Podcasts about James Boswell

Oliver Goldsmith (born Nov. 10, 1730, Kilkenny West, County Westmeath, Ire.—died April 4, 1774, London) was an Anglo-Irish essayist, poet, novelist, dramatist, and eccentric, made famous by such works as the series of essays The Citizen of the World, or, Letters from a Chinese Philosopher (1762), the poem The Deserted Village (1770), the novel The Vicar of Wakefield (1766), and the play She Stoops to Conquer (1773).Goldsmith was the son of an Anglo-Irish clergyman, the Rev. Charles Goldsmith, curate in charge of Kilkenny West, County Westmeath. At about the time of his birth, the family moved into a substantial house at nearby Lissoy, where Oliver spent his childhood. Much has been recorded concerning his youth, his unhappy years as an undergraduate at Trinity College, Dublin, where he received the B.A. degree in February 1749, and his many misadventures before he left Ireland in the autumn of 1752 to study in the medical school at Edinburgh. His father was now dead, but several of his relations had undertaken to support him in his pursuit of a medical degree. Later on, in London, he came to be known as Dr. Goldsmith—Doctor being the courtesy title for one who held the Bachelor of Medicine—but he took no degree while at Edinburgh nor, so far as anyone knows, during the two-year period when, despite his meagre funds, which were eventually exhausted, he somehow managed to make his way through Europe. The first period of his life ended with his arrival in London, bedraggled and penniless, early in 1756.Goldsmith's rise from total obscurity was a matter of only a few years. He worked as an apothecary's assistant, school usher, physician, and as a hack writer—reviewing, translating, and compiling. Much of his work was for Ralph Griffiths's Monthly Review. It remains amazing that this young Irish vagabond, unknown, uncouth, unlearned, and unreliable, was yet able within a few years to climb from obscurity to mix with aristocrats and the intellectual elite of London. Such a rise was possible because Goldsmith had one quality, soon noticed by booksellers and the public, that his fellow literary hacks did not possess—the gift of a graceful, lively, and readable style. His rise began with the Enquiry into the Present State of Polite Learning in Europe (1759), a minor work. Soon he emerged as an essayist, in The Bee and other periodicals, and above all in his Chinese Letters. These essays were first published in the journal The Public Ledger and were collected as The Citizen of the World in 1762. The same year brought his Life of Richard Nash, of Bath, Esq. Already Goldsmith was acquiring those distinguished and often helpful friends whom he alternately annoyed and amused, shocked and charmed—Samuel Johnson, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Percy, David Garrick, Edmund Burke, and James Boswell. The obscure drudge of 1759 became in 1764 one of the nine founder-members of the famous Club, a select body, including Reynolds, Johnson, and Burke, which met weekly for supper and talk. Goldsmith could now afford to live more comfortably, but his extravagance continually ran him into debt, and he was forced to undertake more hack work. He thus produced histories of England and of ancient Rome and Greece, biographies, verse anthologies, translations, and works of popular science. These were mainly compilations of works by other authors, which Goldsmith then distilled and enlivened by his own gift for fine writing. Some of these makeshift compilations went on being reprinted well into the 19th century, however.By 1762 Goldsmith had established himself as an essayist with his Citizen of the World, in which he used the device of satirizing Western society through the eyes of an Oriental visitor to London. By 1764 he had won a reputation as a poet with The Traveller, the first work to which he put his name. It embodied both his memories of tramping through Europe and his political ideas. In 1770 he confirmed that reputation with the more famous Deserted Village, which contains charming vignettes of rural life while denouncing the evictions of the country poor at the hands of wealthy landowners. In 1766 Goldsmith revealed himself as a novelist with The Vicar of Wakefield (written in 1762), a portrait of village life whose idealization of the countryside, sentimental moralizing, and melodramatic incidents are underlain by a sharp but good-natured irony. In 1768 Goldsmith turned to the theatre with The Good Natur'd Man, which was followed in 1773 by the much more effective She Stoops to Conquer, which was immediately successful. This play has outlived almost all other English-language comedies from the early 18th to the late 19th century by virtue of its broadly farcical horseplay and vivid, humorous characterizations.During his last decade Goldsmith's conversational encounters with Johnson and others, his foolishness, and his wit were preserved in Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson. Goldsmith eventually became deeply embroiled in mounting debts despite his considerable earnings as an author, though, and after a short illness in the spring of 1774 he died.-bio via Britannica This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dailypoempod.substack.com/subscribe

James Boswell returns to the show to discuss his coverage of the recent persecution of activists and journalists under anti-terrorism legislation, for opposing the genocide in Gaza.   James blogs on this and many other issues at:  https://wallofcontroversy.wordpress.com/   Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/dsconsciousness   Become a subscriber: https://payhip.com/b/Sq0ZB

This week Rachel has been at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston just outside Edinburgh. One of the first places she headed to when she arrived was the goat tent. She meets some of the keepers as they got their animals ready for judging and met some goats with an Outlander connection.Mark visits the village of Ochiltree in East Ayrshire where the local community has established a heritage walk to highlight its fascinating history from the Bronze Age, its connections with James Boswell right through to its role in mining in the 1950s. Billy Cooper showed Mark around.In this week's Scotland Outdoors podcast Helen Needham headed out for a walk with author Linda Cracknell. It's ten years since she published her first book about walks she'd done around the world, and to mark that anniversary she's added a new chapter about the Flow Country. She tells Helen about her experience of that remote part of Scotland.Last year, competitors from around the world attended the Golden Shears sheep shearing world championships at the Royal Highland Show. This year, a ladies competition is being held at the Highland for the first time. Rachel went along to meet one of those taking part and shearing steward Bruce Lang.The National Museum of Scotland is curating an exhibition which will open in July looking at Scotland's important role during the Cold War. Our location and geography meant the country played both a visible and invisible role. Mark meets curator Dr Meredith Greiling at the National Museum of Flight to hear more.Back at the Royal Highland Show Rachel visits agricultural charity RSABI's health hut. The hut offers basic checks of things like blood pressure and nurse Irene Scott tells Rachel about its important role in reaching those who might be reluctant to visit their GP.Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is introducing a bus pilot. The bus will run between Aberfoyle and Callander during the peak summer months and will stop at several popular visitor locations on the route, including Loch Katrine, Ben A'an and Ben Venue. We're joined live by park Chief Executive Gordon Watson to tell us more about the new buses and sustainability across the park.And we end the programme on a musical note as Rachel meets members of the Farmers Choir at the Royal Highland Show. The group enjoy getting together for a sing song while raising money for good causes and they give Rachel a taste of their

Samuel Johnson once asked, “What enemy would invade Scotland, where there is nothing to be got?” He must never have seen I Know Where I'm Going (1945). In their fifth examination of a Powell and Pressburger film, Mike and Dan talk about what makes this cinematic Scotland a more authentic place than England and how the film's heroine gains maturity and depth once she abandons her itinerary. Dan brings up an American film he considers a sibling to this one; Mike praises the film's economy; both wish they could go to the cèilidh. You can't marry the British Chemical Company, but you can dance the Scottish, so give it a listen! Samuel Johnson's and James Boswell's accounts of their travels in Scotland are a terrific read and tie in wonderfully with the film. You may also enjoy Neil Oliver's History of Scotland, based on his BBC series. Follow us on X or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music by John Deley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Samuel Johnson once asked, “What enemy would invade Scotland, where there is nothing to be got?” He must never have seen I Know Where I'm Going (1945). In their fifth examination of a Powell and Pressburger film, Mike and Dan talk about what makes this cinematic Scotland a more authentic place than England and how the film's heroine gains maturity and depth once she abandons her itinerary. Dan brings up an American film he considers a sibling to this one; Mike praises the film's economy; both wish they could go to the cèilidh. You can't marry the British Chemical Company, but you can dance the Scottish, so give it a listen! Samuel Johnson's and James Boswell's accounts of their travels in Scotland are a terrific read and tie in wonderfully with the film. You may also enjoy Neil Oliver's History of Scotland, based on his BBC series. Follow us on X or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music by John Deley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Samuel Johnson once asked, “What enemy would invade Scotland, where there is nothing to be got?” He must never have seen I Know Where I'm Going (1945). In their fifth examination of a Powell and Pressburger film, Mike and Dan talk about what makes this cinematic Scotland a more authentic place than England and how the film's heroine gains maturity and depth once she abandons her itinerary. Dan brings up an American film he considers a sibling to this one; Mike praises the film's economy; both wish they could go to the cèilidh. You can't marry the British Chemical Company, but you can dance the Scottish, so give it a listen! Samuel Johnson's and James Boswell's accounts of their travels in Scotland are a terrific read and tie in wonderfully with the film. You may also enjoy Neil Oliver's History of Scotland, based on his BBC series. Follow us on X or Letterboxd. Incredible bumper music by John Deley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/film

Twenty years ago no one openly discussed therapy. Nowadays therapy is a topic no one seems to have an issue talking about in public space. Given the huge rise of therapy and the increase in acceptedness, that doesn't mean that all therapists are bringing value to their patients. Why is no one else having this conversation? Your hosts:Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

You've spent so much time acquiring the skills to get through everyday life. What happens when you don't need those skills anymore? My guess is that they just slip out of your mind and you don't even notice. Here's our reminder of all the skills you no longer need. Your hosts:Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men. - 1 Samuel 22:1-2   This Episode's Links and Timestamps: 00:24 – 1 Samuel 22 04:39 – Thoughts on the Reading 24:58 - The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell – Audible 37:48 - Samuel Johnson – Wikipedia 45:27 – Top 25 Samuel Johnson Quotes – AZ Quotes 48:33 – The Life of Samuel Johnson LL.D. by James Boswell – Infomotions.com 51:51 - Divorce in England and Wales – Wikipedia 1:03:49 – debauched – Oxford Languages 1:14:50 - Samuel Johnson – National Portrait Gallery 1:22:02 - The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell – Goodreads.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/garrett-ashley-mullet/message

Physicist Dr. James Boswell joins me to discuss an analysis he's performed comparing the post pandemic excess death rate, to the vaccine uptake rate across various countries.   Read the full analysis here: https://wallofcontroversy.wordpress.com/2023/09/13/close-up-study-of-the-new-pandemic-whats-the-probable-cause-of-excess-deaths-throughout-the-western-world/  

There's a lot of discussion in podcasts and on YouTube from men discussing masculinity and the attack on traditional masculinity. The line between toxic masculinity and masculinity is a fine one and we set out in this episode to decipher where exactly that line is. Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Since at least the time of the Donatists, the Church has wrestled with how to relate to Christians who are just not that good at being Christians. Should we worship with Christians who are living in sin? Should we baptize, marry, and bury those who only attend church twice a year? Prompted by last episode's discussion of Andrew's new book, Matt, Alastair, and Andrew examine this question from theological, Biblical, and pastoral perspectives. Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com. Timestamps: How do you solve a problem like James Boswell? [0:00] When Fraternal Correction Fail [5:26] Excommunication & the Fringe [9:45] Make Mediocre Christianity Great Again [16:09] Bring Them In [21:13] Different Gifts of Faith [28:14] Sacraments [31:13] What are they coming for? [38:27] Scandal Badminton [42:25] Internal Logic of Forgiveness [45:41]

