Comments by "" (@b.questor) on "Econ Lessons" channel.

  1. Man's search for meaning vs. Man's search for glory
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  2. Stuffed with revenue, the mattress looked plump until the heavily draped canopy overhead came crashing down.
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  3. “As a person’s levels of wealth increase, their feelings of compassion and empathy go down, and their feelings of entitlement, of deservingness, and their ideology of self-interest increases,” Paul Piff says in his talk from TEDxMarin. Through surveys and studies, Piff and his colleagues have found that wealthier individuals are more likely to moralize greed and self-interest as favorable, less likely to be prosocial, and more likely to cheat and break laws if it behooves them.
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  4. Salespeople are often their own best customers. Employee discounts can mean very little to no paycheck.
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  5. I see Russia's relationship with North Korea all the more now.
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  6. Karen Horney: A fun read: The glory was so fleeting, it wasn't worth all the effort.
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  7. My main take on Freud: Emotional ambevelancy is an innate human condition.
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  8. Currency: A measure of trust.
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  9. Take faith, act in trust.
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  10. His cup of fear runneth over.
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  11. I have been a student of Joe Bloggs since the beginning of the war. Here's another threshold to understanding.
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  12. Russia: Land of a culture of corruption and diminishing returns.
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  13. A subservient dilemma and a call for a paradigm.
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  14. A great empire can overextend itself as history shows.
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  15. Adolescent peer pressure and a peer process may never be fully conscious although it can continue to affect one for a lifetime.
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  16. In youth, a dove; in old age, a hawk, but at what cost?
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  17. Alcohol consumption in Russia has increased since the beginning of the war in Ukraine: In 2023, Russia consumed 2.3 billion liters of alcohol, which is similar to trends during the Soviet era. Alcohol abuse in the Kremlin: Members of Russia's political elite have turned to alcohol to cope with the pressures of the war. For example, Kremlin banquets have increased alcohol limits from one to two bottles per person. Stress, fear, and grief: Journalist Sergei Shelin writes that these are the main reasons for the increase in alcohol consumption. Other factors that may contribute to the increase in alcohol consumption include: • The return of pardoned criminals from Ukraine • The stagnant, apathetic society that has emerged • The conscription system, which may lead to drinking issues among servicemen The increase in alcohol consumption is also correlated with an increase in violent crime. In 2023, Russia had over 589,000 felonies, the highest since 2011. - Search Labs AI
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  18. The primary neurochemical involved in the reward of power that is known today is dopamine, the same chemical transmitter responsible for producing a sense of pleasure. Power activates the very same reward circuitry in the brain and creates an addictive “high” in much the same way as drug addiction. - The Conversation
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  19. Cooking up a smoke screen while digging that hole a little deeper every day.
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  20. I followed Freud's footnotes into a will to power and the eternal return.
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  21. Theory: Corruption's biggest victim is creativity.
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  22. Will Trump gift the Black Sea to Putin for a Christmas present?
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  23. 🎯
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  24. Left vs. Right: The West in part, the East as a whole. Authoritarianism vs. Freedom. Russia is in between and, therefore, a point of global conflict. To what degree is subjectification part of humanity's DNA?
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  25. Mark, You are articulating the point of my platform. Kind regards.
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  26. 🤔 Fabergé eggs and nesting dolls. (Edited by Grammarly)
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  27. All economists should be supremely wealthy; as it is, it must be a labor of love. I always went to the local newspaper's business section first, and the sports section last.
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  28. Economic Sanctionology. Truth in practice.
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  29. Thanks for the heads up. I have been using Grammarly for years...
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  30. A "reluctant hero" is a character in a story who is initially hesitant or unwilling to take on the role of a hero, often due to personal doubts, fears, or a desire for a normal life, but eventually rises to the occasion when faced with a crisis, overcoming their reluctance to perform heroic deeds. Key characteristics of a reluctant hero: Avoids responsibility: They actively try to sidestep the heroic path and may initially refuse to get involved in the conflict. Self-doubt: They often question their abilities and may believe they are not capable of being a hero. Ordinary life preference: They value their normal life and would rather not be thrust into the spotlight of heroism. Internal struggle: Their journey often involves overcoming their internal resistance and fears to embrace their heroic potential. Growth through challenges: As they face obstacles and difficult situations, they gradually develop confidence and heroism. Examples in literature and film: Bilbo Baggins from "The Hobbit": Starts as a homebody hobbit who is reluctant to join the dwarves on their quest but eventually proves his courage and resourcefulness. Harry Potter from "Harry Potter series": Initially unaware of his magical abilities and destiny, he must overcome his fears and insecurities to confront Lord Voldemort. Luke Skywalker from "Star Wars": Starts as a farm boy on a remote planet with dreams of adventure but must leave his comfortable life to fight against the Empire. - Research Labs AI
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  31. Will the old party usurper's upend the progressive status quo?
