Bitcoin analysis

The problem with Bitcoin is the only thing keeping the dollar afloat is irrationality, and the market can stay irrational longer than you can stay liquid. — Alrenous (@Alrenous) December 15, 2017 I don’t write as much about Bitcoin anymore, because it’s too volatile and the majority of people who are buying Bitcoin now are… Continue reading Bitcoin analysis

Virtue signaling, part 2

In part 1, I discuss the types of virtue signaling. In part 2, I’ll discuss why people virtue signal. The appeal of virtue signaling is that it confers an upside in terms of social status, but with comparatively little downside risk. The signaler gets the upside of appearing virtuous to his or her peers, but… Continue reading Virtue signaling, part 2

Surging stock market a vote of confidence for Trump, America

What became of the recession the left was so insistent would happen if Trump won? I don’t mind @CNNMoneyInvest being wrong; analysts can be wrong. The issue is why was the headline stating an opinion as fact? pic.twitter.com/QmAozDUAzh — Yossi Gestetner (@YossiGestetner) December 17, 2017 The left wants economic crisis and a bear market, so… Continue reading Surging stock market a vote of confidence for Trump, America

Ann Coulter continues to demonstrate her ignorance of politics

Ann Coulter continues to demonstrate her ignorance of politics: Less than 1/2 the country even pays any significant income taxes, so MAXIMUM POSSIBLE popularity of GOPs tax bill is 40%. Trump's immigration proposals are 80% popular. GOP: LET'S START WITH TAX CUTS! — Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) December 16, 2017 It’s funny reading the comments trashing… Continue reading Ann Coulter continues to demonstrate her ignorance of politics

Virtue Signaling and Purity Spiraling

Interesting article from Quillette: Worry About Piety Contests, Not ‘Virtue Signaling’ Classifying virtue signaling is hard. There are perhaps four forms of virtue signaling: virtue signaling 1: signaling virtue with the intent of boosting one’s status (such as posting a tweet; re-tweeting) virtue signaling 2: signaling virtue but without intent of boosting one’s status (same… Continue reading Virtue Signaling and Purity Spiraling

Exponential correlation of IQ and the wealth of nations

excellent article Exponential correlation of IQ and the wealth of nations Is it any coincidence high-IQ countries, high-IQ stocks, and high-IQ asset classes, going back decades, have outperformed low-IQ ones? Positive correlation between national IQ and GDP per capita: Note how they measure it by GDP per capita instead of total GDP. This is an… Continue reading Exponential correlation of IQ and the wealth of nations

Shared narratives: summary and examples

Shared narratives are beliefs unique to smart people, that cross ideological/political divides. Shared narratives are a subset of ‘intellectualism culture’. Some examples: –Facts and accuracy precedes values –Correctness is more important than consensus –The general sense that society neglects its smart and talented, such as in public school –Revulsion of reductionist discourse that tries to… Continue reading Shared narratives: summary and examples