Joseph Schumpeter’s Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy is (apparently) “the third most cited book in the social sciences published before 1950, behind Marx’s Capital and The… Read More »Schumpeter on primitive accumulation and Marx’s guffaw
Kurosawa Every Frame a Painting presents a really excellent study of movement in the films of Akira Kurosawa. If you’re even vaguely interested in film,… Read More »The aesthetics of Kurosawa and Disney: Composing Movement
I paddled out to the lineup on a mediocre day and found a leathery old bald guy* surfing alone on a tiny shortboard**. “How is… Read More »As You See (Lessons from Surfing #5)
This and other scenes from Singapore in the 70s in Singapore, My Singapore highlights how much places and cultures can change in a generation. Also:… Read More »Not long ago; or, Little by little (8): Singapore market, early 1970s
The guiding metaphor of classic style is seeing the world. The writer can see something that the reader has not yet noticed, and he orients… Read More »Steven Pinker on writing in the classic style
I shave with a mildew-encrusted Gillette, changing my blade about every three months. The blades work well long after their suggested shelf life, and I… Read More »On sharpening frogs; or, Crockham’s Razor
The momentum seems to be building for a goal to “eradicate poverty by 2030.” Reducing poverty is a noble goal, one to which I fully… Read More »Natura non facit sultum*: Lant Pritchett on poverty lines
“Most conflict in relationships is caused by unshared and unmet expectations.” Discuss for your team / friendship / organisation / family / building project /… Read More »Thesis: Interpersonal Conflict
Singha (of Thai beer fame) – getting better every day.
David Harvey and Schumpeter both point out Marx’s enormous admiration of the dynamism and power of capitalism, even as he sought to destroy it. This… Read More »Karl Marx on the power of capitalism and globalisation