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  32. I should live long enough to see a Plutarch-inspired "The Parallel Lives of Putin and Trump." Note: Plutarch's Parallel Lives influenced William Shakespeare's Roman history plays and his conception of the tragic hero. For example, Shakespeare's line "Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; he thinks too much: such men are dangerous" is based on a line from Plutarch's life of Brutus.
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  33. Thanks for getting on your soapbox and advocating...
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  34. Making everything at home means, all too often, invading the neighbor's garden.
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  35. Mark's mindfulness shows in his perspective.
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  36. "Indian giver" is an offensive term for someone who takes back a gift or demands something in return. - Search Labs AI
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  37. Marks says, "Collective Unconscious" and I think, "Archetype." At my advancing age I look to AI: Carl Jung's theory of the collective unconscious implies archetypal behavior: Collective unconscious The collective unconscious is a part of the mind that contains inherited memories and impulses that are common to all humans. It's distinct from the personal unconscious, which comes from an individual's experiences. Archetypes Archetypes are universal ideas and behavior patterns that are created by shared memories in the collective unconscious. They can be expressed as symbols, signs, or patterns of thinking. Some examples of archetypes include the hero, the anima, the persona, the shadow, and the trickster. Archetypal behavior Archetypal behavior is a pattern of behavior that activates in response to certain situations. Archetypes can influence a person's feelings and actions, and they often don't follow cultural rules or traditions. Examples of archetypal behavior Archetypal behavior can be expressed in dreams, visions, myths, and fairytales. For example, the anima image is thought to be active in childhood, where it projects superhuman qualities onto the mother. Jung used his theory of the collective unconscious to explain how social phobias and fears can manifest in people without an obvious reason. He also believed that dreams compensate for parts of the psyche that aren't fully developed during waking life. - Search Labs AI
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  38. Dr. Devious' Plan: Create excitement, get lots of others to make the investments, and make a fortune on the transaction and service charges.
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  39. I am reminded of the invisible hand in the bedroom.
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  40. A Sociopathic State - According to research and psychological understanding, keeping secrets can indeed make you sick, as the constant stress and anxiety of concealing information can negatively impact your mental and physical health, leading to symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, and even increased blood pressure. Key points about secrets and health: Stress hormone surge: When you keep a secret, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol which can disrupt your sleep, digestion, and overall well-being. Mental health impact: Secrets can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation, further affecting your health. Physical symptoms: The constant worry of a secret being revealed can manifest physically through symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, and muscle tension. Relationship strain: Keeping secrets from loved ones can damage trust and intimacy within relationships. - Researc Labs AI
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  41. Trump might sell you a personalized $5 bill for $24.95 plus S&H. Any takers?
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  42. Meditation sunrise.
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  43. Organic diet vs. High-processed diet, who is the long-term winner?
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  44. A definition of Greed: "What they don't know, won't hurt them."
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  45. To a point: "To heck with the veggies, vodka is cheaper, and it's been a long day!"
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  46. While some research suggests that recessions may reduce fertility among unmarried and teen women, other research suggests that the economy may not be a major driver behind the decline in teen pregnancy rates.
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  47. A Complacent Archetype born of an authoritarian heritage. Reminiscent of "the West in part, the East as a whole."
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  48. Cook'n the books on the thirteenth floor, just don't look for it on the elevator's buttons.
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  49. Culture of corrurption: passive, apathetic.
