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

My Apology to Trumpers

3404 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human behavior Political alliances
  1. Many people who support Trump are not inherently bad or immoral. They might be afraid to confront the reality of supporting someone like him, fearing they will lose their friends and community.
  2. People often make excuses for problematic leaders instead of standing against them. This kind of behavior can be compared to being in an abusive relationship, where the fear of change can lead to justifying bad actions to maintain the status quo.
  3. It's vital for all sides to find common ground, especially in tough political times. Sharing a belief in democracy and rule of law is more important than differing opinions on specific issues.

No, Capitalism Did Not Make America the Richest Country

268 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Socialism History Immigration Capitalism
  1. America's wealth didn't come solely from capitalism or hard work; other factors played big roles too. There are many things we often overlook when we talk about America's economic success.
  2. Many Europeans didn't come to America only to escape oppression. They actually had other options within Europe, and they were often seeking better land and opportunities instead.
  3. The U.S. had vast resources like fertile land and coal, which helped it industrialize faster than many European countries. These natural advantages were a key reason for America's economic power.

Trumpers Are Not Entitled to Respect

1209 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Trumpism Nationalism Empathy
  1. Respect has to be earned, and many MAGA supporters haven't done that. They often act disrespectfully towards others but expect respect in return.
  2. There is a double standard where MAGA supporters don't recognize their own harmful statements. They can insult others but get upset when the same is done to them.
  3. Freedom is often misinterpreted. For some, it means the freedom to dominate others instead of true liberty for everyone.

American Advantages in Economies of Scale

89 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Markets Consumer behavior Entrepreneurship Global Trade
  1. The size of America's consumer market helps businesses grow because they can reach a lot of people who can afford to buy their products. A bigger market means they can make more items faster, like how a big factory can produce more than a small workshop.
  2. Cultural similarities in America allow stores and brands to sell the same products across the country without changing much. This makes it easier for companies to run and for consumers to find what they want, no matter where they are.
  3. English, especially American English, is popular around the world. This helps American brands and culture spread more easily, making it a powerful tool for influence and business growth.

The Pseudo-Science of Female Submission

134 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Feminism Gender Studies Ethics Social theory Evolutionary Psychology
  1. The idea that women are meant to be owned by men is based on old, false beliefs. It's an attempt to make a harmful view seem rational by using misleading arguments.
  2. Freedom and individual rights are usually seen as positive, but some people twist this idea to suggest that women shouldn't have autonomy. This is not based on science or truth, but rather a desire to maintain control.
  3. Claiming that society or the state owns women is a form of manipulation. Laws exist to protect individuals, not to enslave them, and everyone, regardless of gender, benefits from freedom and rights.
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Why are Dakotans Not Like Scandinavians?

44 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Identity Tradition Migration Language Social Behavior
  1. Culture is shaped more by the society we live in than by our genetic background. People can look similar but behave very differently based on their cultural experiences.
  2. Understanding comes from shared culture and language rather than just appearance. Having common experiences and cultural references can create deeper connections than shared heritage alone.
  3. In America, there's a strong focus on race in discussions about behavior and culture, which can be different from European perspectives that emphasize cultural variety across different countries.

The Red-Pill Delusion About Women

89 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Relationships Feminism Social Commentary Psychology
  1. Women have always been active in choosing their partners, not just passive victims. Relationships involve love and emotional connections, not just power dynamics.
  2. Both men and women experience sexual desire, and female desire is often influenced by emotional connections and cultural factors. It's wrong to see women as simply waiting for men to take charge.
  3. Modern dating challenges are not because women are too free, but because some men struggle with women's independence and equality. Healthy relationships should be based on mutual respect and understanding.

The US is no longer our ally

179 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Foreign affairs Conflict Studies
  1. The US is seen by some as no longer being a reliable ally, with divisions in its political landscape affecting international relationships. This raises concerns about how the US approaches foreign policy and engages with other countries.
  2. There's a belief that the US government is siding with far-right movements in Europe and challenging democratic norms. This shift is viewed as a significant change from past US leadership which was more aligned with traditional allies.
  3. Historical parallels are drawn to past aggressive actions by leaders, showing a worry that current US politics might lead to similar conflicts. Many people prefer to cling to the familiar, but change is coming whether they like it or not.

Trump’s “Peace” Is Just Surrender—And That’s the Point

44 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric International relations Conflict resolution Power Dynamics National Security
  1. Peace can sometimes just mean giving in, not really achieving justice. For example, pushing a nation to surrender isn't true peace.
  2. History shows that trying to maintain peace through submission can lead to larger problems later, like during World War II. It's important to stand up against aggressors instead of giving in.
  3. Being a strong nation comes with responsibility. If the U.S. turns to harsh tactics, it could be a threat to global safety, and we should be cautious about how power is used.

