This book provides a meticulously researched and character-driven narrative of the Enron scandal. It follows Enron's journey from obscurity to the top of the business world and its subsequent disastrous demise. The authors, Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, draw on unique sources to reveal the roles of key figures such as Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, and Andy Fastow. The book is a story of human weakness, hubris, and greed, and it serves as a microcosm of the flaws in American business. The tenth-anniversary edition includes a new chapter revisiting the fall of Enron and its aftermath[1][2][4].
In *10% Less Democracy*, Garett Jones proposes reforms to political institutions that would reduce the scope of democracy while improving policy outcomes. He argues that certain elements of governance, such as independent central banks and longer political terms, can enhance decision-making by reducing short-term electoral pressures. Jones draws on his experience as a Senate staffer and macroeconomist to suggest practical adjustments, including giving more weight to educated voters and involving stakeholders with long-term interests.
In 'Wretched Refuse?', Nowrasteh and Powell systematically examine cross-country evidence and case studies to assess the impact of immigration on economic freedom, corruption, culture, and terrorism. Their research suggests that immigration does not undermine the institutions responsible for prosperity in modern societies. Instead, it often enhances economic activity and supports liberal democratic values.
Garett Jones is an economist at George Mason University and the author of The Cultural Transplant, Hive Mind, and 10% Less Democracy.
This episode was fun and interesting throughout!
He explains:
* Why national IQ matters
* How migrants bring their values to their new countries
* Why we should have less democracy
* How the Chinese are an unstoppable global force for free markets
Watch on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast platform.
Timestamps
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:08) - Migrants Change Countries with Culture or Votes?
(00:09:15) - Impact of Immigrants on Markets & Corruption
(00:12:02) - 50% Open Borders?
(00:16:54) - Chinese are Unstoppable Capitalists
(00:21:39) - Innovation & Immigrants
(00:24:53) - Open Borders for Migrants Equivalent to Americans?
(00:28:54) - Let's Ignore Side Effects?
(00:30:25) - Are Poor Countries Stuck?
(00:32:26) - How Can Effective Altruists Increase National IQ
(00:39:13) - Clone a million John von Neumann?
(00:44:39) - Genetic Selection for IQ
(00:47:02) - Democracy, Fed, FDA, & Presidential Power
(00:49:42) - EU is a force for good?
(00:55:12) - Why is America More Libertarian Than Median Voter?
(00:56:19) - Is Ethnic Conflict a Short Run Problem?
(00:59:38) - Bond Holder Democracy
(01:04:57) - Mormonism
(01:08:52) - Garett Jones's Immigration System
(01:10:12) - Interviewing SBF
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