It’s been some years since I seriously attempted to study software development in any degree of detail, however, I still remember vividly thinking “humans will never make a viable AI (artificial intelligence)”. Having a basic understanding of how software worked, how machines crunched problems, along with a general understanding of our own lack of understanding…
“It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.” Thomas Jefferson Democracy is projected by many as the pinup boy of a truly liberated society. While the notion of the people ruling themselves often results in…
Economic books are written throughout the times of prosperity and generally re-written after a crisis. Venezuela is no exception. For a while Politicians, Actors and Nobel prize-winning Economists alike praised Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez for his socialist policies, his attention to the poor, his dedication to health care and education. But not anymore. No one is praising…
“Truth, of course, must of necessity be stranger than fiction, for we have made fiction to suit ourselves.” Gilbert K. Chesterton As a child I would spend large amounts of time playing with mirrors. I know, I know. It’s a strange choice of entertainment but the game that my cousins and I invented became a classic…
This is my philosophical rant for the week. Slightly off topic from the usual local or national economic issues that I like to discuss but every so often you need to get your philosophy on especially when it seems to be a field so often neglected. I also apologise for this article is a little longer…
The advent of a fourth technological revolution combined with a struggling Australian economy means that decisions made at the national and international level will have dramatic impacts on our everyday lives. In this talk we briefly discuss the potential threats and measures that we can be taking to mitigate against the threats to our livelihood…
Housing is a hot topic at the moment as city housing prices skyrocket. While many monotonously drum the bell against negative gearing, the question arises: why are prices skyrocketing to the extent that they are? Population growth, combined with younger families entering or wanting to enter the market, are all natural contributors that can lead to price…
Over the next decade, we will undeniably see a vast change in our economic landscape. Businesses that were once thought unsinkable will disappear into the ether, the nature of employment will morph and change and, most likely, we will see a worldwide levelling effect on wages as globalisation moves to higher bandwidth fibre optic lines.…
The Australian dream, like its American sister, has, for a long time, been centred on the idea of home ownership combined with a stable, well-paying job followed by relatively early retirement. In recent years, this dream has been modified by the millennialists where job security takes the back seat to job fulfilment, home-ownership is an assumed…
Alvy Singer: This guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, “Doc, my brother’s crazy; he thinks he’s a chicken.” And the doctor says, “Well, why don’t you turn him in?” The guy says, “I would, but I need the eggs.” Well, I guess that’s pretty much how I feel about relationships; y’know, they’re totally irrational,…