Is Elon Musk Actually Evil?

179 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Media Public Opinion Political Extremism
  1. Elon Musk has been accused of mean and hurtful behavior, including mocking people with disabilities and making offensive comments online. This kind of attitude raises questions about his character.
  2. People often overlook the bad actions of powerful individuals if they have also done good things. Just because someone achieves great advancements doesn't mean they are a good person overall.
  3. True leadership involves caring for others and being present in family life, something many believe Musk fails to do despite his public image as a successful entrepreneur.

I Welcome Trump Supporters

44 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Political Discourse Political Behavior Populism Political parties
  1. It's okay to have Trump supporters follow and engage with you, even if you disagree with them. Respect can exist even amid different political views.
  2. People can change their values and opinions over time, even if they hold extremist views now. Everyone has the potential to evolve into a better version of themselves.
  3. The conflict isn't just left versus right; it's about dealing with movements that spread hate and division. It's important to call out harmful behavior while still being open to discussion.

The Dangers of the Far Right vs Far Left

44 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Far-right Democracy Totalitarianism
  1. Fascism is a bigger threat to democracies than communism. Historically, countries with strong democratic systems have not fallen to communism, but many have suffered under fascist regimes.
  2. Communist revolutions often happened in oppressive settings where democracy wasn't an option. When allowed in democracies, socialists usually promote social welfare rather than totalitarianism.
  3. Many past atrocities are wrongly associated with socialism, while similar actions taken under capitalism are often overlooked. It's important to recognize the differences and not equate left-wing movements with dictatorship.

Research on Dating and Gender Equality

44 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Gender Studies Relationships Social Dynamics Psychology Education
  1. Romantic love has played a key role in promoting gender equality. As husbands began to love their wives more, they treated them better and valued their opinions.
  2. Many ideas in the dating world are misunderstood, like the concepts of alpha and beta males. Real 'alpha' traits are more about leadership and respect, not just physical strength.
  3. Statistics around dating and gender can often be misleading. For example, while it seems young men are less likely to have sex, the data is skewed by age and context.

My Political Views

44 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Views Social Issues Economic Justice Environmental Policy
  1. Socialism aims to make the economy fairer for everyone by giving more power to the people. It's about using capitalism as a tool for better society, not just for profit.
  2. Climate change is a big issue caused by human activity, particularly from fossil fuels. We need to focus on clean energy sources like solar and wind power to help fix this problem.
  3. Education should help kids think critically and not just use technology all the time. It's important for them to learn how to spot misinformation and be curious about the world around them.

Why is The World so Messed Up?

44 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Fascism Technology Migration
  1. Technology has a huge impact on politics. In the past, things like new communication methods made it easier for big movements to arise, just like how social media is shaping today's political landscape.
  2. Migration is driven more by technology and educational access than just poverty or war. Today, smartphones and the internet help people migrate and connect with communities that weren't possible before.
  3. Populist movements are gaining power in many countries as people react against changes from immigration and modernization. This backlash can feel similar to what happened during the rise of fascism in the 1930s.

How will Trump Become Dictator?

268 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Election Dynamics Political Narrative Media Control Historical comparisons
  1. Trump's approach to gaining power could follow a slow and strategic path like other modern dictators, rather than an abrupt takeover. This means he might try to control various parts of the government and media gradually.
  2. Looking at examples like Putin's Russia and Orbán's Hungary helps understand how a more subtle authoritarianism can develop in a modern society. These regimes often maintain a facade of democracy while consolidating power behind the scenes.
  3. There's a real concern that if Trump were to attempt an authoritarian shift, it could lead to significant backlash in the U.S. Americans value their freedoms highly and might resist overreach aggressively, creating a cycle of conflict.

Why US Health Insurance Companies are Hated

89 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Capitalism Public Policy Patient rights
  1. People in the U.S. often face a tough experience with health insurance companies, which frequently deny care instead of helping patients. This differs a lot from the experiences in countries with socialized healthcare systems like Norway.
  2. For-profit health insurance companies prioritize their profits over patient care. This leads to a system where they often refuse necessary treatments, pushing patients into stressful battles just to receive care that should be available to them.
  3. Health insurance companies in the U.S. have little incentive to promote preventative care because they risk losing patients. In contrast, public health systems are designed to encourage preventive care, as healthier citizens reduce overall costs.

Are Women Equally Violent to Men?

