idj4thinking

Everything the government does is backed up with violence

What’s something you believe everyone should know. The definition of a state from political science is an entity that has a monopoly on legal violence in its jurisdiction. Although many people forget this, it should be the primary way that people view social and economic regulations. Every rule and regulation that society puts into placeContinue reading “Everything the government does is backed up with violence”

Is it ageism against old people real?

There’s a general tendency for older folks to feel persecuted, that the world is out to get them. We hear a lot that our seniors aren’t respected, and how it’s challenging for the elderly to get employed. From this bellyaching, one gets the sense that there’s something incorrect about not revering our seniors. However, whenContinue reading “Is it ageism against old people real?”

Benefits of Trade

One of the central insights of economics is the importance of the benefits of trade, of the total amount of goods being produced. This is best understood in relation to the idea of comparative advantage, that trade can make us wealthier even if someone is absolutely worse at everything. Take a lawyer. A lawyer mayContinue reading “Benefits of Trade”

How I accidentally beat Ahkil Reed Amar in an argument (3rd most cited law scholar) and why it matters

The conversation between Stephen Bowling and Ahkil Reed Amar (AMA going forward) was definitely intellectually stimulating, but a few things that Ahkil claimed were wholly not persuasive to me. His big thing is originalism is correct, which is the orientation that original intent and history are key to understanding ideas is right. He claims alsoContinue reading “How I accidentally beat Ahkil Reed Amar in an argument (3rd most cited law scholar) and why it matters”

WordPress… eternally hipster

I’ve been writing since about 2020 across a couple of different organizations. In 2022, Substack started to become popular on the scene with the radical idea that the subscribers who follow you remain your owned media. So, instead of gating your email list, instead you pay Substack a fee for administration and good UI. InsteadContinue reading “WordPress… eternally hipster”

Long term rock climbing without progress

What is your favorite form of physical exercise? Spray beta to me. I require the cheat codes, despite not having the physical strength to do so. Recently, I’ve been obsessed with rock climbing. Between my weight lifting, flag football, pickleball, and table tennis arcs, I’ve regularly switched to climbing. Because I take month long breaks,Continue reading “Long term rock climbing without progress”

My next (first) ebook!

A lot of the business articles I’ve written I’m planning to synthesize into a book about the basics of project management, and strategies to be well-liked at your job. It’ll be edited, have a little less dry humor than you oh wonderful reader are used to, and be more organized than my average post, butContinue reading “My next (first) ebook!”

SohoForum Retrospective: Why I think David Leonhardt is Half-Right on America’s Trend-Line and Why It Matters

On Monday, I saw a debate between John Early and David Leonhardt. I personally think from the discussion that Leonhardt had the upper hand, and would have liked to explore deeper ramifications of each side’s perspective. From my understanding, Leonhardt argued that a wide variety of sources show that economic growth for lower class AmericansContinue reading “SohoForum Retrospective: Why I think David Leonhardt is Half-Right on America’s Trend-Line and Why It Matters”

Blogging and Situational Awareness

A couple of challenges. I’ve noticed that when I blog, I like the relative anonymity. I can discuss what I really think about things- that’s generally desirable. However, there’s a paradox because if I am too blunt, A. It’s entertainment value rises and B. It becomes more indicting. He thinks that?!? Leaving low-hanging fruit outContinue reading “Blogging and Situational Awareness”

Solve Problems Often

Unless you have an unimpeachable reputation at the top of your field forever and always, you’ll need to do things other people want you to do. So, when you take on a position, try and figure out what’s bothering the person who’s employing you. Sometimes it’s not what you’re hired to do, but if youContinue reading “Solve Problems Often”