How does the economy work?

I came across this video and it’s really good. It simplifies something that can otherwise seem too complex. Created by Ray Dalio this simple but not simplistic and easy to follow 30 minute, animated video answers the question, “How does the economy really work?” Based on Dalio’s practical template for understanding the economy, which heContinue reading “How does the economy work?”

Why focusing just on “maximizing shareholder revenue” actually often ends up hurting shareholders anyway

We already know that in many situations when actors only act in their own self interest it can often leave everybody worse off. Yet the idea of simply being laser focused on “maximizing shareholder value” is clung to like a religion. And that’s simply because it’s the easiest way to be precise about the rules.Continue reading “Why focusing just on “maximizing shareholder revenue” actually often ends up hurting shareholders anyway”

Understanding the sand economy

This is a fascinating read! Although Singapore is itself an island nation, it ran out of its own sand many decades ago. Today the entire island consists of urban areas or protected-environment sanctuaries. This shortage has fueled a massive industry, worth at least $1 billion between 1998 and 2008. And it’s only growing: In 2008Continue reading “Understanding the sand economy”

When Teachers in Ohio gentrified my neighborhood in Seattle

When I lived in Seattle, there was a neighborhood grocery store that I liked. One fine day I found it closed. And it stayed closed for many days. Then word came out that the landlord had jacked up their rent to something they felt was unreasonable. For months the store stayed closed, as they triedContinue reading “When Teachers in Ohio gentrified my neighborhood in Seattle”

We are living in an outrage economy

We started with the information economy. It quickly narrowed to an attention economy. Now it seems to have narrowed further to an outrage economy. Every time we are outraged, someone, somewhere is making money 💰. Let’s choose our outrage carefully 😊, and let’s help each other channel it in constructive ways.