The hottest Capitalism Substack posts right now

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It's Still Easier To Imagine The End Of The World Than The End Of Capitalism

Astral Codex Ten • 20028 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Inequality Capitalism Technology Wealth
  1. After the Singularity, wealth inequality might stay the same because AI will handle all labor. Everyone will earn similar returns on their investments, leading to a static distribution of wealth.
  2. Future wealth distribution could get more complicated with the birth of many descendants from rich individuals. This means those born into wealth might always have the advantage, creating a new kind of inequality over generations.
  3. To prevent extreme inequality, we might need government intervention or new ideas like wealth taxes to ensure that wealth is shared more fairly in a post-Singularity society.

Male Workplace Subordination Is the Behavioral Sink

72 Degrees North • 59 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Society Gender Economics Labor
  1. Many people today feel overwhelmed by the pressure of competition in the workplace, leading to a sense of hopelessness. This competition affects their self-esteem and can cause them to feel unappealing and worthless.
  2. Some argue that men are suffering more under current economic systems, feeling subordinate and less attractive due to their work situations. This can lead to a broader crisis that affects relationships and family life.
  3. There is a belief that our society needs to change the way we view work and success. Instead of relying on old structures that don't support everyone, we should create a system where all individuals contribute to and support each other.

Chartbook 340 Against synecdoche! … A plural taxonomy of capitalist globalization

Chartbook • 686 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💼 Business Capitalism Globalization Economics Politics Finance
  1. Global capitalism is complex and can't just be understood as one single economy. Different sectors, like finance and agriculture, have their own unique ways of operating.
  2. It's important to recognize the different sectors of capitalism to fully understand how they interact. For example, globalization affects industries like manufacturing and real estate in distinct ways.
  3. By acknowledging that capitalism is made up of many different parts, we can avoid oversimplifying it and appreciate the specific factors at play in each aspect.

Chartbook 339 Uneven and combined development of what? How do we relate global dollars and global cocoa?

Chartbook • 600 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Capitalism Globalization Commodities Political Economy
  1. Global dollars and cocoa are connected within the system of capitalism, but they operate under very different political economies. Money is managed through global financial institutions, while cocoa production involves many poor farmers and large corporations.
  2. The relationship between cocoa and global dollars can be explored through the idea of 'sectors' in the economy, like the agro-industrial sector for cocoa and the financial sector for dollars. Each sector functions under its own rules and crises.
  3. Understanding how these sectors combine and differ helps to illustrate the complex dynamics of global capitalism. It’s important to consider how different sectors impact each other and society as a whole.

Social media is a machine that destroys empathy

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1069 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Empathy Human behavior Healthcare Capitalism
  1. Social media can lead to a loss of empathy. People often say things online that they wouldn't say face-to-face.
  2. When anger about issues like healthcare rises, some people turn to violence and support it. This shows a breakdown of empathy and understanding.
  3. There's a need to focus on changing the systems causing these problems, rather than blaming individuals. We should hold companies accountable while also working to fix the root issues.
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The Inner Civil War

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1034 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Class Struggle Labor Unions Wealth Inequality Capitalism
  1. The economy has different classes like shareholders, managers, workers, and consumers, each playing a role in a complex system. Understanding these roles helps explain where money and power flow.
  2. Money acts like 'soup vouchers' that represent our claims on resources. The wealthy often accumulate a vast amount of these vouchers, leading to significant inequality.
  3. Workers often feel pressure from their bosses and compete against each other for jobs. This creates tension and can make collective action difficult to achieve.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1743 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Wealth Entrepreneurship Capitalism Industry
  1. Billionaires aren't the only ones who create big companies; they often stand out as focal points, while many workers and contributors help build the actual business. It's like the Stone Soup story, where one person starts a project, but it takes many others to make it successful.
  2. The economy works as a collective where everyone contributes and receives based on their input. Just like making soup, if you bring ingredients, you get to enjoy the final product, and if many people pitch in, the result is better for everyone.
  3. Billionaires often claim credit for creating jobs, but in reality, their wealth relies on the hard work of countless others. The billionaire benefits from workers who do the real labor, much like the Stone Souper who needs villagers to make the soup.

The Deluge Is Here

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Capitalism Social Issues Technology impact
  1. We're going through a big change in society, and many people feel that the old systems, like liberalism, are breaking down. This creates confusion as we try to figure out what comes next.
  2. Technology is rapidly changing our lives, but it’s also causing problems like job loss and decreased attention spans. This means we need to be careful about how we use technology.
  3. The economy is shifting away from traditional capitalism toward a system where a few tech companies control a lot of power and resources. This is making inequality worse and changing how we interact with each other.

Ghosts in the Hallway: Liminal Spaces As Mirrors of Modern Alienation

antoniomelonio • 82 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Nostalgia Alienation Capitalism Identity Community
  1. Liminal spaces, like empty malls or silent hallways, make us feel a deep sense of loneliness and nostalgia. They reflect how we often feel lost and disconnected in modern life.
  2. Many people are drawn to images of these spaces online because they remind us of a simpler time. We yearn for connection and purpose in a world that feels increasingly empty and overwhelming.
  3. These places, while haunting, can also inspire us to rethink our priorities. They might push us to seek genuine community and meaning beyond the surface of consumer culture.