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  50. According to available data, a significant portion of young American marriages, particularly those where couples marry before the age of 25, end in divorce, with estimates ranging around 40-60%, meaning a large percentage of young couples experience divorce. Key points about young marriage divorce rates: High risk for early marriages: Couples marrying before 20 have a considerably higher risk of divorce compared to those marrying later. Age range 20-25: Studies often cite a 60% divorce rate for couples marrying within this age range. Decreasing risk with age: Divorce rates generally decrease as couples get older. - Search Labs AI
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  51. More education can help people solve problems in many ways, including: Critical thinking: Education can help people learn to think logically and critically, and make independent judgments. Problem-solving skills: Education can help people develop the skills to understand and resolve problems. Decision-making: Education can help people make the right decisions and act when needed. Informed analysis: Education can help people rationally analyze problems and understand all aspects. Social and emotional skills: Education can help children develop social, emotional, cognitive, and communication skills. Career opportunities: Education can open the door to jobs, resources, and skills that help people thrive. Income: Education can lead to higher incomes and better working conditions. Health care: Education can lead to better access to health care. Sense of control: Education can give people a stronger sense of control over their lives. Education can also help create more peaceful and prosperous societies by preventing conflict, rebuilding social relations, and promoting women's participation. - Research Labs AI
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  52. No matter how low the price might be on an item if I don't have the money in my pocket, there is no deal.
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  53. Turn up the heat on a pot filled with politics and war and watch it boil down to economics.
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  54. The roadside sign read: Dollarization of Russia Ahead
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  55. Energy drink singles and beer multipacks? While there isn't a definitive answer proving a direct correlation between declining American alcohol consumption and high caffeine intake, research suggests that mixing caffeine with alcohol can lead to increased alcohol consumption due to caffeine masking the effects of intoxication, potentially causing people to drink more without realizing it; therefore, high caffeine consumption could be linked to higher, not lower, alcohol intake in some populations. Key points to consider: Masking effect: Caffeine can make people feel more alert even when intoxicated, leading them to underestimate their level of impairment and potentially drink more alcohol. Increased risk behaviors: Combining caffeine and alcohol can increase the risk of risky behaviors like binge drinking and driving under the influence. Research findings: Studies have shown a positive association between higher caffeine intake and increased alcohol consumption, particularly when caffeine is consumed alongside alcohol. - Research Labs AI
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  56. A vestigial tail: Were we left with sociopathology when the human brain shrank?
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  57. The teenage pregnancy rate in the United States has been declining for decades and reached a record low in 2022: 2022 rate The birth rate for females aged 15–19 was 13.5 per 1,000, a 3% drop from 2021. Causes The decline is attributed to more use of contraception and less sexual activity among teens. Trends by race and ethnicity The rate for non-Hispanic White teens was 9.1 per 1,000, while the rate for non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander teens was more than double that. Trends by state The rate varied by state, with New Hampshire having the lowest rate at 4.6 per 1,000 and Mississippi having the highest at 26.4 per 1,000. The United States still has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates among industrialized nations. However, the decline in teen pregnancy has been a public health success, as it means fewer teens are becoming parents before they want to. - Search Labs AI
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  58. Draft: Missile range limitations might correlate to Russian economic predictions. An economic collapse would eliminate the need for longer-range artillery.
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  59. Putin's rule will not be a golden age: Egoism, which is the philosophy of prioritizing one's self-interest, is generally considered to conflict with most major religions, as they typically promote altruism, compassion, and putting the needs of others before one's own; therefore, actively pursuing personal gain at the expense of others would be seen as going against religious teachings. Key points about this conflict: Core religious values: Most religions emphasize virtues like kindness, generosity, and selflessness, which directly contradict the idea of prioritizing only one's own needs and desires. Golden Rule: Many religions adhere to the "Golden Rule" principle of treating others as you would like to be treated, which is incompatible with egoistic behavior. Concept of sin: Many religions view excessive self-centeredness as a form of sin or moral failing. - Research Labs AI / Grammarly AI
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  60. The primary neurochemical involved in the reward of power that is known today is dopamine, the same chemical transmitter responsible for producing a sense of pleasure. Power activates the very same reward circuitry in the brain and creates an addictive “high” in much the same way as drug addiction. - The Conversation
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  61. Indigenous peoples might be decimated but cannot be defeated.
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  62. As Mark foretold...
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  63. Glory to Ukraine and Poland! Sister countries. May these historical battlegrounds find sovereign peace to the benefit of the global community.
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  64. Draft: Infrastructure upkeep fails in a wartime economy. Sanctions and limited resources exacerbate the dilemma, causing an eventual collapse.
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  65. Hollow products might be considered a step towards a narco-state.
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  66. A state of well-being.
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  67. I have my radar out about how a wartime economy and its aftermath affect the elderly.
