Human Systems and Behavior

This post examines the dominant narrative about globalization — its origins, its internal logic, and its relationship to the actual historical record. Drawing on comparative development data from the post-war period through the present, it asks whether the policies prescribed to poor countries today bear any resemblance to the policies that made rich countries rich. The stakes are not academic: how a country understands the history of capitalism determines whether it believes it has options.

A critical exploration of how optimization—from product design to platforms to labor—has shifted from serving human flourishing to extracting it, and how a doctrine of necessary margin offers a way forward.

The challenges of unlearning deeply held beliefs and embracing intellectual humility in decision-making.

Using empathy and structured persuasion to influence others and resolve conflicts effectively.

Applying the scientific method to business decisions and the importance of testing assumptions.

Uncovering hidden assumptions and the dangers of sunk costs in strategic decision-making.

A comprehensive exploration of critical thinking and decision-making strategies in an era of irrationality.

Exploring the myth of rational decision-making and the reality of bounded minds in management.

Embracing the freedom to fail as a path to progress in choice architecture and human behavior.

How well-intentioned nudges can become coercive, imposing disproportionate costs on low-income consumers.