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213 sats \ 13 replies \ @SimpleStacker 24 Mar \ on: Solutions Aren't the Goal Politics_And_Law
You'd be surprised how little the average person thinks about social dynamics and incentive structures.
It's one of the most frustrating and discouraging things. Even people I've met who are very capable, intelligent, good at their jobs... barely thinks at all about incentives within society and how that leads to different outcomes.
I really don't know why that is. Like you said, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to think these things through.
Honestly, once I realized solutions aren't the goal it simplified my view of politics.
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Not sure if you saw this post, but it's highly related: #922032
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At a certain point motives don't matter. Or at least they are besides the point. I can list subjects on the right and left where this applies.
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I did see it and I'm pretty sympathetic with "The Purpose of a System is What It Does". I mean, it often makes people angry when you say the Constitution was a failure if you believe it was designed to restrain the federal government. But, if you believe the purpose of the Constitution was do to do what it did, it was a success.
Most conservatives love the Constitution yet it has failed to prevent the right to bear arms, free speech, and many other rights.
If I apply the statement to democracy then I would have to say that the purpose of democracy is to divide the masses and allow the elite to do what they want to do.
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You'd be surprised how little the average person thinks about social dynamics and incentive structures.
I'm not. I've thought about this for most of my adult life and had many conversations with people all over the political spectrum. Not much surprises me any more.
My theory on why people don't think about incentives or high level society issues is simple. Most people really mostly think of themselves and their immediate needs. I don't just mean people are selfish, though we are. I just mean that the average person just isn't wired to think that way.
I think "The Righteous Mind" is a helpful book on this topic.
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Yeah, I should read that. I haven't read any of Jonathan Haidt's books but they seem like worthwhile reads.
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Its the only book of his I've read. I was highly recommended to me many years ago and its very interesting and I would argue it is helpful. Viewing the right and left as enemies is the wrong take.
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I thought this was going to be about the "activism becomes industry" insight.
Groups that fundraise on a problem have the most incentive to keep that problem around.
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Yeah, that's a thing and it was a part of me seeing this many years ago. Examples were abortion and gay marriage. Huge money makers for both sides of each topic.
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It's as if to be a libertarian you have to lock yourself in your cave and growl at any other human being who comes across your fence. And in fact we need this social interaction and to stay connected, just like it is today in our daily social interactions.
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Huh?
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I'm not sure how this comment is relevant?
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I took a bit of the post and a bit of the answer. It was more of a general observation, it's up to whoever reads it, sorry guys.
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