Michael Shermer: "Regulation Is Not the Answer to Big Tech Censorship"

In 'The Mind of the Market,' Michael Shermer uses evolutionary psychology and behavioral economics to explain why people make irrational financial decisions. He discusses how our tribal roots influence brand loyalty, why business negotiations can turn emotional, and how trust is established in economic transactions. The book also delves into the concept of 'virtue economics,' arguing that markets are moral and founded on our virtuous nature. Shermer draws on research from neuroeconomics, complexity theory, and the works of Adam Smith to illustrate how evolution and economics are interconnected, and he discusses the implications of globalization and free trade on economic behavior.

The book explores how the ideas 'what doesn’t kill you makes you weaker,' 'always trust your feelings,' and 'life is a battle between good people and evil people' have become embedded in American culture. These 'Great Untruths' contradict basic psychological principles and ancient wisdom, leading to a culture of safetyism that interferes with young people’s social, emotional, and intellectual development. The authors investigate various social trends, including fearful parenting, the decline of unsupervised play, and the impact of social media, as well as changes on college campuses and the broader context of political polarization in America.

This book, released in conjunction with the film of the same name, presents a comprehensive look at global warming. It combines leading-edge research, photographs, charts, and personal anecdotes to document the rapid and widespread impacts of global warming. Gore explains the causes and effects of global warming in clear terms, highlighting the urgent need for action to mitigate its detrimental consequences. The book is designed to be accessible and educational, using easy-to-grasp graphics and revealing before-and-after photos to illustrate the climate crisis.

In this book, Michael Shermer presents a full-throated defense of free speech and open inquiry, tackling themes such as free thought and free speech, politics and society, scientific humanism, religion, and the ideas of controversial intellectuals. Shermer argues that the freedom to express dissenting views is crucial for democracy and knowledge, emphasizing that the right to speak is inextricably tied to one's own safety and freedom. The book includes essays on various topics, including the importance of listening to opposing viewpoints, the dangers of censorship, and the role of free speech in testing ideas and promoting better science and reasoning.