I was happy to how did that happenhere is an excerpt:
I think we overestimate the risks to American democracy. The intellectual class is far too pessimistic. They are not used to harsh conditions, but it has been this way for most of the country’s history. It is correct to think that it is unpleasant. But by being polarized and shouting at each other, we solve problems and eventually move forward. Not always in a good way. I don’t always like the decisions he makes. But I think American democracy will be fine.
Polarization has its advantages. In most cases, you say what you think, and sooner or later, someone wins. Abortion, for example, is very polarized. I’m not saying which side you should consider correct, but states are reviewing it. Kansas recently voted in favor of abortion and Arizona is in the midst of a debate. In time the matter will be resolved, one way or another. Fighting is underrated.
Meanwhile, being reasonable with your constituents is overrated. Look at Germany, which has non-ideological and non-polarized politics. They made all the wrong decisions. Their whole strategy of buying cheap energy from Russia and selling it to China was a huge mistake. They’re betting most of their economy on this, and neither thing will work. They also have no army at all. It’s not like, “Okay, they’re not spending enough. » They literally had troops who didn’t have rifles to train with and were forced to use brooms.
Germany is really screwed and won’t cope. But when you listen to their politicians talk – and I understand German – they always seem intelligent and reasonable. They could use some polarization, but they’re afraid because of their history, which I understand. But the more we look at their policies, the more we end up liking ours, I would say.
I would like to note that the various “centrist” or “middle coalition” German regimes gave us the AfP, which polarizes in the worst way and is considered an extremist party worth spying on.
And that:
What craft do you spend your whole life perfecting?
Shoot a basketball. I’ve been doing this for a very long time, outside of eating and breathing. I’m just not very good at it.
I started doing it around the age of eight. We got closer to a house with a hoop and all the other kids were gathering there and playing. It was a social thing and I started doing it. I continued it in all the different places I lived. The only country where I couldn’t maintain this habit was Germany. But when I lived in New Zealand, I made a special point of it. It’s good exercise, it’s relaxing, you can be outside. It’s a little cold today, but I did it yesterday and I will do it tomorrow.
It’s important to repeatedly do something you’re not very good at. Most successful people are good at what they do, but if that’s the case all they do it, they lose humility. They have a harder time understanding much of the world that doesn’t have their talent or is just plain mediocre. This helps you keep things in perspective.
I’m not terrible to that. I have improved, even recently. But no one would say I’m really good.
Interesting throughout, as they like to say.
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