"Make America Healthy Again" is a Dumb, Rich Guy's Idea of Public Health

JoeWrote • 54 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Capitalism Pharmaceuticals Health Crisis Vaccination
  1. American health issues stem from capitalism, not just personal choices or corporations. This system often prioritizes profit over people's health, leading to serious public health crises.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health campaign promises are vague and do not address the fundamental issues behind America's health problems. Instead, they seem designed to raise money rather than provide real solutions.
  3. Critics argue that Kennedy's brand of anti-corporate rhetoric is disingenuous. They point out his connections to the very industries he claims to oppose, suggesting that real change needs to come from collective action rather than relying on wealthy individuals.

Illiberals All the Way Down

Castalia • 479 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Liberalism Capitalism Democracy
  1. Illiberalism is more than just the opposite of liberalism; it has its own beliefs and influences that shape how people behave in society. Instead of just resisting liberal ideas, it promotes a system focused on individual self-interest.
  2. The rise of illiberalism has changed how many view governance and society. Politicians may act selfishly and prioritize their own gain, appealing to a more primal side of human nature that people relate to.
  3. Liberalism offers a more cooperative and functional way of living together in society. History shows that while illiberalism might seem appealing, long-term survival requires values of collaboration and shared ethics.

Slavery was bad

Slow Boring • 7095 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Economics Slavery Political Discourse Capitalism
  1. Slaveowners among America's founding fathers knew slavery was bad, but still profited from it.
  2. In the early 19th century, the South shifted to viewing slavery as a 'positive good,' leading to political divides and eventually the Civil War.
  3. A new paper by economic historians argues that the costs of slavery far outweighed the benefits, likening enslavement to theft.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: An Ur-Text by George Stigler for Dark Satanic Millian Liberalism, & Related Matters...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Market Theory Capitalism Economic History Liberalism
  1. The market economy is seen not just for creating wealth, but for shaping character and virtues like self-discipline and resilience. This suggests that economic struggles can help people become better individuals.
  2. Some economists argue that uncertainty and risk of poverty are necessary for a society to function well. They believe without these challenges, people might not push themselves to improve.
  3. Critics of this perspective think that focusing on the hardships of capitalism ignores the real needs and experiences of everyday people. They see value in prosperity and security, not just in struggle and sacrifice.

Highlights From The Comments On Capitalism & Charity

Astral Codex Ten • 6744 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💼 Business Charity Capitalism Development Economic Growth
  1. Some comments argue for reiterating the importance of a specific context when considering spending money for charity or capitalism.
  2. There are discussions on the effectiveness of investing in companies with social missions, such as providing microfinance or supporting profitable charitable ventures.
  3. Consideration is given to the balance between supporting capitalism and charitable causes in the context of economic impact and sustainability.

Big Tech's Class War Politics

Unpopular Front • 88 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Tech Impact Class Struggle Neoliberalism Capitalism
  1. Silicon Valley has shifted political views due to crises in both the U.S. political system and its own beliefs, leading to new coalitions forming that differ from the past.
  2. The tech sector is experiencing a class conflict where some entrepreneurs are pushing for changes against traditional management and labor structures, inspired by authoritarian models.
  3. This new tech movement could attempt to gain majority support, but its harsh approach may limit its ability to create a long-lasting, stable social system.

Capitalists Do Not Take Risks.

JoeWrote • 130 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Labor Rights Economic Theory Wealth Inequality Political Economy
  1. Capitalists often claim they take risks when starting businesses, but the reality is they just risk losing money, while workers create the real value.
  2. The idea that financial risk deserves the biggest reward is flawed. Labor plays a crucial role in producing wealth and should be valued more than just money at stake.
  3. Ultimately, capitalists face the possibility of becoming workers themselves if their businesses fail, but this isn't much of a risk compared to the actual physical and personal risks that workers take daily.

Put your Kid to Work Day

New Means • 2771 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Labor Rights Legislation Capitalism Inequality
  1. Child labor violations have increased by 50% in 2023, resulting in tragic accidents and deaths of young workers.
  2. Multiple state legislatures are working to weaken child labor laws, allowing kids to work longer hours in dangerous jobs.
  3. The push for child labor is tied to capitalist interests seeking to further exploit and profit off of vulnerable populations, including children.

Why US Health Insurance Companies are Hated

Erik Examines • 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.

The Price of Passion (Life is like a jar of marbles)

Neckar’s Notes • 111 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investment Wealth Capitalism Philanthropy Markets
  1. Being passionate about your work can be great, but it can also lead to burnout. It's important to find a balance so that you don't end up hating what you once loved.
  2. Some wealthy individuals work hard without needing the money, and they often question why they keep doing it. Reflecting on the usefulness and purpose of their efforts can lead to deeper self-understanding.
  3. Philanthropy can be a way to find meaning and happiness for those with excess wealth. However, just giving money away doesn’t always bring fulfillment if one is stuck in a life of work they don't enjoy.

