There once was a very rich man who kept a stock of fine silk napkins in his bathroom. He did so because he preferred wiping with silk — pedestrian tissue is so harsh and unforgiving — and also because he could afford to. And so, once a week the servants would bring two bags full of […]
economics
Economists who buy lottery tickets: Reflections on Less Wrong
Faithful reader Robert asked me to respond to an article by Eliezer Yudkowsky of “Less Wrong” called “Outside the Laboratory.” The article deals with the rationality (and irrationality) of scientists. Robert Gressis added that he too would like to see my response, though “it seems like a massive undertaking.” Always up for a challenge, I […]
Did Adam Smith’s invisible hand give us the “Skymall” catalogue?
I continue my recent practice of reposting old articles from my CP blog that are no longer available. In this post (originally titled “The Tragedy of Capitalism”) I offer a meditation on the absurdity of contemporary consumer capitalism. *** One hour into my flight home yesterday from Denver, panic set in. I had completed my […]
