
  2. The concept of group marriage portrayed in the book was naively romantic and risky for real-world application.
  3. Changes in sexual mores since the book's publication have leaned more towards the acceptability of casual sex and structured polyamory.

Turkey and the Arab Spring

0 implied HN points • 23 Jun 11
  1. Turkey's reforms under Ataturk created a stable and democratic state in the Muslim world.
  2. Turkey has a high per capita income compared to other Muslim countries of similar size.
  3. Turkey may lead a new community of moderately free and democratic Muslim countries.

Nicholas Kristof Gets His History Backwards

0 implied HN points • 08 Apr 11
  1. Nicholas Kristof's view of Herbert Hoover's fiscal policies during the Great Depression is historically inaccurate.
  2. During the early 1920s, a Republican president responded to unemployment by cutting spending, which resulted in a decrease in the unemployment rate.
  3. Economic history can provide valuable insights, but it's essential to accurately represent the facts to draw meaningful conclusions.

The More Things Change ...

0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 11
  1. Going to law school can lead to debt without job prospects
  2. Many law students believe they will be the exception to poor job outcomes
  3. Choosing professions is often fueled by overconfidence and the desire for reputation

Beards, Razors, and History

0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 11
  1. Different facial hair styles may be influenced by the ease of shaving different parts of the face.
  2. Safety razors are easier to use on flat parts of the face but harder on curved areas like the chin.
  3. The invention of electric shavers may have influenced trends in men's facial hair styles.

Tax Cuts: A Prediction

0 implied HN points • 16 Nov 10
  1. The prediction made was that the tax cuts disagreement would result in a temporary continuation of the Bush tax cuts for everyone for about two years.
  2. The alternative compromise would be a permanent extension for lower income groups and a temporary one for higher income groups.
  3. The temporary extension for high-income groups would frame the issue as giving rich people a tax cut, which is a strong political position for Democrats.

Sustainability: Part II

0 implied HN points • 14 Nov 10
  1. Predicting the future to meet future needs is a challenge in sustainability.
  2. Defining sustainability by individual or net effects can lead to conflicting policies.
  3. The concept of sustainability can be interpreted differently by different viewpoints.

Ken Buck and "separation of church and state"

0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 10
  1. Ken Buck believes in the freedom of religion without state-imposed beliefs
  2. He supports a close relationship between church and state but not a state-sponsored religion
  3. Journalists should verify claims before reporting on politicians

Is Obama a Christian? Is Palin?

0 implied HN points • 29 Aug 10
  1. Some people believe Obama is Muslim, but there is no solid evidence for this.
  2. Politicians like Obama and Palin may claim to be Christian for political reasons.
  3. There is no strong evidence that Obama or Palin are Muslims, given the specific religious requirements of Islam.

My New Phone and a Downside to Open Source

0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 10
  1. Android operating system being open source allows for manufacturers to customize versions, leading to compatibility issues between devices.
  2. New OS updates like Android 2.2 may take time to be available for all capable phones due to different manufacturer versions.
  3. Independent programmers can create improved versions of Android OS, providing alternatives before official updates are released by carriers.

G-1 Root and Tether: Help

0 implied HN points • 07 Jun 09
  1. T-Mobile may allow tethering a G-1 phone even if they don't officially support it
  2. To tether a G-1 phone, root access is needed
  3. Having trouble with tethering a G-1 phone may require seeking expert advice

G1 Apps: One Down, Two to Go

0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 09
  1. The author wanted specific apps for his G1 Android phone.
  2. He was able to find and download a word processor with a spreadsheet app for $20.
  3. The author is still adjusting to the new app, as it feels slightly clumsier than his previous one.

Global Warming, British Snow, and Filtered Evidence

0 implied HN points • 05 Feb 09
  1. Unusual weather, both hot and cold, can be seen as evidence for global warming.
  2. The news media tends to focus on unusual weather, which can skew perceptions of global warming.
  3. The evidence presented to the public is often biased towards the sensational, affecting perceptions of various issues.