Are you following the current republican nominees? Here's a recap of the questions our nation is asking the republican contenders. Your hosts:Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Well the fires chased us away, then the wind shifted and allowed us to return for another exciting edition of Long in the Boot! We have invited our friend and fellow teacher (now retired) Mr. James Boswell into the studio for a wide ranging discussion that includes history, politics, education, and why James has decided to run for Beauregard Parish Police Jury District 3C in the upcoming October 14th election. James has a wealth of knowledge about many topics and there is no telling where this conversation might take us! Join G. Long and Deb as they dive into Life After High School: The Teacher Edition with James "The Boz" Boswell, on this episode of the Long in the Boot Podcast.Thanks For Listening! Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Facebook!Email: longintheboot@gmail.comCall Us: 337-502-9011

When there's no right answer, is there a better answer? These philosophical dilemmas make you question everything! Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Dr. James Boswell returns to the show to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which he's been covering on his Wall of Controversy blog.    Read James' Wall of Controversy blog here:  https://wallofcontroversy.wordpress.com/  

When there's no right answer, is there a better answer? These philosophical dilemmas make you question everything!Your hosts:Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real EstateCoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Opposition to the British crown began years before the battles of the American Revolutionary War broke out in the Thirteen Colonies, and that opposition took many forms, like riots and boycotts. A Scotsman named James Aitken sympathized with the rebels, and stood by them by setting British dockyards on fire – if the Royal Navy didn't have any ships, then England couldn't go to war with the colonies, he believed. Let's talk about who James was, and how he wanted to be an American hero. Executive Producers: Maria Trimarchi and Holly Frey Producer & Editor: Casby BiasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drop a comment and let me know what you'd tell your younger self. Visit: SipTalkPodcast.com Your hosts:Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Affirmative action was challenged by a minority group led by a Republican investor. How did this come about? How were minorities negatively affected by affirmative action? What role has affirmative action played in recent years? Well, I learned a lot in this episode. I think you will too. Your hosts:Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Difficult topics seem to be trending For SipTalk. We do our best to discuss a topic that no one else seems to be talking about. Don't attack us until you've listened to the full episode. However, let me know your thoughts in the comments. Your hosts:Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Discussing the details of why Trump was indicted recently. Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Discussing Abortion law in this episode, but we get ripped down by a female viewer saying 2 men don't have any right to discuss abortion. Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

We share some of the profound thoughts that hit your brain mid-shower. Enjoy! Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Find out why we got our live stream cut mid-episode while discussing Transgender politics and Abortion Laws. Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

The bathrooms in America are not quite the same as their European counterparts. The main difference, the gaps between the doors. We discuss several American/European differences. Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

What traditions do you think should disappear forever? Your hosts:Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

At some point in most people's lives, they transition from sweet, sugary, yummy-only foods and start enjoying coffee, beer, vegetables, etc. Where do we draw that line?? Justin & James disagree on where that line should fall. Comment the ONE FOOD that you HATE. Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

This is our first crack at cracking the controversial topic of gender. We discuss why the topic is so controversial and share some of our own perspectives as to what's happening in society today. Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/justin-digiulio/support

Welcome to today's episode where we'll be discussing well-meaning advice that can actually do more harm than good. We've all been there, seeking guidance from friends, family, or even strangers, only to find ourselves in a worse situation. Join us as we explore the dangerous pitfalls of advice-giving and learn how to spot the red flags before taking someone's words to heart. From relationship tips to career advice, we'll cover it all and leave you with the tools to discern between helpful and harmful advice. Your hosts: Justin DiGiulio: NY/NJ Real Estate Broker, Founder/Former Owner of DiGiulio Group Real Estate CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

Our current solution to the homelessness and mental health/drug addiction crisis is not cutting it by any means. Year over year the problem grows. How can we start making actual progress to help these people, get them off the streets and make our streets safer? CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

Things are changing. They're changing fast and before long, you're not going to recognize life as it currently is. Remember VCRs, corded phones, and beepers? Different lifetime. In this episode, we discuss what life is currently like and how it's transitioning. CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

There is no doubt, future cities will look a whole lot different than they do today. The question is, what exactly will be different? Architecture, public utilities, transportation? We break down the changes for each of these aspects and many others in this episode of SipTalk. What do you think will be different in our cities of the future? CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

You've certainly heard of ChatCPT if you're watching the news and paying attention on social media. Well, it's a big leap for Artificial Intelligence and moves "the future" a lot closer. How do you feel about computers that can "think" like humans? CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

In response to a recent promotional video that hit Youtube sharing the possibility of an upcoming technology that could change the future of humanity. Affecting population grown, infertility, pregnancy and morality. What are your thoughts about a human life being conceived and gestating outside of the human body and in an industrial setting? CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

"I surely may be styled a Man of Pleasure"

