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
Nathan Smith
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.
US Foreign Policy According to Genesis
American Christians love dispensationalism because it narcissistically treats them as the main character in the arc of history. Israel is just supporting cast, a MacGuffin allowing America to justify why it rules the world.
Restore Britain? Not Before We Answer a Simple Question
Until and unless Rupert Lowe shows the courage to define what a British person is, then he is just doing the same thing over and over, pretending to expect different results.
Routes or Roots? Housing Market Truths From a 10-Year-Old
She could see the insanity of the juxtaposition in which we are promised property ownership, but we are treated like nomads.
It Is Time To Leave the Simulation
The basic human infrastructure required to do anything – discipline – has been quietly but purposefully removed over the last 100 years. Your enemies knew exactly what they were doing.
Scott Adams and the Mistake of Fear
Fear is like guilt: it is just an emotion. You can, and must, think without fear. If you learn how to do this, I think Scott Adams would, ironically, be proud that his negative example turned out to be helpful in the end.