Radio Interview on Future Imperfect

0 implied HN points • 22 Oct 08
  1. David Friedman discussed future imperfections in a radio interview in 2008.
  2. The radio interview is now available online for listening.
  3. The interview provides insights on future challenges and potential disruptions.

The Android G1

0 implied HN points • 17 Oct 08
  1. The Android G1 impressed with its speed and usability over EDGE network.
  2. The device offers features like GPS and a smooth UI experience.
  3. Potential limitations include the absence of a word processor and tethering software for Android.

Regulation: Too Much or Too Little

0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 08
  1. Present financial mess may not be due to deregulation, but rather government interventions in the housing market
  2. Loosening regulations on Fanny Mae during Clinton administration led to more loans to less qualified borrowers
  3. Government intervention may necessitate regulations to limit risk and prevent firms from taking advantage of taxpayers

The Education of Politicians

0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 08
  1. Successful politicians may not have elite academic backgrounds like academics often assume.
  2. There may be limited public information on the academic scores of politicians.
  3. The education level of politicians may not necessarily impact their performance.

How to Save Law Schools Money

0 implied HN points • 26 Sep 08
  1. Sending unsolicited mail to law professors is costly for law schools.
  2. Law schools send this mail to improve their ratings in U.S. News and World Report.
  3. A proposed solution is to create a 'no write' list for law professors to save money and time.

Clinton, Obama, Older voters and Gerontocracy

0 implied HN points • 24 Apr 08
  1. Older voters tend to support Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama, possibly due to familiarity and perception of traits like bossiness and conservatism.
  2. Young people are attracted to Obama for his willingness to take risks and his potential to bridge societal divides.
  3. Personal optimism can influence political preferences, transcending typical party affiliations.

A pretty good economist

0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 08
  1. An economist should understand the technical terms they use.
  2. Price control may not always be the best solution in insurance.
  3. Insurance may not solve the issue of individuals with bad health paying more for healthcare.

Cartoonist Wanted

0 implied HN points • 11 Apr 08
  1. David Friedman is looking for a cartoonist.
  2. His daughter's musical composition explanation inspired a cartoon idea.
  3. The cartoon involves an octopus playing eight lines on a harp.

Law and Order

0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 07
  1. All candidates support law and order in election campaigns.
  2. Telecom firms deliberately violated the law by helping the government intercept communications.
  3. Government's control over criminal law can lead to immunity for the government itself.

More on Colleges

0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 07
  1. All liberal arts colleges make similar claims about their warm, friendly environments that are hard to test.
  2. Alumni at events may not provide an accurate representation of a school, as they lack comparisons to other schools.
  3. Anecdotes from a promotional student movie highlighted the irony of nonconformity and a lack of mathematical literacy among students.

The Nokia E90: A Summary Judgement

0 implied HN points • 03 Nov 07
  1. The word processor on the Nokia E90 is much worse than its predecessor, taking up to 9-10 minutes to load a book and can only have one document open at a time.
  2. The Notes application can be a substitute for reading books quickly, but it has limitations like slow scrolling and issues with editing text.
  3. The Nokia E90 freezes fairly often and has usability problems, like the menu button not always responding correctly.

Why Colleges Are Expensive

0 implied HN points • 25 Sep 07
  1. Colleges practice extensive price discrimination, making tuition higher than actual costs.
  2. The quality of education and services provided at colleges has increased, raising costs.
  3. Schools offer luxurious amenities and facilities that contribute to the high cost of education.

Tipping

0 implied HN points • 13 Sep 07
  1. Tipping allows customers to reward good service and penalize poor service based on personal experience.
  2. Tipping can be a way to adhere to social norms and demonstrate generosity, even if it is customary and not required.
  3. The culture of tipping varies between societies, influenced by factors such as concern for class and societal status.