... seeking simple answers to complex problems, and in the process, disrupting the status quo in technology, art and neuroscience.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Nature versus Nurture - Why Rich Parents Don't Matter

I've been following the nature versus nurture arguments most of my adult life and have mostly felt nature produces 90% of the result.  But like most things, the real answer appears not be as simple as, one or the other.

The separated at birth twin studies from the 70s first got my attention on this topic and showed amazing correlation, regardless of environment.  Few studies over the years have successfully challenged this conclusion.  But it looks like these conclusions may have been over-simplified.  This article seems to show environment can be VERY important if it isn't positive or doesn't allow for exposure to knowledge, words and ideas.

It's worth a read in SPITE of it's misleading title:

Why Rich Parents Don't Matter

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Why Credit Deflation is More Likely than Mass Inflation

First a warning.

This is difficult to read, but it's VERY enlightening, so give it a try.

It's difficult to read because it's economics, and it's long and well referenced, but surprisingly, Vijay Boyapati's ideas are clear and well expressed, especially for economics.

And while I don't agree with all of the reasons, and degrees of causation, there ARE some very enlightening ideas here.  More importantly, I think the conclusion is dead on.  So if nothing else, read the very last paragraph of the very last page.

Then let me know what you think in a comment below.

Why Credit Deflation is More Likely than Mass Inflation