Have You Tried The ‘Fix Everything Instantly’ Button?
The choice is yours. It’s always been yours.
Nathan Smith
The Last Great Trick of the Tax Collector
Each discovery of unknown fences and gates just reinforces that we live on a farm. What you do with that information is totally up to you.
America Celebrates 250 Years Of Lies
Lies, lies, lies. A full 250 years of lies. The lesson of the American Revolution is that not only can evil win, but it will win so completely that everyone will believe it was good.
Nietzsche vs Tamaki on the Roots of Nihilism
Tamaki is too old to change his mind but if he’s so worried about nihilism, he should first check if the call is coming from inside the house.
The Pro-Wrestling Theory of New Zealand Politics
Politics, proper politics, must begin with separation from the system, a complete and utter rejection of its framing and suggested pathways for “legitimacy”.
So You Were Right. Now What?
“Knowledge is power. The devil it is! One man can have a great deal of knowledge without it giving him the least power, while another possesses supreme authority but next to no knowledge.” – Arthur Schopenhauer, 1851
Admiring Trump’s Fantastic Ability to Ask Simple Questions
I admire Trump’s first principles thinking. He wanted to solve a clear problem and, by asking a simple question, he accidentally revealed the insidious machinery of the US empire.
Why I Won’t Celebrate Anzac Day, and neither Should You
Power does not want you to know this. Power wants you to celebrate ANZAC Day. Maybe it’s time we asked why.
What’s All This Fuss About China Anyway?
Both sides are aware of the risks. Both sides see this problem as pass/fail for the future of their societies. Yet both are inexorably moving into uncharted historical territory. Can these misaligned visions be managed without leading to conflict?
The US Military Is Bigger Than You Think
This beast is larger than any of us can possibly imagine, with more reach, depth and power than even it knows how to use. It stands astride the world with not a single serious competitor on the horizon.
This Is Still Woodrow Wilson’s World – You Are Living in It
If everyone thinks the same, peace will be achieved. Since the 1890s, the world has been slowly transformed into Washington’s own image in its pursuit of world peace.
Thank God Our Leaders Are All Frightened Liars
No human possesses the kind of power necessary to fully and finally overcome the specific fear that they are being watched, somehow. Or is that just another story we tell ourselves as an excuse not to be consistent with our beliefs?
The Iran War Is Just Another American TV Show
Great writing is often tragic. The purpose of tragedy is to purge us of our excessive emotions. This is the catharsis. We are not cleansed, we do not get closure, we only get relief brought on by perspective.
The Lost Art of Getting Frustrated
The real engine of progress must be a population that spends its days grappling with imperfect machines and frustrating activities. That is where the ideas are born, and ideas are the only way to solve any problem.
Mowing the Grass While the Dragon Grows
Iran is a danger, but China is pass/fail. Get that wrong and you can kiss Pax Americana goodbye.