First Derivative [56]
first Derivative [56]
March 30, 2018
The problem of hyper-liberalism
by John Gray (The Times Literary Supplement)
A great piece by a great philosopher on the dominant culture today as a reductio ad absurdum of liberalism with an interesting analysis of Mill —TK
The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living
by Byung Joon Lee (The Harvard Advocate)
A reflection on being an Asian-American guy —TK
A Modest Plea for Patriotic History
by Eliot A. Cohen (Atlantic)
“Patriotic history does not have to cover up the darkpages of the American past… All of us, but young people especially, need heroes, including the really complicated ones, and particularly these days, when character is in such short supply.”
Francis: Being the Change He Wants
by Rod Dreher (TAC)
More if you have an interest in the Catholic Church but I think it’s still relevant for anyone concerned about the role of any tradition, secular or otherwise, in tension with mainstream culture — TK
The Secular Benedict Option
by Nick Phillips (TAC)
“While American society continues to drug itself into a tech-enabled stupor, conservatives must save authentic human connection and experience. It can’t be done at the individual level alone: that’s too hard. Instead, we need communities full of people that have opted out together.”
Book Review: Twelve Rules for Life
by Scott Alexander (Slate Star Codex)
Balanced and insightful review of Jordan Peterson’s book. Comparison and contrast with C.S. Lewis — TK
Growth At Any Cost: Top Facebook Executive Defended Data Collection In 2016 Memo — And Warned That Facebook Could Get People Killed
by Ryan Mac, Charlie Warzel, and Alex Kantrowitz (Buzzfeed News)
2016 internal memo upfront and honest about Facebook’s mission and its possible negative effects. An interesting read —TK
Kim Jong-un Met With Xi Jinping in Secret Beijing Visit
by Steven Lee Myers and Jane Perlez (NYT)
“‘If South Korea and the United States respond with good will to our efforts and create an atmosphere of peace and stability, and take phased, synchronized measures to achieve peace, the issue of the denuclearization of the peninsula can reach resolution,’ Mr. Kim said, according to Xinhua’s summary of his meeting with Mr. Xi.”
How the Rich Rule
by Sheldon Richman (TAC)
“Since Fed-created money reaches particular privileged interests before it filters through the economy, early recipients — banks, securities dealers, government contractors — have the benefit of increased purchasing power before prices rise.”
China Is About to Shake Up the Oil Futures Market
by Grant Clark and Sungwoo Park (Bloomberg)
“The world’s biggest oil buyer is offering yuan-denominated futures that foreigners can buy and sell — a first in Chinese commodities… Denominating oil contracts in yuan would promote the use of China’s currency in global trade, one of the country’s key long-term goals.”
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fD is a weekly newsletter focusing on signal insights and deep trends in ideas, technology, politics, economics, foreign affairs, culture, philosophy, and more. The goal is to deliver content and analyses that matter beyond the present moment.
I hope you enjoy. Questions and comments always welcome (just respond to this email)—TK
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