William Episode 27: Hello, thank you for joining us today! It takes a near act of God for someone to stand back and view themselves, and their culture with a wide angle lens - To rise above their own time and view things from an eternal or heavenly perspective. Everyone can and usually does critique history  quite well when they look back on time… But it's something special and rare for one to do it in real time and space with grace and with truth. It is nearly impossible for people to internally realize the their own personal short comings, or their blind spots, and then to recognize it externally, in their own time and culture, without having adopted it, or more often, become complacent to it. Above this, it is even more difficult to not only see the changes that need to be made but then do the hard work in implementing them - to actually change the cultural and political norm of one's day. To try this and fail, and get up and fail again, time and time again…..To get back up and try over and over…. until your life is spent….with no promise of success. This is what we'll look at in today's narrative.I was going to say that this is “a” story…. but really, due to its immense scope, its nature, and its extreme rarity, this is “the” story of a man's life given to change a worldwide and institutional practice, so openly accepted and ingrained in cultures times-past, that to identify it and capture it, would be like trying to separate the air surrounding you from the air inside your lungs…. Slavery was normal. It was in the air that all people breathed. Although practiced by all people in all of history, the very small framed William Wilburforce determined to change that. By the grace of God, William would spearhead the movement that would change the world forever.Eric Metaxas wrote, that “[William] Wilberforce overturned not just European civilization's view of slavery but its view of almost everything in the human sphere; and that is why it's nearly impossible to do justice to the enormity of his accomplishment: it was nothing less than a fundamental and important shift in human conscience.” Intro XVLet's look into William's life and times and ask God to give us clarity, and vision for what He may have for us in our life and times today.……Episode 27, William, starts now.William Wilberforce was born on August 24th, 1759. He was an abnormally small and fragile boy — in fact he would never grow taller than 5' 3”. From his childhood, William would suffer from a weak and sickly constitution accompanied with poor eyesight. So, with the recent death of his eldest sister and his father, the young and ill-looking eight-year-old, William, felt even smaller. On top of this all, William's mother was becoming very sick. With her nearing the verge of death, his relatively comfortable world that he had known was crashing down around him.As a result of losing his father, sister, and now, possibly his mother, little William was forced to move from his small town of Hull close to the large city of London with his Aunt Hannah and Uncle William. Not only was he moving to a completely new environment, with a new school, and new caretakers, but his Aunt as Uncle were Methodists.The new break off sect of the Church of England started by John Wesley nearly three decades before was largely viewed with contempt. At the time, Methodists were considered to be religious radicals - fanatics who took the gospel of Jesus seriously and passionately in a time where Bibles were only opened on Sunday mornings and where Christian teachings stayed safely within church walls. Both Anglicans and non-religious people frowned upon Methodists and their zeal of God. Later, William wrote about this time in his life saying, “It's impossible for you to have any idea of the hatred in which the Methodists were then held. I cannot better explain it to you than by than saying that it is more like the account given in Ivanhoe of the persecutions against the Jews, than anything else I know.” (Metaxas, p. 12).At the time, the prospect for the small and fatherless boy seemed overwhelming. Yet, this was the plan of God for William, without which he would never be the same - nor would the world.___________________________________________________________________________William's Aunt and Uncle had a profound influence upon the young boy — and it was precisely because they were not, what William's mother had hoped, just nominal Anglicans. Besides being extremely wealthy, and befriending many notable people in both the church and state, it was from them that William truly saw the Christian faith put into everyday practice. His Aunt and Uncle were also friends with some of the most dominate Christian figures of the century, namely, John Newton and George Whitefield.Whitefield had traveled to America several times and was on his 13th and last trip to America when William came to live with his Aunt and Uncle. Whitefield, had an impact on William, although indirectly, as it's doubtful the two ever met. But young William did meet John Newton, the slave trader-turned-pastor and author of “Amazing Grace”. Throughout the years, the two became very close. William regarded Newton as his spiritual father. By the age of fourteen, William wrote a paper against the slave trade. No doubt, much of his knowledge of it came from Newton's influence.Concerned that William was being overly affected by her Methodist relatives, William's mother and grandfather moved him back to Hull. William had only spent two years with his Aunt and Uncle but he had grown to cherish them dearly. He wrote them shortly after leaving London saying, “I can never forget you as long as I live.” (Metaxas 12). Soon after William reluctantly returned to Hull, to his delight, the headmaster of his school, Joseph Milner, had become a passionate Methodist as well. And so, despite being in Hull, mostly surrounded by people who were nothing like his Aunt and Uncle, William still found encouragement in these formative years while his young faith and biblical worldview were developing.Just 3 months after the rebels in the United States declared their independence from Britain, the seventeen year old William entered St. John's College in Cambridge in 1776.___________________________________________________________________________Typical of young men his age, college for William began with much socializing, singing, card playing and late night drinking. In these years, William was blossoming into a charismatic man. Because he could sing quite well and charm people with his speech, he was always looked on with favor and gladly received by all people. William had the unique ability to captivate those around him with the rare and welcomed capability to be both moral and entertaining. With the recent death of his grandfather, William was left with a large inheritance which not only allowed William to throw extravagant parties, but would be crucial in his future in politics, where money played a big part in being elected.William's induction into Parliament came earlier than he probably intended. In college, William became close friends with William Pitt. Pitt, a statesmen himself, was the son of the famed Prime Minister, William Pitt the Elder. Throughout college, the two young Williams became very close and maintained a devoted friendship that would last for years to come. It was with Pitt's encouragement that William decided to try his hand in politics — getting the idea to represent the city of Hull in the House of Commons. Having just turned 21, and throwing a birthday party sparing no expense, William found himself elected as a member of Parliament, having received more votes than his two challengers combined. And within only a few years, his dear friend advanced in his own career as a politician. The twenty four-year-old, William Pitt, would become the youngest Prime Minister in English history, being appointed by the King on December 18, 1783.But in the midst of all the limelight and success, William began to question his existence, namely his faith and purpose in life. As he mused on the simple faith he once had as a child, he could not help but notice the dreadful gap between himself and God's holiness. He read the Bible often leading him to confess in his diary, “I believe all the great truths of the Christian religion, but I am not acting as though I did.” (Metaxas, p. 53). Wanting to have a real faith like his Aunt and Uncle, William found himself in a predicament as Methodists and their ilk were still not welcomed in Parliament or high society, both of which William was deeply entwined.It's no wonder then that William spent much of his time reading, praying, and writing in his diary, about the looming decision awaiting him. William knew that he wanted to pursue and follow God above all else. This was the “Great Change” that William would refer to years later. Having reached out to his close fiends and mentors for advice, William laid out the problem that he wanted to be a faithful Christian but that it was probably incompatible with a life of a politician. His dear friend Pitt acknowledged William's desire to live as a Christian unfettered by social or political constraints but encouraged him to stay in Parliament. Heartened, William was still not convinced and decided to converse with his old friend John Newton, who was now sixty years old. Newton, like Pitt, advised William that a life of politics and religion can indeed coexist. Soon after, speaking of William, Newton wrote a friend, “I hope the Lord will make him a blessing both as a Christian and a statesman. How seldom do these characteristics coincide!! But they are not incompatible.” (Metaxas p. 61).With that, William had decided to remain in parliament — resolved to let his faith in God dictate not only his character but more importantly the policies he would soon put forward. It was a balance act. With diligence, William now had to let his biblical theology or those “great Christian truths” permeate his  personal and political life, without losing his influence and charismatic ability to persuade.  ___________________________________________________________________________The twenty-six-tear-old, was now back in the House of Commons and set before himself two “great objects” that he would sacrifice the remainder of his life to. The second of the “great objects” was the reformation of manners. Being in the very heart of London, William had a front row seat to society's many ailments that not only affected the poor, but the rich, and everyone in between. Being one the largest cities of the time, disease, overcrowding and crime were rampant. The death penalty was unjust and carried out by public hangings and even public burnings at times. Grotesque violence was commonplace. Animal cruelty like dogfights and bull-baiting were also displayed in the public square for people's amusement. Alcoholism and addiction were also destroying families namely among the poor. Many infants were often abandoned and died from neglect as more and more parents left reality for the temporary comfort of alcohol and opium. Poverty also led many to obtain finances through the the sex trade. At the time, twenty-five percent of unmarried women in London were prostitutes. The average age of those girls was sixteen and there were even brothels that provided the services of fourteen year-old adolescents.This dark culture in which William lived stood in stark contrast to many of the core truths of Christianity like self control, sobriety, sexual purity, and compassion. All of these Christian characteristics and callings were based upon the foundational doctrine of seeing the “Imago Dei” the (image of God) in oneself and in others. As a result, its no wonder that most people didn't see anything wrong or immoral with the slave trade. It was just another custom of the culture. Thus, William's second “great object” to change or reform the practices of society, naturally led to his first “great object” — the suppression of the slave trade.While Willian was laying the groundwork towards both of these goals, it wasn't until he was twenty-eight years old that he famously penned in his diary, “God almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.” (Metaxas p. 85). Soon after, William determinedly wrote, ”So enormous, so dreadful, so irremediable did the [slave] trade's wickedness appear that my own mind was completely made up for abolition. Let the consequences be what they would: I from this time determined that I would never rest until I had effected it's abolition.” ___________________________________________________________________________The task in front William did not just seem overwhelming, it was. For years to come, more than he could have ever thought, William would have to work with all types of people in every possible way to see any amount of success. Thankfully, there were others who shared his same sentiments and like him, were willing to risk their livelihood. From artist's, poets, theologians, and preachers to Quakers, sailors, and escaped slaves, all participated in various ways.In 1783, four years before William penned his two ‘great objects' the Quakers had already set up the ‘Committee on the Slave Trade' which attracted the attention of Granville Sharp and Thomas Clarkson — two giants in the cause to end slavery. Under their leadership, the Quakers committee soon became the more influential 'Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade'. At this same time, (1787) William helped to found the ‘Society for the Reformation of Manners'.But just as the movement was gaining recognition, and William was laying the groundwork to bring a bill to the House of Commons, he became very sick with fevers and exhaustion. In February of 1788 William became so ill with diarrhea and chronic stomach pain that doctors believed he was nearing death. After aiding him, the physicians concluded that William was suffering from an “absolute decay of all [his] digestive tracts.” Fearing the worst, they began to prescribe Opium. To their surprise, the opiate which William would remain on for the remainder of his life, worked better than expected. While he slowly regained his strength, William would be afflicted with stomach infections for the rest of his life and dependent upon the drug which didn't help his worsening eyesight.Despite this setback, about a year and a half after this, on May 12, 1789, William was back in the House of Commons. Mustering all of his oratory skills, William delivered his first major speech, putting forward twelve propositions for abolition of the slave trade. His discourse would last for three-and-a-half hours through which he graphically explained the horrific conditions of the  transatlantic route. Although William made the case that his propositions would be economically beneficial to the country, he did not hide that the primary purpose for abolition should be due to principle — the principles of conscience and of justice, and ultimately “the laws of religion and of God.”While the oration was noted as being one of William's greatest by many notable people, the members of Parliament remained unconvinced. The debate ended with a decision to hear more evidence. In effect, nothing politically or lawfully changed and so William and all those working with him suffered their first of many legislative defeats. And although William's speech heartened many, as it vocalized a growing movement toward civility, it also raised the ire of others.William had become the most public target of many who opposed abolition. Scottish biographer and lawyer, James Boswell, turned on William by publishing a blistering rhyme attacking not only his Christian faith but small stature writing, “Go Wilberforce with narrow skull, Go home and preach away at Hull. Go, Wilberforce, be gone, for shame, Thou dwarf with big resounding name,” (Metaxas p. 156). The Prince of Wales also singled out William as did the King of England's third son, the Duke of Clarence. William's life was directly threatened by some slave-ship captains. Besides this, fanciful rumors were spread around that William was a cruel and violent husband — a man who would often beat his wife. Regardless that William wasn't even courting a woman at the time, let alone married, the constant attacks upon him and his cause were always hurtful. For many across the globe, their income was directly or indirectly dependent upon the well being of the slave trade. Thus, William's leadership for its abolition was unwanted and resisted tooth and nail.Regardless, year after year, William was resolute in putting forth bills to chip away at the institution from every possible angle. And for various reasons, (whether it was because the French Revolution was unfolding to the south or the American rebels fighting for independence across the Atlantic) England found itself intertwined among dangerous revolutions discovering reasons or excuses to hinder any progress for abolition. Meanwhile, that the barbaric and evil slave trade ran as usual, was not lost to William. It vexed him greatly. But although precious time was passing into the darkness of history, William's purpose and resolve was only growing brighter. After ten years the tide was beginning to change.___________________________________________________________________________A welcomed reprieve and a great personal encouragement to William after many years of legislative losses, was meeting his future wife, Barbara Ann Spooner. In April of 1797, the two met at a dinner party in the city of Bath. Only after eight days of getting to know each other, they were engaged and would be married within a month's time. On May 30, of the same year, the thirty-seven-year-old William married his twenty-year-old bride Barbara Ann. Although she nearly died from typhoid early in their marriage, Barbara recovered and would continue raising a family with her husband. And within ten short years of marriage, William found himself closer than ever to his beautiful wife, who shared his same heart for Christian reform, while fathering two girls and four young boys. With Barbara's influence and help, William would not only continue to fight for abolition, but many other social changes as well. In 1804, William helped found the British and Foreign Bible Society as well and the Church Missionary Society. In a very real sense, the more missionaries bringing Christian principles to new people groups could only bolster the movement for abolition.As William had become painfully aware, he'd need all the help he could get. But oddly, that help to advance abolition came through the early death of his best friend and Prime Minister, William Pitt. In January of 1806, the forty-six-year-old Pitt died from ulcers and chronic stomach problems. He past away unmarried and without any children. William Grenville, Pitt's cousin, and long time friend of Wilburforce was then elected as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Grenville, who had long believed the slave trade was an evil and cruel institution, sensed the public sentiment was leaning in favor of abolition and decided to become personally involved in the battle to help advance it.By now though, after nearly two decades of losses, the forty-seven-year-old William, was not as optimistic. But although the small framed man was even smaller and weaker than he had been as a youth, his spirit and mind were not. And even though William had endured many political defeats, he was still heartened by the Prime Minister's willingness to engage in the progress for abolition. On January 2, 1807 Grenville personally read the bill before the House of Lords. A month later on February 5, the second reading of the bill was given. This ignited a long debate in Parliament that would last throughout the night. Again, Grenville, the new Prime Minister, gave a speech championing William's twenty year effort to abolish the slave trade. And as Wilburforce had done years before, Grenville likewise appealed to his fellow member's morality — presenting the case that the bill for abolition should pass because it was both the ethical and virtuous choice for any nation, let alone a Christian one.After many orations were presented throughout the night, in a stunning ending, the votes were finally cast and tallied at 5:00 in the morning. The bill for abolition had past by 46 counts! Undoubtedly, William and all those with him were surprised and thrilled. But William's excitement was tempered as the bill would still need to pass one last time in the House of Commons. The date was set three weeks away for February 23.William knew that for the bill to succeed in it's final reading and vote, God would have to “turn the hearts of men” — namely, the West Indian planters who constantly resisted the bill. But by William's political insight, he astonishingly counted on having their favor. By an act of God's grace, William believed that abolition had now become popular, even to some of those who prospered from it. The twenty years of effort and sacrifice from William and all those working with him had changed the public's sentiment and it seemed now that the writing was on the wall.At last, the day arrived for the bill's 3rd and final reading. After commencing, member after member arose to give their speech. As one finished, more eagerly stood to address the Parliament. As the hours past, the momentum seemed to be swelling, not only in favor of abolition but in favor of its champion, William Wilburforce. Sir Samuel Romilly, the solicitor-general  and an admirer of William stirred the crowd to tears by eloquently contrasting Wilburforce as England's peacemaker to Napoleon as France's warlord. Humbled by this show of approval and praise, William began to shed tears of joy. Upon seeing this, the house was filled with great applause and sincere cheers! It was in this atmosphere that the 299 votes were then cast. After a short count, the House would vote 283 in favor of the bill to only 16 against.The battle to end the slave trade was officially won on February 23, 1807.___________________________________________________________________________Although the slave trade had legally ended in England, nearly 20 years after William resolved to end it, slavery itself had not. While terminating the trade would serve as a moral light for other countries to emulate, the question that William would continue to fight for was whether England could go even further and abolish slavery all together. By now, William was not young, nor was he healthy, but he was mature and determined to continue the battle to reform England's manners — which included many social reforms but could not be made more evident than to legally abolish slavery.And so, William went from one monumental battle straight into the next. In 1813, William convinced Parliament to permit Christian missionaries to India. Soon after this, he and his friends began an antislavery public opinion campaign never seen before in English history. “In 1814 they had gathered one million signatures, one-tenth of the population, on 800 petitions, which they delivered to the House of Commons.” (Christianity Today). In 1822, he helped form the anti-Slavery Society which officially launched his campaign for the emancipation of slaves the year after.But only 2 years after this, in 1825 the sixty-six-year-old retired from the House of Commons. His health was suffering more than normal and once again, his life was in danger from pro-slavery radicals. Although William's workload was reduced now working from home, he remained involved for emancipation as much as he possibly could. The movement to abolish slavery within Parliament was in other capable hands and there was much to do behind the scenes. So, like the many years before, William would work tirelessly for the years to come. Knowing that his time was drawing near, the seventy-two-year-old made another anti-slavery speech at a public meeting in April 1833. It would be his last.Surely the old man thought that hoping to abolish slavery entirely was too large of an ambition — a youthful promise made in relative and emotional haste that was probably more foolhardy than courageous. But even if emancipation was not to be seen in his lifetime, William took comfort, especially in his last days, that he fought for it for nearly half a century. On July 19, William likened himself to an old clock that was winding down. He was 73 years old and as his health continued to decline, William found himself surrounded by loved ones who all knew what was soon to come.But then, something unexpected came on a Friday night, July 26 — and it was great news! A report came that the government had just conceded, granting freedom to all slaves in the British Empire. At last, the Slavery Abolition Act had officially passed. William could hardly believe it! All at once, his life's aim was granted, his prayers answered, his struggle was over and on the following day, William reveled in it!“Who can dream what went through the old man's mind that day? To know that the battle for emancipation was really and truly over, and won—to know that every slave in the vast reaches of the British Empire would soon have his legal freedom and could never again suffer under such a system. Such a Saturday of joy as Wilberforce lived that day can only come after a thousand Saturdays of battle. But it had come. It was a dream come true.” (Metaxas p. 275). A dream, that would indeed console his dying body for a few more days. For in the early hours of Monday morning, July 29, 1833, William Wilburforce, exhaled for the last time.  Days later, the York Herald newspaper eulogized Wilberforce writing that towards him:"...there is probably associated more love and veneration than ever fell to the lot of any civilised individual throughout the civilised globe ...  His warfare is accomplished, his cause is finished; he kept the Faith. Those who regard him merely as a philanthropist, in the worldly sense of that abused term, know but little of his character”. (https://www.mylearning.org/stories/william-wilberforce/168) 

