Ordinary Unhappiness 84: New Year Vibe Check: I Can’t Go On, I’ll Go On
Jan 4, 2025
The hosts dive into the humorously complex world of cryptocurrency, merging finance with psychoanalytic theory. They tackle capitalism through a Lacanian lens, exposing the irrationalities of financial markets. Personal anecdotes reveal unconventional career paths, critiquing profit-driven theories in finance. Additionally, they shine a light on the deceptive allure of cryptocurrencies and the scams lurking within, showcasing the absurd nature of a fictional 'rug pull coin.' It's a witty blend of satire and deep thought.
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Lacanian Finance Grift
- Patrick dreamed of monetizing psychoanalytic theory after reading Lacan and Zizek.
- He saw the dollar signs in Lacan's work and Zizek's mystification of communism and wanted to do the same for capitalism.
Finance Job Hunt
- Patrick briefly sought finance jobs after leaving NGO work, but failed due to poor math skills and lack of interest.
- This was around the 2008 financial crisis when discussions about market irrationality were prominent.
Incoherent Finance Books
- Crossover finance books pair incoherent theories with business advice for profit.
- Benoit Mandelbrot's finance book exemplifies this, applying fractal geometry to markets.