Category Archives: Daily Posts

Sure, its a fine line, because Trump could lead to the stagnation. But, what if, the threat of a centralized extractive institution leads to a resurgence of states and private sector leading key initiatives? We’re already seeing a bit of this: 1. California reacting as opposed to DT’s immigration policy: http://www.latimes.com/…/la-pol-ca-essential-politics-updat… 2. Oregon pushing back…More

In contrast to the inclusive institutions that we have now. Inclusive institutions guarantee freedom of press, property rights, and encourage investments. Extractive institutions guarantee wealth for those in control at the top but stifle all development for everyone else. Examples of extractive institutions include: 1. Rome post republic, in the empire. 2. China now and…More

Placed 4th in MBA business plan competition as an sophomore. Run the relevant business profitably for 2 years. Failed at a high tech startup. Built data systems for TD Ameritrade & Bridgestone. Built a men’s dress shirt brand from scratch. Built a luxury travel agency to $1m in revenue in year 1. Built a habit…More

Even though it seems like it might enable crime. In the long run, giving more power to more people, not only leads to more democracy, it leads to more productive states and higher standards of living. When power is consolidated in the hands of the few decisions are not as good and don’t benefit as…More

It will transform your negotiation. What other books on negotiation do you recommend? Summary: Negotiation is all about positioning yourself in the right way and figuring out the “black swans” of your relationship with the other party. Figuring out what is under the surface that is keeping you from a deal. Whats the thing that…More

Although its not popular to assume that the more $ you spend on something, the better the result will be, in general this is true. The one caveat is when you have a lot of time to put into the thing you are trying to accomplish instead of $. But, time just converts into $…More

It helps you cut through the shit. Its like putting up a shield so that you’re not inundated with course changes every five minutes. Its keeping your ideas, sticking to them, and executing them. That said, there is a balance to it. You can’t be so arrogant that you don’t listen to any ideas. When…More

Identifying opportunities matters. And having the resources and experience to take advantage of them. Sure, getting the resources and experience could come from hard work. But, it doesn’t have to. Actually, it might be a disadvantage to have worked hard. Because, if you’ve worked hard, you think that you always need to work hard to…More

The government must break it up. Just like Standard Oil and oil, Microsoft and Windows, or AT&T and telephones, Facebook has a monopoly over identification. Due to network effects, there can only be one Facebook. In this way, its not just a monopoly, it is a utility. It is like electricity, water, or the internet.…More

We need to decouple “work” and the ability to stay alive. We’ve already done this in some cases, however maringal. e.g. disability insurance. Where, if you are physically unable to work, you can still, sort of, survive. Although not thrive. Our current obsession with the “work = ability to live” equation comes with the underlying…More