Complicit Poetry

Opaque Hourglass • 399 implied HN points • 26 May 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Poetry Technology Capitalism Evil
  1. Poetry can challenge traditional notions by embracing superficiality and self-absorption.
  2. Exploring systemic evils in poetry can lead to unique and transparent expressions of societal behaviors.
  3. The concept of 'complicit poetry' questions the role of the poet in perpetuating materialism and individualism.

Longer Meme

Do Not Research • 559 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Enlightenment Capitalism Spirituality
  1. Critiques societal norms and references Joker and Margaret Thatcher's views on society.
  2. Explores hypothetical scenarios about society's development with imaginative and detailed scenarios.
  3. Societyiftextwall is a project that delves into utopian ideals and historical questioning, aiming to counter negative memesphere trends.

The Capitalist is Useless.

JoeWrote • 92 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Socialism Economic Theory Labor Rights Wealth Inequality
  1. Capitalists were once important for society by helping to build industries and trade. Now, they are seen as less useful because most work is done by the people, while capitalists take the profits without doing much themselves.
  2. Modern technology comes a lot from public funding and resources, showing that capitalists often profit off ideas created by the public. So, people can question what actual role capitalists play in today's economy.
  3. Instead of relying on capitalists, society could benefit more from worker-owned businesses and government-managed industries. This would allow everyone to get fair value for their work and reduce exploitation.

‘Woke Kindergarten’ Is Capitalism At Work

Singal-Minded • 972 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Education Capitalism School funding
  1. An elementary school in Hayward, CA spent $250,000 on Woke Kindergarten, a for-profit company, to address student achievement issues.
  2. Despite the investment, student achievement at Glassbrook Elementary has fallen, highlighting the vulnerability of the students and the urgency of quality education.
  3. The situation underscores the capitalistic nature of the educational system, even when initiatives claim to be against capitalism.

The Cruel Irrationality of Our ‘Deserved vs. Undeserved Poor’ Moral Framework in Two Paragraphs

The Column • 1081 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Homelessness Capitalism
  1. America's moral framework divides poor into 'deserved' and 'undeserved,' hindering solutions like giving homes to the homeless.
  2. Means-testing and moral judgments in welfare create unnecessary bureaucracy and obstacles for those in need.
  3. The concept of 'deserved vs. undeserved' poor is rooted in history, aimed at keeping wages low and maintaining a population in poverty.

Capitalism put an end to systematic warfare

Wood From Eden • 960 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Warfare Evolution Economics Capitalism
  1. Capitalism led to the decline of systematic warfare as the main way for producers to compete.
  2. Human evolution has been a struggle between individual and group selection, where societies with best productivity survived wars.
  3. The shift to the market economy allowed producers to compete directly, promoting productivity without the need for destructive warfare.

Meditations on Machinic Desire

Nothing Human • 57 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Capitalism AI Ethics Addiction Cultural critique
  1. We are moving towards a future where artificial intelligence may surpass human intelligence, and it might happen gradually rather than suddenly. This means machines could take over many tasks we currently do without a clear turning point.
  2. The idea of capitalism is being explored as something that may harm our human nature. It could act like a virus that drives us to work endlessly for money, rather than for meaningful relationships or experiences.
  3. Our desires are becoming more virtual and less tied to reality. Instead of wanting real things, we often find ourselves chasing numbers or metrics, which can make us less happy even as society becomes more prosperous.

Why is my Electric Company Using Uber-Style Surge Pricing?

JoeWrote • 33 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism Energy Policy Economic Theory
  1. Xcel Energy is using surge pricing for electricity to increase profits, especially during peak hours. This could make it hard for people to manage their bills.
  2. The idea that capitalism leads to innovation is challenged, as many believe companies find new ways to charge more rather than truly improve consumer life.
  3. Consumers feel trapped by energy monopolies, and experts suggest shifting towards public utilities for better service and prices.

American "Uber-Capitalism" Is Soul Crushing

Changing The Channel • 757 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Capitalism American Society
  1. American capitalism today is criticized by Bernie Sanders as 'uber capitalism' for its lack of decency and morality.
  2. Sanders emphasizes the necessity of economic security for true freedom, highlighting the importance of social safety nets.
  3. Sanders draws inspiration from FDR and sees Scandinavia as a model for the kind of economic system he supports.

How SP culture produces financial crisis

America in Crisis • 59 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
💰 Finance Financial Crisis Economic Growth Corporate Profits Capitalism Taxation
  1. Financial crisis can stem from a shift in profit usage from investment to financial market growth, impacting economic growth.
  2. SP culture, focusing on shareholder returns through stock buybacks and dividends, can lead to financial instability and economic downturns.
  3. Minsky's financial instability hypothesis outlines how capitalist economies can transition from safe to risky financial structures, culminating in financial crises.

Imperialism: How the struggle of both classes and nations creates our world

Geopolitical Economy Report • 518 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Imperialism Capitalism Crisis Finance Economy
  1. Imperialism is a product of the struggle between classes and nations, impacting our world.
  2. Geopolitical economy helps in understanding international relations within the capitalist world system.
  3. The BRICS summit signifies an alternative economic vision based on cooperation and development, challenging traditional Western imperialism.