Jeff Deist, former president of the Mises Institute, discusses navigating the current zeitgeist, personal ideologies vs. realities, prioritizing health & fitness, challenges of raising children, interconnectedness of politics, economics, culture, and society, affordability of property, housing market, and exploring class and class mobility.
The importance of adapting to new opportunities and embracing personal growth in an evolving world.
The need for young people to approach higher education with caution and carefully consider the direct benefits and requirements of their desired careers before committing to traditional college routes.
Deep dives
The Importance of Growing and Adapting: Jeff Deist's Transition from Mises Institute to Monetary Metals
Jeff Deist reflects on his transition from being the president of the Mises Institute to working at Monetary Metals, a company focused on precious metals and global bonds. He emphasizes the need for personal growth and adapting to new opportunities, highlighting how his mindset has evolved over time. Deist also comments on the changing political and ideological landscape, noting the shift towards a more kinetic and action-oriented approach, as well as the decline of persuasion and rationality in today's political debates. He discusses the challenges and doubts he has encountered in trying to make a positive impact through organizations like the Mises Institute.
The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Choosing Education Wisely
Deist addresses the challenges that young people face when it comes to education and making choices about their future. He emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, recognizing that education doesn't stop after formal schooling. Deist recommends young people to approach higher education with caution, advising them to consider the direct benefits and requirements of their desired careers before committing to the traditional college route. He suggests taking a gap year or gaining real-world experience before making a decision. Deist also highlights the overwhelming amount of information and choices that young people have today and the need to carefully sift through and unlearn certain ideas and assumptions.
The Need to Embrace Commitment and Traditional Values in Relationships
Deist discusses the challenges of modern relationships and emphasizes the importance of commitment and traditional values, particularly in marriage. He acknowledges the shifting dynamics between men and women and the breakdown of the fundamental relationship between them. Deist encourages young people to recognize and accept the inherent differences between men and women, highlighting the need for complementary roles and the importance of stable and committed relationships. He criticizes the trend towards informality and the lack of emphasis on long-term commitments and family values. Deist suggests that embracing these values can provide stability and fulfillment in relationships and ultimately contribute to a healthier society.
The Benefits and Considerations of Property Ownership
Deist shares his insights on property ownership, acknowledging the challenges of high rental prices and the difficulty of saving for a down payment. He highlights the benefits of property ownership, such as the sense of stability, the ability to build equity, and the opportunity for long-term financial security. Deist advises caution in borrowing and recommends buying property without excessive debt or high interest rates. He also suggests looking for properties in more rural or less popular areas, where homes are available at more affordable prices. However, Deist warns against viewing houses solely as financial investments and emphasizes the non-financial benefits, such as having a place to call your own and the sense of personal responsibility that comes with homeownership.