Voting laws and election integrity is more complex than you may think. Elections are regulated by the states, even the Federal Elections. So rules and laws governing who may vote, what hours polls are open, how many polls there are among many other factors can change state to state. Let me start with this question: Do you think you should have to show ID to vote? CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

This is nothing new to the news cycle, but the US is becoming increasingly more difficult to afford. Everyday life, housing, transportation, food, every aspect of the cost side of the equation seems to be increasing. The wages however are not following the same path. What cost in your life seems the most absurd? CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

Reviewing the LIVE Midterm Election results as they come in, we comment and predict. Share your opinion on who should have won! CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

A person unconsciously frames a statement when they choose a perspective, a point of view, or an angle of approach.Verbal counterpunching is nothing more than the reframing of a statement made by someone else.Citizens of Britain said for centuries,“The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire,” to which a citizen of India replied, “The sun never set on the British empire because even God couldn't trust the Englishman in the dark.”Frame. Reframe.Samuel Johnson – an Englishman – wrote this definition for “oats” in his dictionary published in 1755.“Oats: A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people.”“Which is why England is known for its horses and Scotland for its men.”– James Boswell, a Scotsman, the biographer of Samuel Johnson.Frame. Reframe.Wages were framed as the property of the boss as long as the media referred to worker exploitation as “non-payment of wages.” But when the media began referring to it as “wage theft,” wages were reframed as belonging to the workers. Within a few months, “wage theft” began showing up in bills to be considered by Congress.“There is a basic truth about framing. If you accept the other guy's frame, you lose.”– George LakoffNiels Bohr believed that every true statement can be reframed to communicate an opposite truth. “The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth.”– Niels Bohr, winner of the Nobel Prize in PhysicsKeep in mind that verbal counterpunching does nothing to change objective reality. But most disagreements revolve around perceptual reality; the reality that is unique to the individual; the reality of what he or she perceives. Objective reality cannot be changed, but perception definitely can.Ronald Reagan was 73 years old when he ran for reelection in 1984. When his age was brought up in a debate, he said, “I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience.” The audience exploded in laughter and Reagan won the electoral votes of 49 states that year.Frame. Reframe.When Senator Dan Quayle was running for vice-president in 1988, he said his experience was equal to that of John Kennedy when he ran for president in 1960. Vice-presidential candidate Senator Lloyd Bentsen responded, “Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy.”Frame. Reframe.Big tobacco framed cigarette smoking as something that “real men” do. Tobacco ads feature strong, rugged men as smokers.Opponents reframed the issue by representing cigarette smokers as having black lungs, yellowing fingernails, and bad breath. Smoking is a matter of personal choice.People smoke because they are addicted.Smoking bans discriminate against smokers.Non-smokers have the right to breathe clean air.Tobacco companies do good through sponsorship of cultural, athletic and community events.Tobacco companies are attempting to gain innocence by association.Tobacco is just one of many presumed health hazards.Tobacco is the only legal product that – when used as intended – kills.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Cigarette smoking among U.S. adults has reached an all-time low of 13.7% — a decline of approximately two-thirds.”“Reframing is not easy or simple. It is not a matter of finding some magic words. Frames are ideas, not slogans… It doesn't happen overnight. It's an ongoing process. It requires repetition and focus and dedication.” – George LakoffWhat...

Part 1 of a series on the United States and the trajectory of our government and politics. Right now our country doesn't seem to be on a sustainable path across a myriad of metrics. In this episode we discuss immigration. How do you think our immigration system is broken? CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

Part 2 of a series on the United States and the trajectory of our government and politics. Right now our country doesn't seem to be on a sustainable path across a myriad of metrics. In this episode we discuss WELFARE. How do you think our welfare system is broken? CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

With Global Tensions at their HIGHEST since the Cold War, here's what WWIII might look like. Hint, it's not what you'd imagine... CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

The year 1995 seems like yesterday for some of us, for younger generations, it might as well be 1965. It was quite the year and here's our recap of everything YOU missed. CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

The year 1999 may be one of the most UNDERRATED years of all time. Overshadowed by the year 2000 and mostly remembered for Y2K, there were SO MANY things you missed. Check out Episode No. 199.9 and hear our recap! Video cover inspired by 1999, by @SAINt JHN CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 @SAINt JHN #saintjhn #hiphop #trap #roses #1999 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

