Month: May 2020
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Weapons of the Weak
Weapons of the weak are a concept coined by political scientist James C. Scott, referring to the methods employed by the disadvantaged and oppressed in society to resist authority and assert their rights. These weapons are often non-violent and symbolic, yet they can still be effective in challenging the status quo. In many societies, the…
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The Death Star and the Atomic Bomb
The development and use of the atomic bomb was a highly controversial and deeply troubling concept for many reasons. The power and destructive potential of such a weapon had never been seen before, and it was clear that regardless of whether it was used for war or peace, the consequences for humanity would be devastating.…
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The China in Ourselves
The relationship between China and the rest of the world has always been a complex one, fraught with tension and conflict. Whether it is the ongoing trade war, disputes over territorial claims, or concerns about human rights violations, there seem to be no easy solutions to the challenges posed by China’s rise as a global…
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Refactoring a Problem at a Pre-Technical Level
In problem-solving, the importance of framing the issue at hand cannot be overstated. A well-constructed frame can guide and direct the search for solutions, leading to more efficient and effective problem-solving. However, a frame is only useful if it is being generated and intelligently analyzed faster than options are expiring. In other words, the speed…
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The Outsider Effect
The outsider effect is a phenomenon that suggests that individuals who are unfamiliar with a particular field may be better suited to finding innovative and creative solutions to problems within that field. This is because people who are not constrained by the conventional ways of thinking in a specific discipline can approach problems with a…
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Deactivate the Prefrontal Cortex
Our brains are incredibly complex, with different regions responsible for different functions. One of the most fascinating aspects of the brain is the way in which it can be trained to focus and refine our work, while also allowing for moments of insight and creativity. According to research, these two capacities emanate from different parts…
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El Topo
“The mole is an animal that digs tunnels underground searching for the sun. Sometimes his journey leads him to the surface. When he looks at the sun, he is blinded.” In the version according to Jodorowsky, the midnight-movie magus, comic-book artist and tarot enthusiast influenced by Sergio Leone, Tod Browning and Luis Buñuel, El Topo…
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3 Readings of the War of the Worlds
I have had the pleasure of reading H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” three times at different stages of my life. Each reading offered a unique perspective, reflecting not only my personal growth but also the changing times we live in. The first time I read the novel was in 1985, during my early…
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The Right to Market Products to Buyers with no Alternative
the right to market their products to buyers who have almost no alternative. Buffet quotes “Competition may prove hazardous to human wealth” and likes to say the nature of capitalism is that if you’ve got a good business, someone is always wanting to take it away from you and improve on it.” The ideal business…
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“Expired: Offer a service, create a product”.
The meme “Expired: Offer a service, create a product. Tired: Make as much profit and do what’s arguably legal. Wired: artificially change the price of a security with the intent to make a profit. Galaxy Brain: Launder Saudi oil Billions and exit through IPO that offloads companies on suckers” highlights the evolution of unethical business…