Whoever named Lake Titicaca was a genius, because every child who first hears "Titi-Caca" in geography class starts laughing uncontrollably and then they are fascinated by the details of this lake.

Fun fact: there's a much smaller lake next to that one called Lake Bootipipi.

Plato's allegory of the slaves in the cave comes to mind. Just like bitcoin, many people would prefer to hear comforting lies than the harsh truth, even if such knowledge could demonstrably improve their lives.

Doesn't just apply to India of course. We see the exact same thing in the US with politics becoming more and more partisan and subjective, even when we have more access to information than ever!

I like your nuanced take. We all have some addictive tendency and should fo our best to mitigate it. That said, in times of stress, isolation, or alienation EVERY negative tendency gets worse and worse.

A recovering alcoholic with a strong family, meaningful job, happy life etc is going to resist the temptation to drink much better than that same person who is depressed and listless.

Unlike alcohol, AI and social media are going to be nearly impossible to opt out of though. I despise Instagram for example, but I lose a lot of money with my business (hospitality) when I don't vigorously use Instagram to advertise and engage.

Wasn't always this way. The managerial class used to plan, build, and maintain amazing cities and societies.

Houseman was an administrator who orchestrated the rebuilding of Paris into the amazing city we know today. Many other examples.

What you say is true of the current crop. Mostly incompetent parasites.

But historically every great society had competent bureaucrats, managers, who shaped civil society in amazing ways. Most of these transformations happened in eras of sound money, but yes, you need these people.

The answer to bad governement isn't necessarily less government, it's good government.

Honestly Venice isn't even a good venue for that size wedding. Too cramped, unless they actually secured one of the main plazas, which I doubt.

This act stopped being funny like 4 months into his first term.

I largely agree with you, but for the sake of discussion, what about the possibility that there is an assymetric aspect to this, like with the US vs Afghanistan/Vietnam where big wins are not necessary to atritte over time the financial or political resiliency of Israel. As in, Iran can "afford" to get bombed, but Israel, as a developed integrated nation cannot afford it's airports, ports, economy shut down that long.

Did you get this from a 2008 grandpa's Facebook post?

Most tragic thing to happen in my lifetime

Yes, "nothing" has a clear definition, but even taking your generous interpretation and discounting the Israeli dead and wounded, billions in economic and military costs etc...

Why would Trump be pressing so hard for a ceasefire if Iran cannot do anything? Seriously what's the downside to just letting Israel do whatever they want and fully destroy Iran or at a minimum topple the regime?

You said they would do "nothing". Israel certainly did more damage, but to say Iran had a nothing burger response is certainly not accurate in my opinion, and that was your original point.