It was my great pleasure to speak once again to Tyler Cowen. His most recent book is Talent, How to Find Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Across the World.We discuss:how sex is more pessimistic than he is,why he expects society to collapse permanently,why humility, stimulants, intelligence, & stimulants are overrated,how he identifies talent, deceit, & ambition,& much much much more!Watch on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast platform. Read the full transcript here.Follow me on Twitter for updates on future episodes.More really cool guests coming up, subscribe to find out about future episodes!You may also enjoy my interviews of Bryan Caplan (about mental illness, discrimination, and poverty), David Deutsch (about AI and the problems with America's constitution), and Steve Hsu (about intelligence and embryo selection).If you end up enjoying this episode, I would be super grateful if you shared it. Post it on Twitter, send it to your friends & group-chats, and throw it up on any relevant subreddits & forums you follow. Can't exaggerate how much it helps a small podcast like mine.A huge thanks to Graham Bessellieu for editing this podcast and Mia Aiyana for producing its transcript.Timestamps(0:00) -Did Caplan Change On Education?(1:17) - Travel vs. History(3:10) - Do Institutions Become Left Wing Over Time?(6:02) - What Does Talent Correlate With?(13:00) - Humility, Mental Illness, Caffeine, and Suits(19:20) - How does Education affect Talent?(24:34) - Scouting Talent(33:39) - Money, Deceit, and Emergent Ventures(37:16) - Building Writing Stamina(39:41) - When Does Intelligence Start to Matter?(43:51) - Spotting Talent (Counter)signals(53:57) - Will Reading Cowen's Book Help You Win Emergent Ventures?(1:04:18) - Existential risks and the Longterm(1:12:45) - Cultivating Young Talent(1:16:05) - The Lifespans of Public Intellectuals(1:19:42) - Risk Aversion in Academia(1:26:20) - Is Stagnation Inevitable?(1:31:33) - What are Podcasts for?TranscriptDid Caplan Change On Education?Tyler Cowen   Ask Bryan about early and late Caplan. In which ways are they not consistent? That's a kind of friendly jab.Dwarkesh Patel   Okay, interesting. Tyler Cowen   Garrett Jones has tweeted about this in the past. In The Myth of the Rational Voter, education is so wonderful. It no longer seems to be true, but it was true from the data Bryan took from. Bryan doesn't think education really teaches you much. Dwarkesh Patel So then why is it making you want a free market?Tyler Cowen  It once did, even though it doesn't now, and if it doesn't now, it may teach them bad things. But it's teaching them something.Dwarkesh Patel   I have asked him this. He thinks that education doesn't teach them anything; therefore, that woke-ism can't be a result of colleges. I asked him, “okay, at some point, these were ideas in colleges, but now they're in the broader world. What do you think happened? Why did it transition together?” I don't think he had a good answer to that.Tyler Cowen   Yeah, you can put this in the podcast if you want. I like the free podcast talk often better than the podcast. [laughs]Dwarkesh Patel   Okay. Well yeah, we can just start rolling. Today, it is my great pleasure to speak to Tyler Cowen about his new book, “Talent, How to Find Energizers, Creatives, and Winners Across the World.” Tyler, welcome (once again) to The Lunar Society. Tyler Cowen   Happy to be here, thank you!Travel vs. HistoryDwarkesh Patel 1:51  Okay, excellent. I'll get into talent in just a second, but I've got a few questions for you first. So in terms of novelty and wonder, do you think travelling to the past would be a fundamentally different experience from travelling to different countries today? Or is it kind of in the same category?Tyler Cowen   You need to be protected against disease and have some access to the languages, and obviously, your smartphone is not going to work, right? So if you adjust for those differences, I think it would be a lot like travelling today except there'd be bigger surprises because no one else has gone to the past. Older people were there in a sense, but if you go back to ancient Athens, or the peak of the Roman Empire, you'd be the first traveller. Dwarkesh Patel   So do you think the experience of reading a history book is somewhat substitutable for actually travelling to a place? Tyler Cowen   Not at all! I think we understand the past very very poorly. If you've travelled appropriately in contemporary times, it should make you more skeptical about history because you'll realize how little you can learn about the current places just by reading about them. So it's like Travel versus History, and the historians lose.Dwarkesh Patel   Oh, interesting. So I'm curious, how does travelling a lot change your perspective when you read a work of history? In what ways does it do so? Are you skeptical of it to an extent that you weren't before, and what do you think historians are probably getting wrong? Tyler Cowen   It may not be a concrete way, but first you ask: was the person there? If it's a biography, did the author personally know the subject of the biography? That becomes an extremely important question. I was just in India for the sixth time, I hardly pretend to understand India, whatever that possibly might mean, but before I went at all, I'd read a few hundred books about India, and it's not like I got nothing out of them, but in some sense, I knew nothing about India. Now that I've visited, the other things I read make more sense, including the history.Do Institutions Become Left Wing Over Time?Dwarkesh Patel   Okay, interesting. So you've asked this question to many of your guests, and I don't think any of them have had a good answer. So let me just ask you: what do you think is the explanation behind Conquest's Second Law? Why does any institution that is not explicitly right-wing become left-wing over time?Tyler Cowen   Well, first of all, I'm not sure that Conquest's Second Law is true. So you have something like the World Bank which was sort of centrist state-ist in the 1960s, and by the 1990s became fairly neoliberal. Now, about what's left-wing/right-wing, it's global, it's complicated, but it's not a simple case of Conquest's Second Law holding. I do think that for a big part of the latter post-war era, some version of Conquest's Law does mostly hold for the United States. But once you see that it's not universal, you're just asking: well, why have parts? Why has the American intelligentsia shifted to the left? So that there's political science literature on educational polarization? [laughs] I wouldn't say it's a settled question, but it's not a huge mystery like “how Republicans act wackier than Democrats are” for example. The issues realign in particular ways. I believe that's why Conquest's Law locally is mostly holding.Dwarkesh Patel   Oh, interesting. So you don't think there's anything special about the intellectual life that tends to make people left-wing, and this issue is particular to our current moment?Tyler Cowen    I think by choosing the words “left-wing” you're begging the question. There's a lot of historical areas where what is left-wing is not even well defined, so in that sense, Conquests Law can't even hold there. I once had a debate with Marc Andreessen about this–– I think Mark tends to see things that are left-wing/right-wing as somewhat universal historical categories, and I very much do not. In medieval times, what's left wing and what's right wing? Even in 17th century England, there were particular groups who on particular issues were very left-wing or right-wing. It seems to me to be very unsatisfying, and there's a lot of fluidity in how these axes play out over real issues.Dwarkesh Patel   Interesting. So maybe then it's what is considered “left” at the time that tends to be the thing that ends up winning. At least, that's how it looks like looking back on it. That's how we categorize things. Something insightful I heard is that “if the left keeps winning, then just redefine what the left is.” So if you think of prohibition at the time, it was a left-wing cause, but now, the opposite of prohibition is left-wing because we just changed what the left is.Tyler Cowen    Exactly. Take the French Revolution: they're the historical equivalent of nonprofits versus 1830s restoration. Was everything moving to the left, between Robespierre and 1830? I don't pretend to know, but it just sure doesn't seem that way. So again, there seem to be a lot of cases where Conquest's Law is not so economical.Dwarkesh Patel   Napoleon is a great example of this where we're not sure whether he's the most left-wing figure in history or the most right-wing figure in history.Tyler Cowen 6:00Maybe he's both somehow.What Does Talent Correlate With?Dwarkesh Patel How much of talent or the lack thereof is a moral judgment for you? Just to give some context, when I think that somebody is not that intelligent, for me, that doesn't seem like a moral judgment. That just seems like a lottery. When I say that somebody's not hard working, that seems like more of a moral judgment. So on that spectrum, where would you say talent lies?Tyler Cowen   I don't know. My default is that most people aren't that ambitious. I'm fine with that. It actually creates some opportunities for the ambitious–– there might be an optimal degree of ambition. Well, short of everyone being sort of maximally ambitious. So I don't go around pissed off at unambitious people, judging them in some moralizing way. I think a lot of me is on autopilot when it comes to morally judging people from a distance. I don't wake up in the morning and get pissed off at someone in the Middle East doing whatever, even though I might think it was wrong.Dwarkesh Patel   So when you read the biographies of great people, often you see there's a bit of an emotional neglect and abuse when they're kids. Why do you think this is such a common trope?Tyler Cowen   I would love to see the data, but I'm not convinced that it's more common than with other people. Famous people, especially those who have biographies, on average are from earlier times, and in earlier times, children were treated worse. So it could be correlated without being causal. Now, maybe there's this notion that you need to have something to prove. Maybe you only feel you need to prove something if you're Napoleon and you're short, and you weren't always treated well. That's possible and I don't rule it out. But you look at Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg without pretending to know what their childhoods were like.  It sure sounds like they were upper middle class kids treated very well, at least from a distance. For example, the Collison's had great parents and they did well.Dwarkesh Patel   It could just be that the examples involving emotional neglect stuck out in my mind in particular.  Tyler Cowen   Yeah. So I'd really like to see the data. I think it's an important and very good question. It seems to me, maybe one could investigate it, but I've never seen an actual result.Dwarkesh Patel   Is there something you've learned about talent spotting through writing the book that you wish wasn't so? Maybe you found it disturbing, or you found it disappointing in some way. Is there something that is a correlate for talent that you wish wasn't? Tyler Cowen   I don't know. Again, I think I'm relatively accepting of a lot of these realities, but the thing that disappoints me a bit is how geographically clustered talent is. I don't mean where it was born, and I don't mean ethnically. I just mean where it ends up. So if you get an application, say from rural Italy where maybe living standards are perfectly fine–– there's good weather, there's olive oil, there's pasta. But the application just probably not that good. Certainly, Italians have had enough amazing achievements over the millennia, but right now, the people there who are actually up to something are going to move to London or New York or somewhere. So I find that a bit depressing. It's not really about the people. Dwarkesh Patel   When you do find a cluster of talent, to what extent can that be explained by a cyclical view of what's happening in the region? In the sense of the “hard times create strong men” theory? I mean at some point, Italy had a Renaissance, so maybe things got complacent over time.Tyler Cowen   Again, maybe that's true for Italy, but most of the talent clusters have been such for a long time, like London and New York. It's not cyclical. They've just had a ton of talent for a very long time. They still do, and later on, they still will. Maybe not literally forever, but it seems like an enduring effect.Dwarkesh Patel   But what if they leave? For example, the Central European Jews couldn't stay where they were anymore and had to leave.Tyler Cowen   Obviously, I think war can destroy almost anything. So German scientific talent took a big whack, German cultural talent too. I mean, Hungarian Jews and mathematics-–I don't know big of a trend it still is, but it's certainly nothing close to what it once was.Dwarkesh Patel   Okay. I was worried that if you realize that some particular region has a lot of talent right now, then that might be a one-time gain. You realize that India, Toronto or Nigeria or something have a lot of talent, but the culture doesn't persist in some sort of extended way. Tyler Cowen   That might be true for where talent comes from, but where it goes just seems to show more persistence. People will almost certainly be going to London for centuries. Is London producing a lot of talent? That's less clear. That may be much more cyclical. In the 17th century, London was amazing, right? London today? I would say I don't know. But it's not obvious that it's coming close to its previous glories. So the current status of India I think, will be temporary, but temporary for a long time. It's just a very big place. It has a lot of centres and there are things it has going for it like not taking prosperity for granted. But it will have all of these for quite a while–– India's still pretty poor.Dwarkesh Patel   What do you think is the difference between actual places where clusters of talent congregate and places where that are just a source of that talent? What makes a place a sink rather than a source of talent?Tyler Cowen   I think finding a place where people end up going is more or less obvious. You need money, you need a big city, you need some kind of common trade or linguistic connection. So New York and London are what they are for obvious reasons, right? Path dependence history, the story of making it in the Big Apple and so on. But origins and where people come from are areas that I think theory is very bad at understanding. Why did the Renaissance blossom in Florence and Venice, and not in Milan? If you're going back earlier, it wasn't obvious that it would be those places. I've done a lot of reading to try to figure this out, but I find that I've gotten remarkably not far on the question.Dwarkesh Patel   The particular examples you mentioned today–– like New York, San Francisco, London, these places today are kind of high stakes, because if you want to move there, it's expensive. Do you think that this is because they've been so talented despite this fact, or because you need some sort of exclusion in order to be a haven of talent?Tyler Cowen   Well, I think this is a problem for San Francisco. It may be a more temporary cluster than it ought to have been. Since it's a pretty recent cluster, it can't count on the same kind of historical path dependence that New York and Manhattan have. But a lot of New York still is not that expensive. Look at the people who work and live there! They're not all rich, to say the least. And that is an important part of why New York is still New York. With London, it's much harder, but it seems to me that London is a sink for somewhat established talent––which is fine, right? However, in that regard, it's much inferior to New York.Humility, Mental Illness, Caffeine, and Suits Dwarkesh Patel   Okay, I want to play a game of overrated and underrated with you, but we're going to do it with certain traits or certain kinds of personalities that might come in when you're interviewing people.Tyler Cowen   Okay, it's probably all going to be indeterminate, but go on.Dwarkesh Patel   Right. So somebody comes in, and they're very