By KLG
In the wake of the Great Financial Crisis, I stumbled upon Naked Capitalism, and it quickly transformed into an indispensable resource for me. This platform serves as a beacon of rationality amidst a chaotic sea of misinformation, and for that, I am profoundly thankful. If you share my gratitude, consider visiting the Tip Jar to support this vital work. Its importance will persist as long as the Neoliberal era endures, even in the face of challenges that lie ahead. Being forewarned equips us to face the future.
Since I began contributing regularly in the summer of 2022, I have been amazed by the behind-the-scenes efforts here. I often wonder how Yves Smith manages to find time for rest, but whenever she steps back, others rise to ensure everything runs smoothly. Their dedication deserves our unwavering support and gratitude. Please consider visiting the Tip Jar. Any contribution is greatly valued—whether large or small, every bit helps.
What sets Naked Capitalism apart as a source of unflinching commentary on finance, economics, politics, and power is its commitment to fearlessness. It’s crucial to distinguish this bravery from recklessness in our increasingly dysfunctional world. Naked Capitalism is where we can seek the essence of truth.
However, it’s essential to note that Naked Capitalism does not merely present the truth as if it were an absolute. In my contributions, I have often critiqued the idea that a singular truth exists in realms like science, politics, philosophy, and particularly economics. While scientific principles such as the Second Law of Thermodynamics are indeed truths, they do not encompass the broader understanding we seek. Practical truths that inform action are elusive and often challenging to appreciate, especially in a world where scientific and societal values often collide, as we’ve seen during the recent pandemic and the ongoing ramifications of Neoliberalism.
Regular readers of this platform possess a deeper understanding of the scientific, cultural, societal, and political dimensions of the pandemic compared to many of my scientific peers. This is a testament to the bold contributions of Naked Capitalism’s authors, both past and present, and those who will contribute in the future.
We all recognize that the pandemic is not truly behind us and that its effects will persist, particularly in the form of Long Covid. Hence, our work is more crucial than ever, especially within the current peculiar structure of our biomedical research landscape. Therefore, I urge you to visit the Tip Jar and support as generously as possible, particularly since the typical member of the Professional Managerial Class often appears engaged yet lacks true generosity.
We are indeed a community. But is it feasible to cultivate a sense of community in an online environment? This is a significant inquiry.
Under the oppressive hand of Neoliberalism, the concept of community has become almost obsolete. Individuals and families primarily identify as consumers, secondarily as citizens, and finally as friends or neighbors—if they have any energy left after their consumer duties. I believe I’m not alone in associating the push for rampant consumption with the detrimental effects of various societal ills. Such a lifestyle is unsustainable, and Naked Capitalism emphasizes this truth daily.
Contrary to the beliefs of those who govern us, community is vital to human existence. It is this unique community of commentators (along with contributors) that sets Naked Capitalism apart in the online landscape. If you doubt me, take a moment to explore other sites that might seem similar; just approach with caution, or despair may ensue. What makes our community robust is the unwavering leadership of individuals like Haig:
Yves Smith, the hardest working woman in the blogosphere, does not suffer fools, and maintains an establishment where critical thinking prevails, exposing cant, dogma, and sophistry. From the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to the challenges of the COVID era, Naked Capitalism remains a reliable source of insightful commentary.
Absolutely! This is precisely why we are gathered here, now and in the future. The landscape of information is evolving, and Naked Capitalism is a pivotal component of that evolution. For this platform to not just survive but flourish as a beacon of critical thought in our world, please consider visiting the tip jar. If you’d prefer not to use the Tip Jar, you can send contributions to:
Aurora Advisors Incorporated
PO Box 110105
Brooklyn NY 11211-0105
As a final note, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Yves and all past and present contributors (including Jerri-Lynn and Lambert) for welcoming me into this community. It has been a privilege every day for the past three years. I constantly ponder “what’s next” and have gleaned invaluable insights from our community. Thank you! I look forward to continuing this journey for as long as I’m able.
Lastly, community is the foundation of fulfilling lives, as illustrated by Wendell Berry in his reflections on the life of Port William, Kentucky. To paraphrase a thought I shared years ago from Berry’s profound essay “Discipline and Hope,” written over fifty years ago:
If humanity is to have a future, discipline will foster hope, while blind optimism leads only to despair. This optimism is the standard stance of the Professional Managerial Class, and it rarely results in positive outcomes. Naked Capitalism provides us both hope and the necessary discipline in this increasingly chaotic world.
Oh, and don’t forget the tip jar is right over there! Thank you!
