Erik Examines

Erik Examines dives into a range of topics from historical analyses, economic perspectives, and political commentary with a focus on Nordic views. It explores global cultural comparisons, critiques contemporary figures and ideologies, offers insights on media, and dissects socio-political concepts, aiming to educate on diverse subjects through a Nordic lens.

History Economics Politics Military Analysis Cultural Critique Media Analysis Socio-Political Commentary Science and Technology Artificial Intelligence

The hottest Substack posts of Erik Examines

And their main takeaways

Solving The Loneliness Crisis with Technology

89 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Social Impact Smartphones AI Regulation
  1. Humans are feeling more detached and lonely due to technology. We need major societal changes to address this.
  2. Physical interactions are important for social connection. Simple devices like a voice-controlled AI phone could help limit screen time and distractions.
  3. Regulation and design changes for technology can promote healthier habits. A device like a voice-controlled AI phone, focusing on essential functions without a screen, could offer a solution to combat loneliness.

How I Define Socialism and Capitalism

89 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
  1. Socialism, as defined by the author, means economic and political democracy, contrary to the traditional perceptions of socialism related to the USSR, Mao's China, and Eastern Bloc.
  2. Codetermination in Germany is highlighted as an example of economic democratization, where workers have half the voting power in corporations.
  3. The author presents a redefined view of capitalism, focusing on the criticism of wealth concentration in a small elite group and advocating for more economic democracy.

Who Would Win a Battle Between the Nordics and Russia?

179 implied HN points • 08 Feb 23
  1. Nordics have a bigger economy than Russia, which can provide access to more advanced military equipment.
  2. Nordic countries have superior terrain for defense, negating Russia's numerical advantages in a potential conflict.
  3. Nordics possess more advanced military equipment with better coordination, range, and accuracy compared to Russia.

Jordan Peterson is not an Oracle

179 implied HN points • 07 Feb 23
  1. Jordan Peterson may speak eloquently, but his comments on a wide range of topics may not be accurate.
  2. Peterson misunderstands Artificial Intelligence, Biology, and Climate Change, making false claims in his discussions.
  3. Experts have criticized Peterson for mischaracterizing concepts and spreading misinformation in various fields.

Collectivism in Nordics and Asian Compared

134 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
  1. Nordic societies emphasize group achievements over individual ones, contrasting with American individualism.
  2. Asian cultures tend to be more group-oriented and less individualistic compared to Nordic and American cultures.
  3. Cultural dimensions show differences in hierarchies, individualism, materialism, and indulgence across Nordic, American, and Asian societies.
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Why Better Call Saul Is Way better Than You Think

89 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
  1. Breaking Bad had immediate appeal with a strong concept and captivating characters from the start.
  2. Better Call Saul takes a slower approach, building characters and story with rich layers and depth over time.
  3. The show excels in visual storytelling, character development, and presenting complex moral dilemmas in a humorous and engaging way.

A Guide to the Scandinavian Political System for Americans

89 implied HN points • 01 Oct 22
  1. In Scandinavian countries, multiple representatives from different political parties are elected for each voting district, unlike the single representative system in the US.
  2. Contacting a representative in Scandinavia is based more on party affiliation than selecting a specific individual candidate, highlighting the focus on party platforms.
  3. Scandinavian countries use proportional representation in elections, allowing for the presence of multiple political parties and reflecting voter preferences in the distribution of seats.

The Art of Melting Sand

89 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
  1. Glass is made by melting sand at high temperatures - around 1700°C.
  2. Adding sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate lowers the melting temperature of glass, making it more durable.
  3. Different types of glass like soda-lime glass and forest glass were developed by ancient civilizations based on available materials.

Glass, The Substance of Science

44 implied HN points • 20 Aug 22
  1. Glass plays a crucial role in scientific advancements like microscopes and telescopes.
  2. The development of important scientific theories like gravity was aided by glass instruments like telescopes.
  3. Glass has been essential in various scientific applications such as thermodynamics, cameras, and spectacles.

Why Wasn't the Steam Engine Invented in China?

4 HN points • 08 Dec 22
  1. The development of the steam engine was closely linked to the mastery of cannon making for precision cylinder creation.
  2. Europe's advanced gunpowder weapons were driven by the need to combat heavily armored knights, leading to innovations like muskets.
  3. The European scientific revolution, driven by factors like the printing press and glassmaking, laid the foundation for advancements in gas laws, mechanics, and machinery.

Did the Teacup Hinder Chinese Scientific Progress?

4 HN points • 20 Aug 22
  1. China already had glass in ancient times, before Europe
  2. Chinese porcelain and paper development prevented the evolution of glassmaking in China
  3. Glassmaking evolved rapidly in Europe due to early diffusion of advanced technologies and events like the crusades

Do Civilizations Prosper and Evolve Due to Ideas or Material Conditions?

2 HN points • 06 Dec 22
  1. The progress of human society is primarily determined by material conditions rather than just ideas or resources like oil and gold.
  2. The development of advanced civilizations depends on unique material conditions like landscapes, geography, and climate that facilitate trade and the exchange of ideas.
  3. Ideas arise and thrive in areas with efficient waterways and trade networks, allowing for the spread and adaptation of valuable knowledge and innovation.

Artificial Intelligence Art and Cooking

0 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology Creativity Education Impacts
  1. Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing various aspects of life, similar to the internet and smartphone revolutions.
  2. Creating AI art involves providing text prompts to generate images, which requires skill and practice to master.
  3. AI art has limitations in understanding 3D environments and complex movements, but is useful for creating standalone images like book covers and posters.