humble.Tyler Cowen   Immediately I'm suspicious. I figure most people who are going to make something of themselves are arrogant. If they're willing to show it, there's a certain bravery or openness in that. I don't rule out the humble person doing great. A lot of people who do great are humble, but I just get a wee bit like, “what's up with you? You're not really humble, are you?”Dwarkesh Patel   Maybe humility is a way of avoiding confrontation–– if you don't have the competence to actually show that you can be great. Tyler Cowen   It might be efficient for them to avoid confrontation, but I just start thinking that I don't know the real story. When I see a bit of arrogance, I'm less likely to think that it may, in a way, be feigned. But the feigning of arrogance in itself is a kind of arrogance. So in that sense, I'm still getting the genuine thing. Dwarkesh Patel   So what is the difference? Let's say a 15-year-old who is kind of arrogant versus a 50-year-old who is kind of arrogant, and the latter has accomplishments already while the first one doesn't. Is there a difference in how you perceive humility or the lack thereof?Tyler Cowen   Oh, sure. With the 50-year-old, you want to see what they have done, and you're much more likely to think the 50 year old should feign humility than the 15-year-old. Because that's the high-status thing to do–– it's to feign humility. If they can't do that, you figure, “Here's one thing they're bad at. What else are they bad at?” Whereas with the 15-year-old, maybe they have a chip on their shoulder and they can't quite hold it all in. Oh, that's great and fine. Let's see what you're gonna do.Dwarkesh Patel   How arrogant can you be? There are many 15 year olds who are really good at math, and they have ambitions like “I want to solve P ≠ NP” or “I want to build an AGI” or something. Is there some level where you just clearly don't understand what's going on since you think you can do something like that? Or is arrogance always a plus?Tyler Cowen   I haven't seen that level of arrogance yet. If a 15-year-old said to me, “in three years, I'm going to invent a perpetual motion machine,”  I would think “No, now you're just crazy.” But no one's ever said that to me. There's this famous Mark Zuckerberg story where he went into the VC meeting at Sequoia wearing his pajamas and he told Sequoia not to give him money. He was 18 at a minimum, that's pretty arrogant behavior and we should be fine with that. We know how the story ends. So it's really hard to be too arrogant. But once you say this, because of the second order effect, you start thinking: “Well, are they just being arrogant as an act?” And then in the “act sense”, yes, they can be too arrogant.Dwarkesh Patel   Isn't the backstory there that Mark was friends with Sean Parker and then Sean Parker had beef with Sequoia…Tyler Cowen   There's something like that. I wouldn't want to say off the top of my head exactly what, but there is a backstory.Dwarkesh Patel   Okay. Somebody comes in professionally dressed when they don't need to. They've got a crisp clean shirt. They've got a nice wash. Tyler Cowen How old are they?Dwarkesh Patel 20.Tyler Cowen They're too conformist. Again, with some jobs, conformity is great, but I get a little suspicious, at least for what I'm looking for. Though I wouldn't rule them out for a lot of things–– it's a plus, right?Dwarkesh Patel   Is there a point though, where you're in some way being conformist by dressing up in a polo shirt? Like if you're in San Francisco right now, it seems like the conformist thing is not to wear a suit to an interview if you're trying to be a software engineer.Tyler Cowen   Yeah, there might be situations where it's so weird, so over the top, so conformist, that it's actually totally non-conformist. Like “I don't know anyone who's a conformist like you are!” Maybe it's not being a conformist, or just being some kind of nut, that makes you interested again.Dwarkesh Patel   An overall sense that you get from the person that they're really content, almost like Buddha came in for an interview. A sense of wellbeing.Tyler Cowen   It's gonna depend on context, I don't think I'd hold it against someone, but I wouldn't take it at face value. You figure they're antsy in some way, you hope. You'll see it with more time, I would just think.Dwarkesh Patel   Somebody who uses a lot of nootropics. They're constantly using caffeine, but maybe on the side (multiple times a week), they're also using Adderall, Modafinil, and other kinds of nootropics.Tyler Cowen   I don't personally like it, but I've never seen evidence that it's negatively correlated with success, so I would try to put it out of my mind. I sort of personally get a queasy feeling like “Do you really know what you're doing. Is all this stuff good for you? Why do you need this?” That's my actual reaction, but again, at the intellectual level, it does seem to work for some people, or at least not screw them up too much.Dwarkesh Patel   You don't drink caffeine, correct? Tyler Cowen  Zero.Dwarkesh Patel Why?Tyler Cowen I don't like it. It might be bad for you. Dwarkesh Patel Oh really, you think so? Tyler Cowen People get addicted to it.Dwarkesh Patel    You're not worried it might make you less productive over the long term? It's more about you just don't want to be addicted to something?Tyler Cowen   Well, since I don't know it well, I'm not sure what my worries are. But the status quo regime seems to work. I observe a lot of people who end up addicted to coffee, coke, soda, stuff we know is bad for you. So I think: “What's the problem I need to solve? Why do it?”Dwarkesh Patel   What if they have a history of mental illness like depression or anxiety? Not that mental illnesses are good, but at the current margins, do you think that maybe they're punished too heavily? Or maybe that people don't take them seriously enough that they actually have a bigger signal than the people are considering?Tyler Cowen   I don't know. I mean, both could be true, right? So there's definitely positive correlations between that stuff and artistic creativity. Whether or not it's causal is harder to say, but it correlates. So you certainly should take the person seriously. But would they be the best Starbucks cashier? I don't know.How does Education Affect Talent?Dwarkesh Patel   Yeah. In another podcast, you've pointed out that some of the most talented people you see who are neglected are 15 to 17 year olds. How does this impact how you think? Let's say you were in charge of a high school, you're the principal of a high school, and you know that there's 2000 students there. A few of them have to be geniuses, right? How is the high school run by Tyler Cowen? Especially for the very smartest people there? Tyler Cowen   Less homework! I would work harder to hire better teachers, pay them more, and fire the bad ones if I'm allowed to do that. Those are no-brainers, but mainly less homework and I'd have more people come in who are potential role models. Someone like me! I was invited once to Flint Hill High School in Oakton, it's right nearby. I went in, I wasn't paid. I just figured “I'll do this.” It seems to me a lot of high schools don't even try. They could get a bunch of people to come in for free to just say “I'm an economist, here's what being an economist is like” for 45 minutes. Is that so much worse than the BS the teacher has to spew? Of course not. So I would just do more things like that.Dwarkesh Patel   I want to understand the difference between these three options. The first is: somebody like you actually gives an in-person lecture saying “this is what life is like”. The second is zoom, you could use zoom to do that. The third is that it's not live in any way whatsoever. You're just kind of like maybe showing a video of the person. Tyler Cowen   I'm a big believer in vividness. So Zoom is better than nothing. A lot of people are at a distance, but I think you'll get more and better responses by inviting local people to do it live. And there's plenty of local people, where most of the good schools are.Dwarkesh Patel   Are you tempted to just give these really smart 15-year-olds a hall pass to the library all day and some WiFi access, and then just leave them alone? Or do you think that they need some sort of structure?Tyler Cowen   I think they need some structure, but you have to let them rebel against it and do their own thing. Zero structure strikes me as great for a few of them, but even for the super talented ones, it's not perfect. They need exposure to things, and they need some teachers as role models. So you want them to have some structure.Dwarkesh Patel   If you read old books about education, there's a strong emphasis on moral instruction. Do you think that needs to be an important part of education? Tyler Cowen   I'd like to see more data. But I suspect the best moral instruction is the teachers actually being good people. I think that works. But again, I'd like to see the data. But somehow getting up and lecturing them about the seven virtues or something. That seems to me to be a waste of time, and maybe even counterproductive.Dwarkesh Patel   Now, the way I read your book about talent, it also seems like a critique of Bryan's book, The Case Against Education.Tyler Cowen   Ofcourse it is. Bryan describes me as the guy who's always torturing him, and in a sense, he's right.Dwarkesh Patel   Well, I guess more specifically, it seems that Bryan's book relies on the argument that you need a costly signal to show that you have talent, or you have intelligence, conscientiousness, and other traits. But if you can just learn that from a 1500 word essay and a zoom call, then maybe college is not about the signal.Tyler Cowen   In that sense, I'm not sure it's a good critique of Bryan. So for most people in the middle of the distribution, I don't think you can learn what I learned from Top 5 Emergent Ventures winners through an application and a half-hour zoom call. But that said, I think the talent book shows you my old saying: context is that which is scarce. And you're always testing people for their understanding of context. Most people need a fair amount of higher education to acquire that context, even if they don't remember the detailed content of their classes. So I think Bryan overlooks how much people actually learn when they go to school.Dwarkesh Patel   How would you go about measuring the amount of context of somebody who went to college? Is there something you can point to that says, “Oh, clearly they're getting some context, otherwise, they wouldn't be able to do this”?Tyler Cowen   I think if you meet enough people who didn't go to college, you'll see the difference, on average. Stressing the word average. Now there are papers measuring positive returns to higher education. I don't think they all show it's due to context, but I am persuaded by most of Brian's arguments that you don't remember the details of what you learned in class. Oh, you learn this about astronomy and Kepler's laws and opportunity costs, etc. but people can't reproduce that two or three years later. It seems pretty clear we know that. However, they do learn a lot of context and how to deal with different personality types.Dwarkesh Patel   Would you falsify this claim, though, that you are getting a lot of context? Is it just something that you had to qualitatively evaluate? What would have to be true in the world for you to conclude that the opposite is true? Tyler Cowen   Well, if you could show people remembered a lot of the facts they learned, and those facts were important for their jobs, neither of which I think is true. But in principle, they're demonstrable, then you would be much more skeptical about the context being the thing that mattered. But as it stands now, that's the residual. And it's probably what matters.Dwarkesh Patel   Right. So I thought that Bryan shared in the book that actually people don't even remember many of the basic facts that they learned in school.Tyler Cowen   Ofcourse they don't. But that's not the main thing they learn. They learn some vision of how the world works, how they fit into it, that they ought to have higher aspirations, that they can join the upper middle class, that they're supposed to have a particular kind of job. Here are the kinds of jerks you're going to meet along the way! Here's some sense of how dating markets work! Maybe you're in a fraternity, maybe you do a sport and so on. That's what you learned. Dwarkesh Patel   How did you spot Bryan?Tyler Cowen   He was in high school when I met him, and it was some kind of HS event. I think he made a point of seeking me out. And I immediately thought, “Well this guy is going to be something like, gotta keep track of this guy. Right away.”Dwarkesh Patel   Can you say more - what happened?Tyler Cowen   His level of enthusiasm, his ability to speak with respect to detail. He was just kind of bursting with everything. It was immediately evident, as it still is. Bryan has changed less than almost anyone else I know over what is now.. he could tell you how many years but it's been a whole bunch of decades.Dwarkesh Patel   Interesting. So if that's the case, then it would have been interesting to meet somebody who is like Bryan, but a 19 year old.Tyler Cowen   Yeah, and I did. I was right. Talent ScoutingDwarkesh Patel   To what extent do the best talent scouts inevitably suffer from Goodhart's Law? Has something like this happened to you where your approval gets turned into a credential? So a whole bunch of non-earnest people start applying, you get a whole bunch of adverse selection, and then it becomes hard for you to run your program.Tyler Cowen   It is not yet hard to run the program. If I needed to, I would just shut down applications. I've seen a modest uptick in bad applications, but it takes so little time to decide they're no good, or just not a good fit for us that it's not a problem. So the endorsement does get credentialized. Mostly, that's a good thing, right? Like you help the people you pick. And then you see what happens next and you keep on innovating as you need to.Dwarkesh Patel   You say in the book that the super talented are best at spotting other super talented individuals. And there aren't many of the super talented talent spotters to go around. So this sounds like you're saying that if you're not super talented, much of the book will maybe not do you a bunch of good. Results be weary should be maybe on the title. How much of talent spotting can be done by people who aren't themselves super talented?Tyler Cowen   Well, I'd want to see the context of what I wrote. But I'm well aware of the fact that in basketball, most of the greatest general managers were not great players. Someone like Jerry West, right? I'd say Pat Riley was not. So again, that's something you could study. But I don't generally think that the best talent scouts are themselves super talented.Dwarkesh Patel   Then what is the skill in particular that they have that if it's not the particular thing that they're working on?Tyler Cowen   Some intangible kind of intuition, where they feel the right thing in the people they meet. We try to teach people that intuition, the same way you might teach art or music appreciation. But it's not a science. It's not paint-by-numbers.Dwarkesh Patel   Even with all the advice in the book, and even with the stuff that isn't in the book that is just your inarticulable knowledge about how to spot talent, all your intuitions… How much of the variance in somebody's “True Potential” is just fundamentally unpredictable? If it's just like too chaotic of a thing to actually get your grips on. To what extent are we going to truly be able to spot talent?Tyler Cowen   I think it will always be an art. If you look at the success rates of VCs, it depends on what you count as the pool they're drawing from, but their overall rate of picking winners is not that impressive. And they're super high stakes. They're super smart. So I think it will mostly remain an art and not a science. People say, “Oh, genomics this, genomics that”. We'll see, but somehow I don't think that will change this.Dwarkesh Patel   You don't think getting a polygenic risk score of drive, for example, is going to be a thing that happens?Tyler Cowen   Maybe future genomics will be incredibly different from what we have now. Maybe. But it's not around the corner.Dwarkesh Patel   