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  68. In my experience, skip the gym after 2 pm. Sunrise folks have fewer issues.
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  69. Scary thought: The collective unconscious that arises from a culture of corruption.
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  70. I would like to see Claudia Sheinbaum and Kamala Harris show us the true art of the deal.
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  71. Curious that investing in rubles would get me about the same return as investing in Truth Social stock.
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  72. Putin: A man of principle on a path into the fallacies of his reasoning.
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  73. The Excitement-Interest Affect: Whatever is happening in the brain that causes brain activity to increase at a rate that is comfortable for us will trigger the 'Interest–excitement' effect. - Tim Hill Psychotherapy (Edited by Grammarly)
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  74. Single mothers raising children during the American Civil War era was considered a significant problem, primarily due to the large number of men who left to fight in the war, leaving women without a primary breadwinner and often struggling to support their children on their own, particularly in rural areas where economic opportunities were limited; this issue was especially prevalent among poor and working-class families. - Search Labs AI
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  75. What does it all mean? I have been looking for you since the recent internet interruption and loss of my algorithm. This afternoon, here you are as if it were meant to be. Thanks.
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  76. An apathetic definition of passivity: The convict whose greatest effort of the day is raising his feet as an orderly sweeps beneath his bed.
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  77. It might be said, "The end of despotism is when the people self-determine by necessity."
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  78. Here via portable solar panels.
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  79. Will 1 dollar = 100 rubles coincide with Truth Social penny stock?
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  80. Mr. Invincible will find himself sitting on a powder keg with an ever-shorter fuse.
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  81. A dropped US 'copper' penny is often not worth the effort to pick it up off the floor. 2.5% copper and 97.5% zinc (1982).
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  82. Kazakhstan is generally considered the richest country in Central Asia. I will want to take a closer look.
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  83. Some might learn from the New World that the sacrifice of blood need not determine whether the sun will rise anew.
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  84. As of January 1, 2024, there were about 41.1 million people receiving pensions in Russia, which is a decrease of over 5 million from five years ago. This represents 281 pensioners per 1,000 people in the population. The number of pensioners in Russia has been decreasing since 2019 when it was at its highest. The decrease is due to an increase in the retirement age. In 2019, the Russian government proposed raising the retirement age for men by five years and for women by eight years. However, after public protests, the government watered down the proposals to cap the women's retirement age at 60. These changes are being phased in gradually until 2028. The Pension Fund of the Russian Federation manages the pension system and pays pensions and social benefits to Russian citizens and citizens living abroad. - Research Labs AI
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  85. On target, I fully agree. Your perspective supports my writing. Teamwork saves lives.
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  86. 🤔 American dogs, especially those on a grain-free diet, eat better than I do.
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  87. Russia's Dilemma: The worst the credit risk, the less the prosperity.
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  88. God save us all from a culture of corruption.
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  89. In poor neighborhoods the further the houses are apart, the more peaceful the environment. Perhaps the opposite might be where wealthy urban apartment tower residences find comfort and security.
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  90. It seems natural that a culture of corruption cooks the books.
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  91. The man uses AI-augmented speeches and emails, but goes against the historicaly proven book on economy theory; go figure.
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  92. God forbid Super Trump arrives to rescue Putin's purse.
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  93. I learn as I write, to clarify: Subjectification has multiple definitions, including: A process of self-analysis: A process where a subject observes, analyzes, interprets, and recognizes themselves as a source of knowledge. A language change process: A process where a linguistic expression takes on meanings that convey the speaker's attitude or viewpoint. A process of becoming a subject: A process that involves both mastery and submission and requires vulnerability to others. To identify with a subject: To interpret something in terms of subjective experience. A double reference: A reference to the philosophical tradition and political subjection. A strategy that appeals to the speaker's authority: A strategy that uses the speaker's authority as a reason to believe a claim. The term "subjectification" was coined by Foucault and is derived from the word "subject" and the suffix "-edification". The earliest known use of the word was in 1880 by G. L. Turner. - Research Labs AI (edited by Grammarly)
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  94. Turkey's error, diverging from the current economic strategy.
