Tweet [1]
When governments pass laws that defy common sense, people often find ways to work around them. That is a major theme explored in my latest book, Evasive Entrepreneurs and the Future of Governance: How Innovation Improves Economies and Governments [3]. America’s crazy quilt of liquor laws, many of which are vestiges of the Prohibition Era, provide a particularly good example because such regulations create powerful incentives for people to behave evasively. When people want to enjoy a drink, they are likely going to find a way to get one.
Arnold Kling offers an intriguing hypothesis about an effect of social media [4].
In this paper from 2018, P.J. Hill explores the ideological origins of the rule of law [7]. (HT Tyler Cowen)
The Rational Optimist is now optimistic that the covid-19 calamity will soon be behind us [8].
Mason Gaffney has died [9]. (Many years ago, Mason gave to me a beautiful bound set of the complete works of Henry George. While I never became a Georgist, I find much value in George’s writings – especially in his skilled and nuanced defense of free trade.)
Iain Murray opposes efforts to cancel Aristotle [10].