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This stuff might be a little heavy for a Friday but here it is anyway. Paul Krugman…
When I was young and naïve, I believed that important people took positions based on careful consideration of the options. Now I know better. Much of what Serious People believe rests on prejudices, not analysis. And these prejudices are subject to fads and fashions.
Krugman stated his belief in reference to those who believe in fiscal austerity at a time of economic depression. I’m not quite sure that sentiment on Serious People could be applied generally. Politicians aside (who I don’t recognize as Serious People although they should be), I’d like to think that Serious People do think things out and while they may disagree on issues with other Serious People, their conclusions are based on a sound basis of facts.
(pause as I reread what I just wrote…)
OK. On a bit more reflection, I’m not sure I agree with me. Either that or the list of Serious People is a really small one probably limited, for the most part, to those in the scientific community. For everyone else, prejudices do form some basis for our beliefs. And if that is true, then the difference between THE REALLY Serious People and the NOT REALLY Serious People is the degree to which they allow their prejudices (in place of hard facts) to taint and alter their beliefs.
As I said, this might be a little too heavy for a holiday weekend. Happy Friday.
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