Humanity’s relentless pursuit to defy nature’s laws often proves futile. Yet, the quest for groundbreaking achievements continues, fueled by the enticing promise of effortless rewards.
Intricate systems of misguided ambition have emerged, making implausible claims. These include the notion that one can achieve wealth without hard work, that benefits can be granted without taxation, and that easy credit can lead to universal prosperity.
At the heart of these empty promises lie the central government and planning authorities. They seize your money and, in exchange, foster dependency. They assure you of a secure retirement and free medication while orchestrating a scheme that far surpasses anything Charles Ponzi ever envisioned.
According to government data, we are in an unparalleled economic climate. Official claims suggest we are enjoying full employment, a mere 2.3 percent inflation rate, and the second-longest growth phase since World War II. These favorable reports are disseminated monthly, often without any scrutiny. Continue reading
Individuals, regardless of their morals, possess a common skill: the ability to take something that is bearable in moderation and stretch it to ludicrous extremes. Why settle for moderation when one can embrace excess?
From soaring public and private debts to inflated NASDAQ stock prices, and even in trends like face tattoos and flavored energy drinks, people across the spectrum seem paralyzed by fear and blinded by greed, diving headfirst into the fray.
Consider Greater Los Angeles as a prime example. In the early 20th century, an insatiable desire for rapid development took hold, leading to a reckless transformation of the landscape.
The prevailing mindset suggested that if a little concrete was beneficial, then inundating every inch of the basin’s surface would be even better. In pursuit of a mission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers fully embraced this trend, extending their concrete ambitions to the rivers and creeks of LA without much foresight. Continue reading
Market prices are influenced by a multitude of factors, constantly shifting in nature. Patterns that once seemed distinct can vanish in an instant.
The unpredictability of stock trading heightens the challenge; what seems like an obvious buy or sell point in hindsight often obscures immediate judgment. Analyzing a stock’s price chart over several years may reveal seemingly predictable trends, yet in practice, the market often delivers humbling reality checks.
Being correct doesn’t always equate to financial success—in many instances, it can be more detrimental to be right at the wrong moment than to miss the mark at the right time.
A popular misconception over the past decade is the belief that the Federal Reserve eliminates market risks. Continue reading
About three years ago, after a journey through the vast San Joaquin Valley between Los Angeles and San Francisco, we authored an article titled Salting the Economy to Death. At that time, we noted how absurd zero interest rates mirrored the ludicrous sight of extensive crops blossoming in a desolate desert.
In light of today’s shifting financial landscape, particularly with the potential for sustained interest rate increases, we aim to refine our analysis. What follows is our effort to clarify the chaos.
We begin from a common misconception: the belief that central planners can effectively stimulate significant economic growth by maintaining artificially low interest rates. The argument goes that cheap credit encourages individuals and businesses to borrow extensively and spend freely.
Over a five to ten-year span, particularly during the growth phase of the business cycle, central bankers may unfoundedly claim credit for fostering a productive economy. Continue reading
### Conclusion
As humanity strives to reshape its world, the patterns of ambition and folly often repeat. The allure of convenient promises can lead us astray, compelling us to question the structures we rely on. In navigating complexities, it’s essential to recognize the balance between ambition and reality.