89 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Violence Feminism Societal norms Leadership
  1. Research shows that women in history, specifically queens, actually expanded territories more than kings. This suggests that while women may have engaged in wars, they were also effective leaders capable of achieving significant goals.
  2. Many claims about women being equally violent as men lack context. Particularly in relationships, women often use violence defensively or due to past trauma, rather than to control or dominate.
  3. The narrative that men are the real victims in domestic violence overlooks the reality that women face greater threats from their partners. Men typically use violence to control women, making it harder for women to leave abusive situations.

Should we have Deliberative Democracy?

89 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Political theory Civic engagement Public Policy Governance
  1. Deliberative democracy is about having conversations among citizens to make better decisions, rather than just voting. It focuses on discussing issues deeply before deciding things.
  2. This model can be mixed with traditional democracy, where citizen assemblies could help inform lawmakers. It doesn't replace representatives but enhances how decisions are made.
  3. Using AI can help find common ground during discussions, making it easier for people to reach agreements on policies. It could guide groups to better solutions by analyzing opinions and suggesting compromises.

Would Cats Make for Better Dogs?

89 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Pets Psychology Lifestyle Nature
  1. Cats and dogs have very different bodies and strengths. Dogs are built for endurance and can run longer distances, while cats have strong, flexible bodies that are better for short bursts of energy.
  2. Cats are independent and don't need as much exercise as dogs. This makes them more suited to relaxing with humans, while dogs expect more active playtime and walks.
  3. Giving a dog a cat's body wouldn't work well, and vice versa. Each animal is designed for different tasks and environments, which is why they act and serve us in unique ways.

Unique Locations of Rich Cities

44 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💾 History Urban Development Economic Theory Cultural Exchange
  1. Cities become rich not just because of resources, but often due to their location. Being in the right place for trade can make a huge difference.
  2. Historical and modern successful cities like Singapore, Amsterdam, and London thrived because they were trade hubs. They had good harbors and access to important waterways.
  3. Even if a city has challenges like diversity or resource scarcity, its strategic location can lead to economic success. This shows that trade routes and connections can often matter more than local resources.

Should Women be in Combat Roles?

44 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military Policy Gender Equality Social Issues Historical Analysis Conflict resolution
  1. Women have historically been kept out of many fields due to false ideas about their abilities. This includes education, medicine, politics, and even the military.
  2. While there are biological differences between men and women, these differences don’t mean one gender is entirely superior. Each has unique strengths that can be valuable in different situations.
  3. Including women in the military can improve not just combat effectiveness but also peacekeeping efforts, as women often excel in social interactions and conflict de-escalation.

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.

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.

Trump Could Defeat Himself

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political strategy Elections Public Opinion Political parties Legal issues
  1. Trump and his allies might be overreaching by breaking laws too quickly, which could help Democrats in the long run. People might be more willing to support legal actions against them if they see clear lawbreaking.
  2. The current situation resembles a crisis where leaders are hesitant to act decisively. This fear of conflict can lead to a greater crisis later, as ignoring problems doesn't make them go away.
  3. Understanding the motivations and fears of influential figures like Trump and Elon Musk is crucial. Their psychological state could greatly influence the political landscape and the actions that follow.

How to Regulate Social Media

0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Social media Regulation Politics Economics Free speech
  1. Social media can create many problems, like affecting politics and relationships. It's important to think about how these platforms impact our lives.
  2. Simply banning certain content isn't the solution, as it raises concerns about free speech. We need to find a balanced approach to regulation.
  3. Understanding the negatives of social media is vital to making it better. It’s essential to explore new ways to manage these platforms effectively.

It is Okay to have a Political Ideology

0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideology Labels Fascism Extremism Political Discourse
  1. It's okay to have a political ideology. People shouldn't be afraid of labels, as having a viewpoint doesn't mean you stop thinking for yourself.
  2. Political values differ between the left and right, focusing on what kind of society we want. These values shape how we see change, with the left wanting progress and the right valuing tradition.
  3. Claiming to be apolitical often hides underlying beliefs. Many people who say they don't have a label may just not know what their beliefs align with.

Never Trust a Superpower

0 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🌍 World Politics International relations Security Studies Geopolitics Alliances Superpowers
  1. Countries should rethink their long-term alliances, especially with superpowers like the US. History shows that relying on a superpower can lead to unexpected consequences.
  2. Smaller nations may be more trustworthy than larger ones. They depend on cooperation, making it less likely for them to act aggressively towards neighbors.
  3. It's risky for countries to let superpowers control important things like military or food supplies. Instead, smaller countries should team up with each other for better security.