-it seems like everyone else is already doing so. Everywhere I go, I hear discussions, lectures, and proud statements about changing the world. I get emails encouraging me to change the world (or at least donate time or money to those who wish to do so). The media highlights world changers. Venture capitalists invest in world changers. Politicians should be (re) elected because they will change the world. Even entrepreneurs are in the world changing …
Free markets are linked with a core concept of freedom of choice. But, what does “freedom” actually mean (our philosophical history is rich in literature exploring this concept)? Should I have absolute freedom to do what I wish? Because, I really wish that I can have an unlimited amount of resources without doing anything for it (I have a strong leaning toward laziness – I am just not very good at it). Unfortunately, the market does …
Recently, I wrote a post titled “Who’s on Your Side?” In the post, I encouraged (and Impact Capitalist advocates for) free markets over models involving heavy regulations and government control. In hindsight, I am concerned with the title of the blog – specifically, the concept of anyone being on your side (or vice versa, on the side of someone else). I like sports. More specifically, I like to watch sporting events. I like the competition …
The United States is said to be a capitalist society. Given such a notion, it would be expected that free-market capitalism is championed throughout the system. Unfortunately, the system is not on your side. We are presented a warped view of the entrepreneurial struggle and trans-generational family enterprises. Government tells you that you did not build your business; rather, government allowed you a path to success. While the case can be made that government provides an …
dev·il’s advocate (dĕv′əlz) n. [Translation of Medieval Latin advocātus diabolī] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. One who argues against a cause or position, not as a committed opponent but simply for the sake of argument or to determine the validity of the cause or position. Roman Catholic Church – An official formerly appointed to present arguments against a proposed canonization or beatification. Those who know me would say that I enjoy a …
*This post may (probably does) contain material that may be emotionally disturbing. Be advised Trigger warnings and micro-aggressions are the latest craze in our U.S. society (see here for a review from the Atlantic). Briefly, professors are now being criticized for assigning materials or presenting information that may trigger undesired emotional responses in the student. Whatever the intentions of the originally conceived warnings, this concept has morphed to include any idea that is in opposition to …
I am an avid news reader and follower of current events. It is part of my training in issues and crisis management: watch what is going on, consider implications, and create strategy. Today, I am sparked by an article in the Guardian regarding too much choice. I have to say that I am concerned. The science of behavioral economics is sound (and fascinating – it will be a recurring topic on this blog). Humans are influenced by a …