Returning to Robots

Hey Friends,

Despite my fixation with overcommitment, I've managed to meet every deadline that I've accepted responsibility for twenty-seven years straight. Even the ones that were basically just made up. For the last four, I've met this one every Friday.

I'm meeting it today too, but today I'm giving you a little something special from the ole' grab bag to make it extra special. That's my clever marketing way of saying this is a rerun.

To be fair, it's summer, and back in the days of linear TV, that was the whole lineup. I waited until the end of summer to give you one. But, since this list of readers keeps growing (including those kind enough to pay to keep me going), I figure some of you have missed some of my best articles.

If you've skipped the news lately, you've not missed much this week. Only that the Trump Administration has subpoenaed medical information of kids who have received gender related treatment. The same administration is investigating the Smithsonian, which he says focuses too much on “how bad slavery was,” and Trump has said he'll be issuing an executive order barring states from allowing mail-in voting, or using voting machines–although the president doesn't have authority over state elections.

So you haven't missed much.

This series of events reminds me of two things. One is how, little by little, freedom can be eroded over time with relatively small incentives to put pressure on systems. It also reminds me of how incentives shape results. Even when Washington doesn't have power over something like voting or medical treatment, there is an incentive to keep a low profile – sometimes by complying.

Back in 2023, I wrote about a lesson we can take from the Norfolk Southern train crash. The story is old, but the lesson is evergreen.

I explore the way that businesses are programmed based on systems and incentive structures. When we see oil spills or DEI programs renamed, we blame companies as if they are immoral people and malicious actors, but often large organizations consist of many individuals that act within the system they are in, and what we think is immoral is actually inevitable.

The article was previously only for paid subscribers. I've now opened it up to all readers.

Robot Corporations

Why the Norfolk Southern train crash was not just an accident. It was the most likely outcome.

Ever since people were invented, we've been questioning their purpose. Like, why are they here, and why do they have a relentless hunger for sex and food? And why do they dominate the animals, but only sometimes? For example, Sharks. They'll make us their dinner in a heartbeat. And dogs – they'll make us make their dinner. Sometimes it's hard to know who's in charge.

Still, when it comes to language and weapons, humans are by far the dominant species. Even a primitive invention such as the javelin has led to the invention of both steakhouses and nuclear weapons. Two of the most powerful forms of dominance. The ability to destroy a city and eat a ribeye cooked your way on demand. I dare the dog to even try to do that.

That's it for this week.

Remember: The Lorem Ipsum is better with friends. Or is it?

Have a great weekend!