Yeah. Maybe the sample size is just so low and somebody is like “How are you even gonna collect that data? How are you gonna get the correlates of who the super talented people are?”Tyler Cowen   That, plus how genomic data interact with each other. You can apply machine learning and so on, but it just seems quite murky.Dwarkesh Patel   If the best people get spotted earlier, and you can tell who is a 10x engineer in a company and who is only a 1x engineer, or a 0.5x engineer, doesn't that mean that, in a way that inequality will get worse? Because now the 10x engineer knows that they're 10x, and everybody else knows that they're 10x, they're not going to be willing to cross subsidize and your other employees are going to be wanting to get paid proportionate to their skill.Tyler Cowen   Well, they might be paid more, but they'll also innovate more, right? So they'll create more benefits for people who are doing nothing. My intuition is that overall, inequality of wellbeing will go down. But you can't say that's true apriori. Inequality of income might also go up.Dwarkesh Patel   And then will the slack in the system go away for people who are not top performers? Like you can tell now, if we're getting better.Tyler Cowen   This has happened already in contemporary America. As I wrote, “Average is over.” Not due to super sophisticated talent spotting. Sometimes, it's simply the fact that in a lot of service sectors, you can measure output reasonably directly––like did you finish the computer program? Did it work? That has made it harder for people to get paid things they don't deserve.Dwarkesh Patel   I wonder if this leads to adverse selection in the areas where you can't measure how well somebody is doing. So the people who are kind of lazy and bums, they'll just go into places where output can't be measured. So these industries will just be overflowing with the people who don't want to work.Tyler Cowen   Absolutely. And then the people who are talented in the sectors, maybe they'll leave and start their own companies and earn through equity, and no one is really ever measuring their labor power. Still, what they're doing is working and they're making more from it.Dwarkesh Patel   If talent is partly heritable, then the better you get at spotting talent, over time, will the social mobility in society go down?Tyler Cowen   Depends how you measure social mobility. Is it relative to the previous generation? Most talent spotters don't know a lot about parents, like I don't know anything about your parents at all! The other aspect of spotting talent is hoping the talent you mobilize does great things for people not doing anything at all. That's the kind of automatic social mobility they get. But if you're measuring quintiles across generations, the intuition could go either way.Dwarkesh Patel   But this goes back to wondering whether this is a one time gain or not. Maybe initially they can help the people who are around them. Somebody in Brazil, they help people around them. But once you've found them, they're gonna go to those clusters you talked about, and they're gonna be helping the people with San Francisco who don't need help. So is this a one time game then?Tyler Cowen   Many people from India seem to give back to India in a very consistent way. People from Russia don't seem to do that. That may relate to the fact that Russia is in terrible shape, and India has a brighter future. So it will depend. But I certainly think there are ways of arranging things where people give back a lot.Dwarkesh Patel   Let's talk about Emergent Ventures. Sure. So I wonder: if the goal of Emergent Ventures is to raise aspirations, does that still work given the fact that you have to accept some people but reject other people? In Bayesian terms, the updates up have to equal the updates down? In some sense, you're almost transferring a vision edge from the excellent to the truly great. You see what I'm saying?Tyler Cowen   Well, you might discourage the people you turn away. But if they're really going to do something, they should take that as a challenge. And many do! Like “Oh, I was rejected by Harvard, I had to go to UChicago, but I decided, I'm going to show those b******s.” I think we talked about that a few minutes ago. So if I just crushed the spirits of those who are rejected, I don't feel too bad about that. They should probably be in some role anyway where they're just working for someone.Dwarkesh Patel   But let me ask you the converse of that which is, if you do accept somebody, are you worried that if one of the things that drives people is getting rejected, and then wanting to prove that you will reject them wrong, are you worried that by accepting somebody when they're 15, you're killing that thing? The part of them that wants to get some kind of approval?Tyler Cowen   Plenty of other people will still reject them right? Not everyone accepts them every step of the way. Maybe they're just awesome. LeBron James is basketball history and past a certain point, it just seems everyone wanted him for a bunch of decades now. I think deliberately with a lot of candidates, you shouldn't encourage them too much. I make a point of chewing out a lot of people just to light a fire under them, like “what you're doing. It's not gonna work.” So I'm all for that selectively.Dwarkesh Patel   Why do you think that so many of the people who have led Emergent Ventures are interested in Effective Altruism?Tyler Cowen   There is a moment right now for Effective Altruism, where it is the thing. Some of it is political polarization, the main parties are so stupid and offensive, those energies will go somewhere. Some of that in 1970 maybe went to libertarianism. Libertarianism has been out there for too long. It doesn't seem to address a lot of current problems, like climate change or pandemics very well. So where should the energy go? The Rationality community gets some of it and that's related to EA, as I'm sure you know. The tech startup community gets some of it. That's great! It seems to be working pretty well to me. Like I'm not an EA person. But maybe they deserve a lot of it.Dwarkesh Patel   But you don't think it's persistent. You think it comes and goes?Tyler Cowen   I think it will come and go. But I think EA will not vanish. Like libertarianism, it will continue for quite a long time.Dwarkesh Patel   Is there any movement that has attracted young people? That has been persistent over time? Or did they all fade? Tyler Cowen   Christianity. Judaism. Islam. They're pretty persistent. [laughs]Dwarkesh Patel   So to the extent that being more religious makes you more persistent, can we view the criticism of EA saying that it's kind of like a religion as a plus?Tyler Cowen   Ofcourse, yeah! I think it's somewhat like a religion. To me, that's a plus, we need more religions. I wish more of the religions we needed were just flat-out religions. But in the meantime, EA will do,Money, Deceit, and Emergent VenturesDwarkesh Patel   Are there times when somebody asks you for a grant and you view that as a negative signal? Let's say they're especially when well off: they're a former Google engineer, they wanna start a new project, and they're asking you for a grant. Do you worry that maybe they're too risk averse? Do you want them to put their own capital into it? Or do you think that maybe they were too conformist because they needed your approval before they went ahead?Tyler Cowen   Things like this have happened. And I asked people flat out, “Why do you want this grant from me?” And it is a forcing question in the sense that if their answer isn't good, I won't give it to them. Even though they might have a good level of talent, good ideas, whatever, they have to be able to answer that question in a credible way. Some can, some can't.Dwarkesh Patel   I remember that the President of the University of Chicago many years back said that if you rejected the entire class of freshmen that are coming in and accepted the next 1500 that they had to reject that year, then there'll be no difference in the quality of the admits.Tyler Cowen   I would think UChicago is the one school where that's not true. I agree that it's true for most schools.Dwarkesh Patel   Do you think that's also true of Emergent Ventures?Tyler Cowen   No. Not at all.Dwarkesh Patel   How good is a marginal reject?Tyler Cowen   Not good. It's a remarkably bimodal distribution as I perceive it, and maybe I'm wrong. But there aren't that many cases where I'm agonizing and if I'm agonizing I figure it probably should be a no.Dwarkesh Patel   I guess that makes it even tougher if you do get rejected. Because it wasn't like, “oh, you weren't a right fit for the job,” or “you almost made the cut.” It's like, “No, we're actually just assessing your potential and not some sort of fit for the job.” Not only were you just not on the edge of potential, but you were also way on the other edge of the curve.Tyler Cowen   But a lot of these rejected people and projects, I don't think they're spilling tears over it. Like you get an application. Someone's in Akron, Ohio, and they want to start a nonprofit dog shelter. They saw EV on the list of things you can apply to. They apply to a lot of things and maybe never get funding. It's like people who enter contests or something, they apply to EV. Nothing against non-profit dog shelters, but that's kind of a no, right? I genuinely don't know their response, but I don't think they walk away from the experience with some deeper model of what they should infer from the EV decision.Dwarkesh Patel   How much does the money part of Emergent Ventures matter? If you just didn't give them the money?Tyler Cowen   There's a whole bunch of proposals that really need the money for capital costs, and then it matters a lot. For a lot of them, the money per se doesn't matter.Dwarkesh Patel   Right, then. So what is the function of return for that? Do you like 10x the money, or do you add .1x the money for some of these things? Do you think they add up to seemingly different results? Tyler Cowen   I think a lot of foundations give out too many large grants and not enough small grants. I hope I'm at an optimum. But again, I don't have data to tell you. I do think about this a lot, and I think small grants are underrated.Dwarkesh Patel   Why are women often better at detecting deceit?Tyler Cowen   I would assume for biological and evolutionary reasons that there are all these men trying to deceive them, right? The cost of a pregnancy is higher for a woman than for a man on average, by quite a bit. So women will develop defense mechanisms that men maybe don't have as much.Dwarkesh Patel   One thing I heard from somebody I was brainstorming these questions with–– she just said that maybe it's because women just discuss personal matters more. And so therefore, they have a greater library.Tyler Cowen   Well, that's certainly true. But that's subordinate to my explanation, I'd say. There are definitely a lot of intermediate steps. Things women do more of that help them be insightful.Building Writing StaminaDwarkesh Patel   Why is writing skill so important to you?Tyler Cowen   Well, one thing is that I'm good at judging it. Across scales, I'm very bad at judging, so there's nothing on the EV application testing for your lacrosse skill. But look, writing is a form of thinking. And public intellectuals are one of the things I want to support. Some of the companies I admire are ones with writing cultures like Amazon or Stripe. So writing it is! I'm a good reader. So you're going to be asked to write.Dwarkesh Patel   Do you think it's a general fact that writing correlates with just general competence? Tyler Cowen   I do, but especially the areas that I'm funding. It's strongly related. Whether it's true for everything is harder to say.Dwarkesh Patel   Can stamina be increased?Tyler Cowen   Of course. It's one of the easier things to increase. I don't think you can become superhuman in your energy and stamina if you're not born that way. But I think almost everyone could increase by 30% to 50%, some notable amount. Dwarkesh Patel   Okay, that's interesting.Tyler Cowen   Put aside maybe people with disabilities or something but definitely when it comes to people in regular circumstances.Dwarkesh Patel   Okay. I think it's interesting because in the blog post from Robin Hanson about stamina, I think his point of view was that this is just something that's inherent to people.Tyler Cowen   Well, I don't think that's totally false. The people who have superhuman stamina are born that way. But there are plenty of origins. I mean, take physical stamina. You don't think people can train more and run for longer? Of course they can. It's totally proven. So it would be weird if this rule held for all these organs but not your brain. That seems quite implausible. Especially for someone like Robin, where your brain is just this other organ that you're gonna download or upload or goodness knows what with it. He's a physicalist if there ever was one.Dwarkesh Patel   Have you read Haruki Murakami's book on running?Tyler Cowen   No, I've been meaning to. I'm not sure how interesting I'll find it. I will someday. I like his stuff a lot.Dwarkesh Patel   But what I found really interesting about it was just how linked building physical stamina is for him to building up the stamina to write a lot.Tyler Cowen   Magnus Carlsen would say the same with chess. Being in reasonable physical shape is important for your mental stamina, which is another kind of simple proof that you can boost your mental stamina.When Does Intelligence Start to Matter?Dwarkesh Patel   After reading the book, I was inclined to think that intelligence matters more than I previously thought. Not less. You say in the book that intelligence has convex returns and that it matters especially for areas like inventors. Then you also say that if you look at some of the most important things in society, something like what Larry and Sergey did, they're basically inventors, right? So in many of the most important things in society, intelligence matters more because of the increasing returns. It seems like with Emergent Ventures, you're trying to pick the people who are at the tail. You're not looking for a barista at Starbucks. So it seems like you should care about intelligence more, given the evidence there. Tyler Cowen   More than who does? I feel what the book presents is, in fact, my view. So kind of by definition, I agree with that view. But yes, there's a way of reading it where intelligence really matters a lot. But it's only for a relatively small number of jobs.Dwarkesh Patel   Maybe you just started off with a really high priori on intelligence, and that's why you downgraded?Tyler Cowen   There are a lot of jobs that I actually hire for in actual life, where smarts are not the main thing I look for.Dwarkesh Patel   Does the convexity of returns on intelligence suggest that maybe the multiplicative model is wrong? Because if the multiplicative model is right, you would expect to see decreasing returns and putting your stats on one skill. You'd want to diversify more, right?Tyler Cowen   I think the convexity of returns to intelligence is embedded in a multiplicative model, where the IQ returns only cash out for people good at all these other things. For a lot of geniuses, they just can't get out of bed in the morning, and you're stuck, and you should write them off.Dwarkesh Patel   So you cite the data that Sweden collects from everybody that enters the military there. The CEOs are apparently not especially smart. But one thing I found interesting in that same data was that Swedish soccer players are pretty smart. The better a soccer player is, the smarter they are. You've interviewed professional basketball players turned public intellectuals on your podcast. They sound extremely smart to me. What is going on there? Why, anecdotally, and with some limited amounts of evidence, does it seem that professional athletes are smarter than you would expect?Tyler Cowen   I'm a big fan of the view that top-level athletic performance is super cognitively intense and that most top athletes are really extraordinarily smart. I don't just mean smart on the court (though, obviously that), but smart more broadly. This is underrated. I think Michelle Dawson was the one who talked me into this, but absolutely, I'm with you all the way.Dwarkesh Patel   