I think there’s also a deep connection here between zero-sumness and positive-sumness in thermodynamics and politics.
Existence is inherently zero sum — the Pauli Exclusion Principle says two particles cannot occupy the same space. And the natural world is mostly full of this — two monkeys cannot eat the same banana.
But entropy allows us to create a bubble of positive-sumness. Two humans can cooperate and grow more bananas! It’s not infinite, but there’s a LOT of progress to be had.
I think this trickles up to systems of voting and power: systems that have only one winner ultimately lead to cycles of zero-sum domination. The best, most progressive, most resilient systems find ways for there to be multiple winners.
This is exactly the kind of content I hope to get by following you. You explain succinctly and factually, with no agenda. I read quite a lot about growth and progress, but I keep on learning from people like you.
The state-backed research model applies only to advanced economies and in particular to the USA, which has a very science-friendly regulatory culture. Similar research hubs don't work in the UK, thanks to the Slough of Despond created by bureaucrats. In developing countries, research hubs don't work at all. As soon as the researchers have enough knowledge and skills, they are off to the fleshpots of the West for ten times the pay. The most important thing for a developing country is for government to get the hell out of the way.
Brilliant exposition. I'll comment in more detail later. But this is really impressive.
By the way, have you read Bill Janeway's book about this -- Doing Capitalism in the Innovation Economy? I found him a lot more insightful about the best role of the state in promoting innovation than Marianna Mazzucato.
I think there’s also a deep connection here between zero-sumness and positive-sumness in thermodynamics and politics.
Existence is inherently zero sum — the Pauli Exclusion Principle says two particles cannot occupy the same space. And the natural world is mostly full of this — two monkeys cannot eat the same banana.
But entropy allows us to create a bubble of positive-sumness. Two humans can cooperate and grow more bananas! It’s not infinite, but there’s a LOT of progress to be had.
I think this trickles up to systems of voting and power: systems that have only one winner ultimately lead to cycles of zero-sum domination. The best, most progressive, most resilient systems find ways for there to be multiple winners.
True. Kleptocracies are like parasites that don't care about the health of their host, as long as the blood (money) keeps flowing their way.
This is exactly the kind of content I hope to get by following you. You explain succinctly and factually, with no agenda. I read quite a lot about growth and progress, but I keep on learning from people like you.
The state-backed research model applies only to advanced economies and in particular to the USA, which has a very science-friendly regulatory culture. Similar research hubs don't work in the UK, thanks to the Slough of Despond created by bureaucrats. In developing countries, research hubs don't work at all. As soon as the researchers have enough knowledge and skills, they are off to the fleshpots of the West for ten times the pay. The most important thing for a developing country is for government to get the hell out of the way.
Brilliant exposition. I'll comment in more detail later. But this is really impressive.
By the way, have you read Bill Janeway's book about this -- Doing Capitalism in the Innovation Economy? I found him a lot more insightful about the best role of the state in promoting innovation than Marianna Mazzucato.