But also comically pretentious. A book that says a little about many different things.
I will forgive the cheap caricMemorable, non-linear and varied.
But also comically pretentious. A book that says a little about many different things.
I will forgive the cheap caricature of a womanizer that Tomas plays for the evolving and interesting anxieties of Tereza. But the end is disappointing: her (legitimate) suspicion to his infidelity finds unsatisfying resolve by the move to the countryside. ...more
Three objectives of Hinduism are, in order: Dharma (justice/piety/morality), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Passion). The Kamasutra is well-known; it is lesserThree objectives of Hinduism are, in order: Dharma (justice/piety/morality), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Passion). The Kamasutra is well-known; it is lesser known that Dharma and Artha are to be taken care of first. This text, dated approximately 300 BC, is a sort of instruction text for a king, how to organize their economy and ensure proper government oversight. This reveals the time's conception around market prices (goods have a true price, shocks in demand and supply steer away from this price and should be corrected) and trade (in large part arranged between kings).
Cannot judge the accuracy, but I liked the foreshadowing of historic events for later justification. If anything, a bit too heavy on conflicts that chCannot judge the accuracy, but I liked the foreshadowing of historic events for later justification. If anything, a bit too heavy on conflicts that changed leadership, and the particularities of certain rulers. Could have done with more descriptions about the typical life in these ancient societies instead. But it’s a short history, there is always more to tell. At least important cultural and scientific hallmarks were highlighted! ...more
This is an academic essay that is clear both in formulating the questions it asks and answering them. It is written well.
An incomplete summary:
IndustrThis is an academic essay that is clear both in formulating the questions it asks and answering them. It is written well.
An incomplete summary:
Industrial policy is defined NOT as general infrastructure, investment in human capital or investment by local governments (China has 10's of thousands). Instead as direct subsidies (through funding, tax breaks, etc) for the development of an industry.
Is China's unprecedented economic growth over the last 40 years a consequence of industrial policy? No.
Real industrial policy in China is new (starting in 2006, ramping up as stimulus following global financial crisis). First through "megaprojects" (2006-7), now (since 2015) through IDDS (innovation driven development strategies). The big, new instrument is the Industry Guidance Fund (IGF). A whopping $1.5T of funding has been allocated to these funds.
The IGF can been viewed as the Chinese state answer to American capital markets. IGFs are funds consisting of state funds, SOE (state owned enterprise) investments and private capital. They invest like Venture Capital funds, private equity funds and take stakes in public companies.
IGFs have the vision to develop General Purpose Technology, and "leap-frog" the cutting edge. They hope to create spillover effects across industries by investing heavily into one.
The IGF that is furthest in its lifespan is the Integrated Circuit (IC) fund, focused on semiconductor manufacturing. Its funds are used for building new fabs (50%) by investing in companies, consolidating companies through M&A (20-30%), and improving the vertical supply chain (packaging etc).
The IGF is a truly novel instrument, and there are valid concerns surrounding the performance incentives and opportunities for (soft) corruption.
China is in its core a middle income country. This massive industrial policy is a gamble. The costs are immense. Time will tell whether this will pay off.
“Raise High..” - Highly enjoyable. Just a banger of dialogue and personality. Would it be an insult to say this is like situational comedy that you ca“Raise High..” - Highly enjoyable. Just a banger of dialogue and personality. Would it be an insult to say this is like situational comedy that you can be snobby about? Because I don't say that as an insult.
“Seymour” is crucial for the Salinger-universe, but as a story, not so much. It's just... too long. I find it kind of telling that this is the last story that was published in book form while he was alive. It all comes across as very uncritical. Maybe that is the point: a "semi-diary about a dead brother", as Buddy (i.e. Salinger ) puts it. Still I'm sad that the story ended: connecting the dots of the Glass family across stories, with Buddy appearing as the fictional author of some of Salinger's other stories. And then, boom, even a Caulfield shows up. Is this what the Marvel fans feel when they get a crossover cameo?
Generally, there is a certain trick throughout Salinger's short stories. He sketches these eclectic geniuses, admired by all since childhood, who let you, the reader, into their amicable irony. Then, as you feel privileged to be in their company, chuckling about those who aren't, some subtle profound observation by Seymour, or Zooey, or Franny, or whoever, is slipped in, usually not even in a dedicated paragraph, but as an indirect recollection by their sibling, in some idiosyncratic medium, be it scraps of literary feedback, lipstick on the bathroom mirror or a quip during a game of marbles. Already, before you vocalize the words in your head, you are in awe of the astuteness of thought. No sight of the skepticism you'd have if the words had appeared on their own. Not that these observations are of no value, the contrary. But seriously: here I am, reading meticulous descriptions about a fictional author's fictional brother's nose, as if it is a crucial bit of information to understand their prolific poems, poems that, may I remind you, do not actually exist. Maybe Salinger champions in immersion, above all....more
Captivating, and an absorbing style. Lost me a bit towards the end, and I feel like a lot of the symbolism went over my head. Read it in two sessions,Captivating, and an absorbing style. Lost me a bit towards the end, and I feel like a lot of the symbolism went over my head. Read it in two sessions, and I think it would've been even better in one....more
The only thing Kaczynski was certainly right about is that he needed to kill people before anyone would care about this absolute mid piece of SocietalThe only thing Kaczynski was certainly right about is that he needed to kill people before anyone would care about this absolute mid piece of Societal Theory. Embarrassing really ...more
Rightfully a forgotten classic. Superficially interesting as a late 19th century optimistic prediction of the future, but it is so dry, despite the poRightfully a forgotten classic. Superficially interesting as a late 19th century optimistic prediction of the future, but it is so dry, despite the poor attempt of mixing in a romance. ...more
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