I analyze how social media has changed politics and political campaigns. I argue that while social media has enhanced the freedom of expression, it has also created ideological echo-chambers. I borrow ideas from Jonathan Haidt, Neil Postman and Richard Hanania to build my case.
How re-imagining past shapes your strategic narrative
I talk about the importance of creating a strategic narrative that stands the test of time. Many opportunities to chalk a new path are lost due to a narrow, fixated perspective of the past. The past needs to be infused with a fresh meaning for a new future to manifest. The strategic narrative is the prism businesses use to impose continuity upon its actions throughout its trajectory. It’s a north star that stays relevant amid changing market conditions and technology landscape.
Why Firms Are Important
I explore why firms continue to be important in the gig era. Many ask: Why hire employees when you can get the work done by vendors? I respond: If this were such a cost-effective way of getting quality work done, why isn’t this more widespread? I borrow from Ronald Coase’s “The Nature of the Firm” to seek answers.
The Medium is the Metaphor
I explore why writing is fundamentally different from the video-audio format. To this end, I borrow extensively from Neil Postman’s works, particularly, “Amusing Ourselves to Death”. I argue, with examples, why the medium is the metaphor.
How AI impacts Copyright Laws
AI is coming for us. It has already come for celebrities and institutions. Consider these three instances. Case #1: In May 2024, ChatGPT launched an AI voice assistant that sounded like a human. It ended up upsetting actress Scarlett Johansson. Why? The voice sounded eerily similar to her own. In defense, OpenAI claimed it was... Continue Reading →
How Systems Overcome Decision Fatigue
I argue why mechanical consistency is a better bet for many of us. I argue why continuous recalibration can be bad citing examples of daily commute, agile marketing and investment. TL;DR version: Autopilot > Continuous Recalibration.
Should You Chase Your Dream Job?
I ask if our yearning for a dream job is justified. *Relentless Repetition*: That’s how philosopher Henna Arendt describes modern work. This being the case, is following your passion the solution? Or should we pursue something else?
In Defense of Passive Writing
I cite instances where passive writing is superior to the active voice. If all writers concur that an active voice is better, why is passive writing still in use? If this were such a universal truism, it begs the question as to why so much of the business writing is overwhelmingly passive. I explore this at length and find ways to navigate the politically correct maze and still convey our truth.
Bicycle for your Note-taking
I talk about my experiences in note-making. Because, the 5 most deceptive words in humanity’s history are: “I will remember this later”. I discuss how I came to discover the limitations of note-making in a book. And, why I was forced to go digital.
Family in the US Political Debate
I summarize the key points of the US political debate around the ‘traditional family’. Quoting JD Vance and Vivek Ramaswamy, I explore how it ties up with Rob Henderson’s ‘Luxury Beliefs’. I ponder over how desirable it is to go for radical policy changes in an institution that stood the test of time.
Musings by Madhav 