The post critiques the desensitization to violence in society, exemplified by the online reaction to Charlie Kirk's death, and explores the moral implications of sharing graphic content.
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David Oks is the author of a Substack publication titled 'The world is what it is.'
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GDP statistics in poor countries are often unreliable and misleading due to outdated methodologies and the prevalence of informal economies.
The post argues that while ATMs didn't eliminate bank teller jobs, the iPhone's introduction fundamentally changed banking, leading to significant job losses in that sector.
Population counts in countries like Papua New Guinea and Nigeria are often inaccurate due to outdated census data and political manipulation, revealing a broader issue of statistical reliability worldwide.
The post examines the end of economic convergence between rich and poor countries, attributing it to the decline of the Chinese commodities boom and questioning the reasons for this reversal.
Max Roser's article warns that global progress against extreme poverty is stalling, with rising poverty expected due to stagnant growth and high fertility in sub-Saharan Africa.
The economic divide in Italy stems from historical factors, particularly malaria's impact on land ownership and social structures in southern Italy, leading to persistent poverty.
Central banks face structural challenges in managing inflation due to aging populations and rising fiscal commitments, limiting their independence and effectiveness.
Africa's absence of large firms is primarily due to low social trust, not merely a focus on informal entrepreneurship, hindering economic growth.
Cremieux's claim that southern and eastern European immigrants were always considered white is challenged by historical evidence showing their social status was lower than Old Stock whites despite legal classifications.
David Oks argues that while AI will transform society, fears of mass job loss are overstated, and the transition will be more gradual and manageable than suggested.
Nicolás Maduro's involuntary retirement and impending trial illustrate the unique challenges and paranoia faced by dictators, contrasting his fate with those of other despots throughout history.
The post explores diverse subjects from GDP reliability in poor nations to AI's role in mathematics and Steve Jobs' vision for an Apple car.
A personal account of a robbery in San Francisco, detailing the author's efforts to recover his stolen computer and the ineffectiveness of the police response.
The author introduces a new posting schedule while sharing insights from recent readings on diverse topics including AI, statistics, and cultural dynamics.
Traveling through Bihar, the author reflects on its historical challenges and recent improvements, emphasizing the region's cultural richness and culinary delights.