4 Comments
User's avatar
Leslie's avatar

Though admittedly an economic theory amoeba, I am intrigued by Stephen Postrel’s idea that “merit tracks value with a lag.” I don’t know exactly what he means by the phrase, but to me, the lag part nicely addresses the measurement problem in trying to analyze the immediate + lasting impact of an idea or action (kind of like being able to determine a particle’s speed or position but not at the same time). I get McCloskey’s POV but am unable to see virtues as anything but intertwined cause and effect.

I also wholeheartedly agree that people would feel less conflicted (an emotional reaction) if we were able to rationally distinguish between value and merit (an intellectual action). But until *we* (meaning most people) regain a shared, objective understanding of the terms we use, our thinking/emoting will be plagued by our subjective, overly emotional attachment to the word *fair.*

(Slightly edited after posting)

Expand full comment
Leon Rozenblit's avatar

The discussion of “Email Jobs” is interesting and reminds me of David Graeber’s irreverent and funny “Bullshit Jobs.”

Expand full comment
Vladan Lausevic's avatar

I am not sure about the Danish welfare state but regarding the Swedish one, it is often better for a middle-class person than for a working-class one today. https://glibe.substack.com/p/the-swedish-welfare-state-more-as

Expand full comment
Randolph Carter's avatar

Makes me think of this classic "Worthington's Law" sketch. I swear I have heard some of my fellow free marketeers conflate net worth and moral value just like in the sketch :p

https://youtu.be/vudnMLzZjTg?si=t6KLxQPT2jgZc1WT

Expand full comment