Majority triumphs, they say. We must resist the tyranny of the majority, we’re told. But what if it’s a determined minority that actually calls the shots? Nassim Nicholas Taleb posits that an intransigent minority can almost always prevail over a flexible majority. His reasoning, though counterintuitive, is simple: “Someone with a peanut allergy will not... Continue Reading →
The Seen and the Unseen
"Is there any other point to which you would wish to draw my attention?""To the curious incident of the dog in the night-time.""The dog did nothing in the night-time.""That was the curious incident," remarked Sherlock Holmes. Source: "The Adventure of Silver Blaze", The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes While others were distracted by the events that... Continue Reading →
When Words Are Worth a Thousand Pictures
A picture is worth a thousand words, the saying goes. But I believe that some words are worth a thousand pictures. Thanks to the digital revolution, the audio-visual mediums of communication are now mainstream. Explainer videos are the new newspaper columns. Podcasts are the new blog. Their popularity proves that they are catering to the... Continue Reading →
Nietzsche’s Three Metamorphoses
According to German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, there are three stages of human growth necessary for man to transform into the Übermensch (the superman). Nietzsche states that every student has to go through these stages. Camel At the beginning, every student is a beast of burden. The thirst for learning must take him to every pond... Continue Reading →
Bhopal Gas Tragedy: A Case Against Globalization?
Exploring the central question about the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. How could Union Carbide get away with it? How did Warren Anderson, UCC’s CEO at the time of the tragedy, go scott-free?
Midlife Reboot
As far as clarity in life is concerned, the mid-30s got it made.
A heart of Gold is not enough
Purity of intent is no defense against the poverty of outcomes.
Man’s Search For Meaning
What if you found yourself in a concentration camp stripped of every semblance of human dignity, working like a beast of burden? Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search For Meaning' is based on his experiences in the school of sorrow where the earthy lessons of life are taught. Frankl’s life and observations at the infamous Auschwitz concentration... Continue Reading →
Musings by Madhav 