First Derivative [61]

first Derivative [61]

May 29, 2018

Sorry about the hiatus! I had graduation the last two weeks and things have finally settled. fD will continue going out weekly again for the time being (and I think I'll try Wed. afternoons vs. Fri. evenings) at least until I find a job. For now, hope you enjoy the read and as always you can always reach me with feedback, discussion, questions by replying to this email. -TK

What Democracies Can Learn from Malaysia
by Shadi Hamid (Atlantic)
“In Western democracies, there’s often an unspoken assumption that democracy is supposed to produce better policy outcomes… But democracy isn’t fundamentally about these things, and Western politicians have erred in insisting that it is… it is easy to miss the more fundamental promise of even a flawed democratic process”

Every Culture Appropriates
by David Frum (Atlantic)
Great piece on cultural appropriation and its general ignorance of cultural history, not reflection of it—TK

The Racism Treadmill
by Coleman Hughes (Quillette)
Not perfect but really sharp essay by an undergrad. Some good, provocative points and questions—TK

What the Microsoft Antitrust Case Taught Us
by Tim Wu and Richard Blumenthal (NYT)
“Unfortunately, ever since the Microsoftcase there has been remarkably little oversight of the technology sector, despite the obvious signs of corporate consolidation and outsize market power… Antitrust efforts have become too fixated on the idea that the only real harm consists of raising of prices for consumers.”

What I have learned from my deep dive into Cryptocurrency
by Crypto BZane (Medium)
Good thoughts on cryptocurrency from one of my favorite analysts—TK

Why Honor Matters
Brett McKay and Tamler Sommers (AoM Podcast)
“In today’s world, honor is typically thought of in terms of integrity — doing the right thing when no one is looking. But traditionally, honor meant having a reputation worthy of the respect of others… my guest today argues that for moral life to be robust and vital, a culture of honor is absolutely necessary.”

The Redistribution of Sex (NYT)
by Ross Douthat
My thoughts on this piece and the reactions to it, here—TK

Explaining Affirmative Action to a Martian (Coleman Hughes Blog)
by Coleman Hughes
A short and witty Socratic dialogue on affirmative action—TK

Google vs. Google: How Nonstop Political Arguments Rule Its Workplace
by Kirsten Grind and Douglas MacMillan (WSJ)
“The dilemma is especially striking at tech companies, which typically cast themselves as open meritocracies. Googlers, as employees are called, are encouraged to think of themselves as entrepreneurs and to “bring their whole selves to work,” a motto used widely on campus to promote inclusion.”

‘He was the closest thing to a father I had’
by Ronan Farrow (Politico)
About diplomat Richard Holbrooke, adapted excerpt from Farrow’s new book on American diplomacy—TK

ABOUT fD

fD is a 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

EPHEMERA

Recommend Babylon Berlin on Netflix. I just saw that, the new season of Peaky Blinders, and The Night Manager mini-series.