Who is helped and who is hurt by immigration? This question seems like it should be relatively straightforward. In a previous essay in Public Discourse, I noted that immigration does not have any significant net aggregate economic effects. But the absence of an aggregate effect does not mean there are no distributional effects. After all, taking $10,000 from every person who reads this essay and giving it to the author of this essay has no aggregate effect on wealth, yet I still … [Read more...] about Immigration: Winners and Losers?
Modern Society
Kanye 2024
“In democracies changes are chiefly due to the wanton license of demagogues.” Aristotle wrote that in Politics. Hamilton, in The Federalist Papers warns: “of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics the greatest number have begun their career, by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing Demagogues and ending Tyrants.” I think it is safe to say that nobody is a big fan of demagogues. Where does that leave democracy? Can we conclude that in a democratic society, we … [Read more...] about Kanye 2024
Man or Machine?
“Are We Not Men?” (Altogether now: “We are Devo.”) (Yeah, if you are too young, you don’t get the joke. Google it.) According to my quick scan of Wikipedia, there is no link between that refrain and Algis Budrys’ novel Who? But, there is certainly a common theme. Who?, published in 1958, is included in the Library of America’s American Science Fiction, Five Classic Novels 1956-1958. (Curiously, this is the only edition in print. Add this to the seemingly endless set of kudos for the Library … [Read more...] about Man or Machine?
Living in an Evil World
“At times I doubt, Excellency. But years ago I reached this conclusion. There is no alternative. It is necessary to believe. It is not possible to be an atheist. Not in a world like ours. Not if one has a vocation for public service and engages in politics.” I have long been fascinated by Mario Vargas Llosa novels, and at long last I have read one I can recommend as a starting place. The Feast of the Goat. A brilliant novel. (But, I hasten to add, not … [Read more...] about Living in an Evil World
Coddling College Students
In the realm of catchy titles and subtitles, Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt have hit pay dirt. The Coddling of the American Mind. Immediately memorable with its riff on Allan Bloom’s book. “Coddling” is a word which is just unusual enough, just vivid enough, to be memorable. Then the subtitle: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure. You read that and are instantly agreeing or outraged. Home run. Their thesis? Well, you just read it … [Read more...] about Coddling College Students
The American National Quality?
“She had the American national quality—she had ‘faculty’ in a supreme degree.” The “she” is the titular character in Henry James’ short story “Mrs. Temperly” (included in the Library of America’s Complete Stories 1884-1891). Like every work by James, the story is calculated to describe with exquisite precision how life works. Our protagonist, Raymond, is in love with Mrs. Temperly’s daughter, Dora, and wants to marry her. Without ever saying to either Raymond or Dora that the marriage should … [Read more...] about The American National Quality?