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  95. Currently $196.23 (average) As of January 1, 2024, the average pension in Russia is approximately 20,800 Russian rubles per month, which translates to around $233 based on recent exchange rates. Source: Data from Statista. - Research Labs AI
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  96. Russia has a higher divorce rate than the United States, with 74% of marriages ending in divorce: Divorce rates in Russia have fluctuated over time, rising from 3.8 per 1,000 people in 1990 to a peak of 6.0 in 2002, before dropping to 4.2 in 2017. In the United States, the divorce rate is lower than the outdated statistic of 50%. However, the US still leads the world in marital splits. - Search Labs AI
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  97. The vast majority of drug users in Russia use drugs intravenously. Most people use heroin, although khanka, an opiate produced from poppy straw, and vint, a homemade amphetamine, are also used. - Human Rights Watch
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  98. True confession: I would want to protect my Russian bureaucratic career. But, my productivity will suffer in adverse conditions, particularly when I can no longer pay for food and am behind on rent.
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  99. Who can we blame for the out-of-control and encroaching crisis? Since the 1990s, both fatal overdoses linked to the abuse of clandestinely produced fentanyl and its analogs, as well as law enforcement encounters, have significantly increased and become increasingly deadly.
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  100. I imagine Mark on a book with his latest bestseller, "Adam Smith For The 21st Century"
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  101. The teenage birth rate in Russia has been decreasing over the last few decades: 2020 The teen birth rate in Russia was 15.4 births per 1,000 females aged 15–19, which was a 75% decrease from the 1991 peak of 61.8. 1990–2016 The annual number of births per 1,000 women aged 15–19 decreased from 55.0 in 1990 to 21.5 in 2016. Russia's teenage pregnancy rate is slightly lower than the average for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, which is 32. However, Russia's teenage pregnancy and abortion rates are still among the highest in Europe. Early childbearing can have negative consequences for adolescent girls, including: Impacts on education, livelihood, health, and social status Stigmatization, rejection, violence, and early and forced marriage. - Search Labs AI
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  102. What is the most common corruption? In 2019, Transparency International described the 6 most common ways of service corruption as follows: absenteeism, informal payments from patients, embezzlement, inflating services also the costs of services, favoritism, and manipulation of data (billing for goods and services. - Wikipedia - Corruption
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  103. Government policies to increase birth rates can have a small effect, but they are unlikely to be very effective: Limited effect Policies like free childcare, parental leave, and financial incentives can slightly increase fertility rates, but most countries will still have birth rates below replacement levels. Short-term effect Pronatalist policies can increase fertility in the short term by encouraging couples who already plan to have children to do so earlier. Individual incentives Factors like education and career choices may have a greater effect on fertility than government policies. Outdated assumptions Policies based on outdated assumptions about gender roles and families are unlikely to be effective. Some examples of policies that have been implemented to increase fertility rates include: Sweden In 1995, Sweden began offering one month of leave time for both parents, and in 2002 extended that to two months for each parent. Sweden also offers 60 days per year per child for each parent to care for a sick child. Quebec In 1988, Quebec introduced the Allowance for Newborn Children, which paid up to C$8,000 to families after the birth of a child. Israel Israel changed its child subsidy from 1999–2005, raising and lowering it and adjusting it according to the number of children. Thailand's population policy is considered a successful example. The government improved access to health facilities and education and empowered women. They also launched a communications campaign to make contraception more widely known. - Search Labs AI
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  104. While single mothers raising children is not inherently considered a "problem" in Russia, it is a significant social challenge due to the increased risk of poverty and economic hardship they face, particularly given the decline in government support and the challenges of navigating a sometimes conservative societal perspective on single parenthood; many single mothers rely heavily on extended family support to cope with these difficulties. Key points to consider: High prevalence: A considerable portion of Russian families are headed by single mothers, with statistics showing a significant number of children being raised without a father present. Economic strain: Economic reforms have reduced social safety nets, leaving single mothers particularly vulnerable to poverty, often requiring them to live with relatives for financial support. Social stigma: While attitudes are changing, some societal stigma may still be associated with single motherhood, potentially impacting the lives of single mothers. Family support crucial: Many single mothers in Russia rely on their extended family for assistance with childcare and financial support, mitigating some of the challenges. - Search Labs AI
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  105. Peter Minuit, a Dutch colonist, purchased Manhattan Island from Native Americans in 1626. The purchase was made for trade goods worth 60 guilders, which is often said to be equivalent to $24. However, the transaction was more of a formality because the Dutch had already established a settlement on the island. - Search Lab AI
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  106. Kim Jong Un's hat size implies superior intelligence? Many appear to think so.
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