Mail Bag: Will The Business World Look Down On Me? There was an interesting question sent to my inbox dealing with what are perceived as societal handicaps or disadvantages, and whether or not it will influence your career. I thought it might be a good chance to talk about the theory of interchangeable capital, which…
DetailsAaron, Caleb, Tara, and I are in downtown Kansas City because later this evening, we are meeting Matthew and his wife Jaclynn at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City to see the premier of Mozart’s The Magic Flute. Arriving early, we realized we hadn’t eaten anything and picked a nearby restaurant that had decent reviews; the Providence New American Kitchen at the Hilton President.
DetailsOne of the biggest mental model obsessions I’ve had for the past few years – so consuming that I rarely even mention it in public, and hardly ever on this site as I am still working on fully grasping the implications and mechanics – is something called signaling theory. The gist of signaling theory is that at all times, in all situations, you are broadcasting aspects of your identity, beliefs, personality, and lifestyle to the people around you, often with significant social implications. It exerts such a strong pull on civilization that I consider it second only to the social proof mental model in importance. It interacts with other mental models so efficiently, it often goes unnoticed.
DetailsA huge percentage of the writing on this blog is about positive models for success, including using things like mental models in an ethical and honest way to maximize your gains in life. Yet, I also keep case studies and files on anti-models of behavior; things that, if emulated, can cause suffering, distress, unhappiness, and failure.…
DetailsWe’ve talked so much about how no one, other than economists, want to discuss what is really driving a significant portion of income inequality – technological advancement – but I came across another perfect illustration of how radical the shift to a knowledge economy away from an industrial one has been for the labor force.…
DetailsFor his 31st birthday this week, Aaron presented me with the menu he wanted me to make for his dinner. I was happy to oblige, especially given the birthday dinner he gave me. He was very specific, requesting: Main Course – Slow-roasted, French-style braised short-ribs simmered in a red wine reduction with carrots and onions, served over…
DetailsIt upsets me that one of my heroes, Warren Buffett, continues to effectively lie about his tax rate being lower than his secretary.
DetailsCorrelated risks that aren’t apparent at first glance can be some of the most dangerous risks to your business or investment portfolio because you haven’t adequately prepared for something to go wrong. That is why I so often mention correlated risk so that you don’t think you’re more diversified than you are in reality.
DetailsI’ve never smoked. I hate the taste of alcohol. I’ve never done drugs. I did well in school and became successful at an early age. I save way more than I spend, growing my family’s investments every year. I’m far more productive than the typical person in my country. Specifically, the average American spends a staggering…
DetailsYou know that old television show 7th Heaven? Sometimes, I think I live in it. I was woken up this morning by my five-year-old niece, two-year-old-nephew, and grandmother (their great-grandmother) calling a phone I keep beside my bed. She (my grandmother) was watching the kids; they missed us and wanted to talk since we hadn’t…
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