David Graeber's essay examines why automation and technological advancement have not reduced working hours as economist John Maynard Keynes predicted in 1930, arguing instead that meaningless administrative and service jobs have proliferated in developed nations, causing profound moral and spiritual damage to workers and society.
Degrowth, an intellectual movement championed by academics like Jason Hickel and Kohei Saito, argues that economic growth damages the environment and that poverty should be solved through redistribution rather than growth. The movement has gained mainstream attention through bestselling books and university programs, appealing to environmentally concerned younger generations, though critics argue it rests on misconceptions about economic growth and history.
A critical commentary arguing that major AI companies' claims about risks and breakthroughs are fraudulent marketing tactics designed to inflate valuations, and that if AI truly posed existential threats or national security concerns, the government would seize these companies rather than allowing them to operate as normal corporations.
An argument that patents and intellectual property stifle innovation under capitalism, and that abolishing them in favor of a system where ideas spread freely would benefit everyone. The author contends humans inherently invent to meet needs and curiosity, not primarily for profit, and that innovation thrives through open collaboration as seen in open-source software.
A social media discussion criticizing the execution of a financial bet against market participants, comparing it to a flawed crypto exploit strategy. The conversation evolves into a philosophical critique of late-stage capitalism and the importance of life balance over financial success.
Amazon's value to society far exceeds Jeff Bezos's $275 billion fortune through time savings for consumers and businesses. The article argues that by reducing shopping time, lowering transaction costs, and improving access to goods, Amazon created roughly $13.8 trillion in total social value, saving customers an average of four minutes per day. Bezos's wealth represents only a small fraction of the value Amazon generated through voluntary transactions.
An essay explores the tension between maintaining personal integrity and 'selling out' by compromising values within large organizations. The author examines Marx's concept of alienation—where workers become estranged from their labor and themselves—and considers whether role-playing as a professional in tech causes psychological harm.
A journal issue examining U.S. imperialism and its resurgence, alongside analysis of capitalism's decline, tech billionaire influence, labor exploitation, and neomercantilism in the global economy.