Great article. The empty promise gear is where your framework and mine intersect. The map did work, for a while, and part of the reason it felt like it worked is that the economy underneath it was genuinely producing better outcomes for average people. But here is where it gets interesting: if we have been mismeasuring inflation, capturing only the net result rather than the full picture of inflation, then the economy has been quietly delivering less than the data suggests for decades. The promise did not hollow out because people stopped following the map. It hollowed out because the machine underneath it shifted in ways the measurements never captured. So we kept handing the same map to the next generation without realizing the terrain had changed.
The other piece your article touches on without naming it directly is the unintended consequences problem. When everyone gets a degree, the degree stops being the differentiator it was sold as. Nobody planned for that outcome because they were focused on the primary benefit, not what happens when you push it to the extreme. That is the same diagnostic failure: pointing at symptoms, blaming the wrong variables, and never getting to the actual mechanism underneath.
When you finally do find the mechanism things get extremely interesting.
Will definitely stay in touch, and I am sure you will keep seeing me in your comment threads. I genuinely enjoy talking with people who want to discuss the ideas that actually shape the world we live in, whether that is individual mental shifts that change how you think or broader questions about what things actually mean at a societal level.
For context, I am working on an economic theory that began as a critique of how we measure inflation but has since broadened into a broader critique of mainstream economics as a whole. It has been a fascinating process, and more relevant to this conversation, it means I am very comfortable saying things that are uncomfortable. When you spend your time examining the entire economy, which touches nearly every aspect of daily life, big ideas and inconvenient truths stop being intimidating.
Some of the best insights I’ve ever learned have come from my ECON 101 class in high school. I still apply them today. Need to learn more about these concepts past the 101 stage though…
Nicely written, I think you captured the idea really well. I hope that the next generation of thinkers can help point out some of the fatal flaws of our society and discuss how we can create a place that gives everyone a better chance to thrive by doing what they love.
Agreed, it is awesome to see so many individuals like yourself who are willing to take a step back and see if what was promised was actually worth pursuing. I realized several years back that my time is my most important asset and I don't just want to give to a job. I have a life I want to live, a family I need to be worth, and missing things because the job isn't flexible enough isn't okay. I am perfectly fine working, but if I want to go to the zoo at 11 on a Tuesday, then I want to go, and I don't want to ask for permission, and then when I come back, I can accomplish the few loose ends that are left.
Also, don't sell yourself short. This was a great piece showcasing that you are capable of being one of those thinkers who can help move society toward more optimal outcomes.
Well the good news is that economic 101 is enough knowledge to understand what I am writing about. My goal is to write so anyone who can manage a household well can understand the economic concepts I am covering. It would be a good way to learn that isn't dry at least I think so. Here a good article to start with.
Great article as always, Kyle, and love that you've supported all of your points with research! As a recent undegraduate this is underemployed, I feel this. Ironically, this is by choice, since I hated my previous career so much. But the reason for that is because I never thought long and hard enough about what I actually want to do vs. what my parents/society wanted me to do (for that illusion of safety gear).
But that's why I've always been building things on the side. Always good to not have to rely on one specific "machine" and build out your own to test out what actually works and gives your life the most freedom.
Well said, Dido. Everyone finds this realization in their own way. Glad you’re forging your own path even if it feels like a step backward in the moment (it’s not). Hope you’re well!
Great article. The empty promise gear is where your framework and mine intersect. The map did work, for a while, and part of the reason it felt like it worked is that the economy underneath it was genuinely producing better outcomes for average people. But here is where it gets interesting: if we have been mismeasuring inflation, capturing only the net result rather than the full picture of inflation, then the economy has been quietly delivering less than the data suggests for decades. The promise did not hollow out because people stopped following the map. It hollowed out because the machine underneath it shifted in ways the measurements never captured. So we kept handing the same map to the next generation without realizing the terrain had changed.
The other piece your article touches on without naming it directly is the unintended consequences problem. When everyone gets a degree, the degree stops being the differentiator it was sold as. Nobody planned for that outcome because they were focused on the primary benefit, not what happens when you push it to the extreme. That is the same diagnostic failure: pointing at symptoms, blaming the wrong variables, and never getting to the actual mechanism underneath.
When you finally do find the mechanism things get extremely interesting.
Thanks, Kyle! Excited to start learning more. Saved your article.
Thank you, Kyle. Completely agree with the idea that we shouldn’t need to ask permission to live our lives. That’s something I value too.
Please stay in touch as we both keep growing here together!!
Will definitely stay in touch, and I am sure you will keep seeing me in your comment threads. I genuinely enjoy talking with people who want to discuss the ideas that actually shape the world we live in, whether that is individual mental shifts that change how you think or broader questions about what things actually mean at a societal level.
For context, I am working on an economic theory that began as a critique of how we measure inflation but has since broadened into a broader critique of mainstream economics as a whole. It has been a fascinating process, and more relevant to this conversation, it means I am very comfortable saying things that are uncomfortable. When you spend your time examining the entire economy, which touches nearly every aspect of daily life, big ideas and inconvenient truths stop being intimidating.
Some of the best insights I’ve ever learned have come from my ECON 101 class in high school. I still apply them today. Need to learn more about these concepts past the 101 stage though…
Nicely written, I think you captured the idea really well. I hope that the next generation of thinkers can help point out some of the fatal flaws of our society and discuss how we can create a place that gives everyone a better chance to thrive by doing what they love.
Agreed, it is awesome to see so many individuals like yourself who are willing to take a step back and see if what was promised was actually worth pursuing. I realized several years back that my time is my most important asset and I don't just want to give to a job. I have a life I want to live, a family I need to be worth, and missing things because the job isn't flexible enough isn't okay. I am perfectly fine working, but if I want to go to the zoo at 11 on a Tuesday, then I want to go, and I don't want to ask for permission, and then when I come back, I can accomplish the few loose ends that are left.
Also, don't sell yourself short. This was a great piece showcasing that you are capable of being one of those thinkers who can help move society toward more optimal outcomes.
Well the good news is that economic 101 is enough knowledge to understand what I am writing about. My goal is to write so anyone who can manage a household well can understand the economic concepts I am covering. It would be a good way to learn that isn't dry at least I think so. Here a good article to start with.
https://www.nets-project.com/p/economics-made-simple-why-your-household?r=5rrs9a
Great article as always, Kyle, and love that you've supported all of your points with research! As a recent undegraduate this is underemployed, I feel this. Ironically, this is by choice, since I hated my previous career so much. But the reason for that is because I never thought long and hard enough about what I actually want to do vs. what my parents/society wanted me to do (for that illusion of safety gear).
But that's why I've always been building things on the side. Always good to not have to rely on one specific "machine" and build out your own to test out what actually works and gives your life the most freedom.
Well said, Dido. Everyone finds this realization in their own way. Glad you’re forging your own path even if it feels like a step backward in the moment (it’s not). Hope you’re well!