Do you think this is just mutational load or––Tyler Cowen   You actually have to be really smart to figure out things like how to lead a team, how to improve yourself, how to practice, how to outsmart the opposition, all these other things. Maybe it's not the only way to get there, but it is very G loaded. You certainly see some super talented athletes who just go bust. Or they may destroy themselves with drugs: there are plenty of tales like that, and you don't have to look hard. Dwarkesh Patel   Are there other areas where you wouldn't expect it to be G loaded but it actually is?Tyler Cowen   Probably, but there's so many! I just don't know, but sports is something in my life I followed. So I definitely have opinions about it. They seem incredibly smart to me when they're interviewed. They're not always articulate, and they're sort of talking themselves into biased exposure. But I heard Michael Jordan in the 90s, and I thought, “That guy's really smart.” So I think he is! Look at Charles Barkley. He's amazing, right? There's hardly anyone I'd rather listen to, even about talent, than Charles Barkley. It's really interesting. He's not that tall, you can't say, “oh, he succeeded. Because he's seven foot two,” he was maybe six foot four tops. And they called him the Round Mound of Rebound. And how did he do that? He was smart. He figured out where the ball was going. The weaknesses of his opponents, he had to nudge them the right way, and so on. Brilliant guy.Dwarkesh Patel   What I find really remarkable is that (not just with athletes, but in many other professions), if you interview somebody who is at the top of that field, they come off really really smart! For example, YouTubers and even sex workers.Tyler Cowen   So whoever is like the top gardener, I expect I would be super impressed by them.Spotting Talent (Counter)signalsDwarkesh Patel   Right. Now all your books are in some way about talent, right? Let me read you the following passage from An Economist Gets Lunch, and I want you to tell me how we can apply this insight to talent. “At a fancy fancy restaurant, the menu is well thought out. The time and attention of the kitchen are scarce. An item won't be on the menu unless there's a good reason for its presence. If it sounds bad, it probably tastes especially good?”Tyler Cowen   That's counter-signaling, right? So anything that is very weird, they will keep on the menu because it has a devoted set of people who keep on ordering it and appreciate it. That's part of the talent of being a chef, you can come up with such things. Dwarkesh Patel   How do we apply this to talent? Tyler Cowen   Well, with restaurants, you have selection pressure where you're only going to ones that have cleared certain hurdles. So this is true for talent only for talents who are established. If you see a persistent NBA player who's a very poor free throw shooter like Shaquille O'Neal was, you can more or less assume they're really good at something else. But for people who are not established, there's not the same selection pressure so there's not an analogous inference you can draw.Dwarkesh Patel   So if I show up to an Emergent Ventures conference, and I meet somebody, and they don't seem especially impressive with the first impression, then I should believe their work is especially impressive. Tyler Cowen Yes, absolutely, yes. Dwarkesh Patel   Okay, so my understanding of your book Creative Destruction is that maybe on average, cultural diversity will go down. But in special niches, the diversity and ingenuity will go up. Can I apply the same insight to talent? Maybe two random college grads will have similar skill sets over time, but if you look at people on the tails, will their skills and knowledge become even more specialized and even more diverse?Tyler Cowen   There are a lot of different presuppositions in your question. So first, is cultural diversity going up or down? That I think is multi-dimensional. Say different cities in different countries will be more like each other over time.. that said, the genres they produce don't have to become more similar. They're more similar in the sense that you can get sushi in each one. But novel cuisine in Dhaka and Senegal might be taking a very different path from novel cuisine in Tokyo, Japan. So what happens with cultural diversity.. I think the most reliable generalization is that it tends to come out of larger units. Small groups and tribes and linguistic groups get absorbed. Those people don't stop being creative and other venues, but there are fewer unique isolated cultures, and much more thickly diverse urban creativity. That would be the main generalization I would put forward. So if you wanted to apply that generalization to talent, I think in a funny way, we come back to my earlier point: talent just tends to be geographically extremely well clustered. That's not the question you asked, but it's how I would reconfigure the pieces of it.Dwarkesh Patel   Interesting. What do you suggest about finding talent in a globalized world? In particular, if it's cheaper to find talent because of the internet, does that mean that you should be selecting more mediocre candidates?Tyler Cowen   I think it means you should be more bullish on immigrants from Africa. It's relatively hard to get out of Africa to the United States in most cases. That's a sign the person put in a lot of effort and ability. Maybe an easy country to come here from would be Canada, all other things equal. Again, I'd want this to be measured. The people who come from countries that are hard to come from like India, actually, the numbers are fairly high, but the roots are mostly pretty gated.Dwarkesh Patel   Is part of the reason that talent is hard to spot and find today that we have an aging population?  So then we would have more capital, more jobs, more mentorship available for young people coming up, than there are young people.Tyler Cowen   I don't think we're really into demographic decline yet. Not in the United States. Maybe in Japan, that would be true. But it seems to me, especially with the internet, there's more 15-year-old talent today than ever before, by a lot, not just by little. You see this in chess, right? Where we can measure performance very well. There's a lot more young talent from many different places, including the US. So, aging hasn't mattered yet. Maybe for a few places, but not here.Dwarkesh Patel   What do you think will change in talent spotting as society becomes older?Tyler Cowen   It depends on what you mean by society. I think the US, unless it totally screws up on immigration, will always have a very seriously good flow of young people that we don't ever have to enter the aging equilibrium the way Japan probably already has. So I don't know what will change. Then there's work from a distance, there's hiring from a distance, funding from a distance. As you know, there's EV India, and we do that at a distance. So I don't think we're ever going to enter that world..Dwarkesh Patel   But then what does it look like for Japan? Is part of the reason that Japanese cultures and companies are arranged the way they are and do the recruitment the way they do linked to their demographics? Tyler Cowen   That strikes me as a plausible reason. I don't think I know enough to say, but it wouldn't surprise me if that turned out to be the case.Dwarkesh Patel   To what extent do you need a sort of “great man ethos” in your culture in order to empower the top talent? Like if you have too much political and moral egalitarianism, you're not going to give great people the real incentive and drive to strive to be great.Tyler Cowen   You've got to say “great man or great woman ethos”, or some other all-purpose word we wish to use. I worry much less about woke ideology than a lot of people I know. It's not my thing, but it's something young people can rebel against. If that keeps you down, I'm not so impressed by you. I think it's fine. Let the woke reign, people can work around them.Dwarkesh Patel   But overall, if you have a culture or like Europe, do you think that has any impact on––Tyler Cowen   Europe has not woken up in a lot of ways, right? Europe is very chauvinist and conservative in the literal sense, and often quite old fashioned depending on what you're talking about. But Europe, I would say, is much less woke than the United States. I wouldn't say that's their main problem, but you can't say, “oh, they don't innovate because they're too woke”, like hang out with some 63 year old Danish guys and see how woke you think they are once everyone's had a few drinks.Dwarkesh Patel   My question wasn't about wokeism. I just meant in general, if you have an egalitarian society.Tyler Cowen   I think of Europe as less egalitarian. I think they have bad cultural norms for innovation. They're culturally so non-egalitarian. Again, it depends where but Paris would be the extreme. There, everyone is classified right? By status, and how you need to wear your sweater the right way, and this and that. Now, how innovative is Paris? Actually, maybe more than people think. But I still think they have too few dimensions of status competition. That's a general problem in most of Europe–– too few dimensions of status competition, not enough room for the proverbial village idiot.Dwarkesh Patel   Interesting. You say in the book, that questions tend to degrade over time if you don't replace them. I find it interesting that Y Combinator has kept the same questions since they were started in 2005. And of course, your co-author was a partner at Y Combinator. Do you think that works for Y Combinator or do you think they're probably making a mistake?Tyler Cowen   I genuinely don't know. There are people who will tell you that Y Combinator, while still successful, has become more like a scalable business school and less like attracting all the top weirdos who do amazing things. Again, I'd want to see data before asserting that myself, but you certainly hear it a lot. So it could be that Y Combinator is a bit stale. But still in a good sense. Like Harvard is stale, right? It dates from the 17th century. But it's still amazing. MIT is stale. Maybe Y Combinator has become more like those groups.Dwarkesh Patel   Do you think that will happen to Emergent Ventures eventually?Tyler Cowen   I don't think so because it has a number of unique features built in from the front. So a very small number of evaluators too. It might grow a little bit, but it's not going to grow that much. I'm not paid to do it, so that really limits how much it's going to scale. There's not a staff that has to be carried where you're captured by the staff, there is no staff. There's a bit of free riding on staff who do other things, but there's no sense of if the program goes away, all my buddies on staff get laid off. No. So it's kind of pop up, and low cost of exit. Whenever that time comes.Dwarkesh Patel   Do you personally have questions that you haven't put in the book or elsewhere because you want them to be fresh? For asking somebody who's applying to her for the grant? Tyler Cowen   Well, I didn't when we wrote the book. So we put everything in there that we were thinking of, but over time, we've developed more. I don't generally give them out during interviews, because you have to keep some stock. So yeah, there's been more since then, but we weren't holding back at the time.Dwarkesh Patel It's like a comedy routine. You gotta write a new one each year.Tyler Cowen That's right. But when your shows are on the air, you do give your best jokes, right?Will Reading Cowen's Book Help You Win Emergent Ventures?Dwarkesh Patel Let's say someone applying to emergent ventures reads your book. Are they any better off? Or are they perhaps worse off because maybe they become misleading or have a partial view into what's required of them?Tyler Cowen   I hope they're not better off in a way, but probably they are. I hope they use it to understand their own talent better and present it in a better way. Not just to try to manipulate the system. But most people aren't actually that good at manipulating that kind of system so I'm not too worried.Dwarkesh Patel   In a sense, if they can manipulate the system, that's a positive signal of some kind.Tyler Cowen   Like, if you could fool me –– hey, what else have you got to say, you know? [laughs]Dwarkesh Patel   Are you worried that when young people will encounter you now, they're going to think of you as sort of a talent judge and a good one at that so they're maybe going to be more self aware than whether––Tyler Cowen   Yes. I worry about the effect of this on me. Maybe a lot of my interactions become less genuine, or people are too self conscious, or too stilted or something.Dwarkesh Patel   Is there something you can do about that? Or is that just baked in the gig?Tyler Cowen   I don't know, if you do your best to try to act genuine, whatever that means, maybe you can avoid it a bit or delay it at least a bit. But a lot of it I don't think you can avoid. In part, you're just cashing in. I'm 60 and I don't think I'll still be doing this when I'm 80. So if I have like 18 years of cashing in, maybe it's what I should be doing.Identifying talent earlyDwarkesh Patel   To what extent are the principles of finding talent timeless? If you're looking for let's say, a general for the French Revolution, how much of this does the advice change? Are the basic principles the same over time?Tyler Cowen   Well, one of the key principles is context. You need to focus on how the sector is different. But if you're doing that, then I think at the meta level the principles broadly stay the same.Dwarkesh Patel   You have a really interesting book about autism and systematizers. You think Napoleon was autistic?Tyler Cowen   I've read several biographies of him and haven't come away with that impression, but you can't rule it out. Who are the biographers? Now it gets back to our question of: How valuable is history? Did the biographers ever meet Napoleon? Well, some of them did, but those people had such weak.. other intellectual categories. The modern biography is written by Andrew Roberts, or whoever you think is good, I don't know. So how can I know?Dwarkesh Patel   Right? Again, the issue is that the details that stick in my mind from reading the biography are the ones that make him seem autistic, right?Tyler Cowen   Yes. There's a tendency in biographies to storify things, and that's dangerous too. Dwarkesh Patel   How general across a pool is talent or just competence of any kind? If you look at somebody like Peter Thiel–– investor, great executive, great thinker even, certainly Napoleon, and I think it was some mathematician either Lagrangian or Laplace, who said that he (Napoleon) could have been a mathematician if he wanted to. I don't know if that's true, but it does seem that the top achievers in one field seem to be able to move across fields and be top achievers in other fields. I

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We're coddling the current generation and doing everything we can to keep them safe, unoffended, uninjured, and unexposed. Imagine a bodybuilder who didn't lift heavy weights because it was tough. Well, building strong humans and strong character with no adversity is equally impossible. The next generation will be the weakest yet. Here's why: CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID... $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindig... And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support

How is it that fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, etc have less nutritional value in 2022 than they did last century? We've got Chef Bruno weighing in and sharing his perspective on why food is less healthy and how that's affecting our health. CoHost, James Boswell, Accountant, Philosopher, Bartender & Professional Referee (James.Boswell.204@gmail.com) tw: @GetOffMyLawn204 Get 2 free stocks on me: https://act.webull.com/e/icKU7YcnnRID/x0w/ $20 off your first box at Bespoke Post: https://bespokepost.com/r/7834fe0b Products I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justindigiulio And let me put $5 in your pocket: https://www.acorns.com/invite/AT63GR My favorite credit card is this: http://refer.amex.us/JUSTIDo8te?xl=cp01 Justin@DiGiulioGroup.com Text: 212-239-1839 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/justin-digiulio/support