A scholar at Ramakrishna Math told me about a method used to interpret the Vedas. And it turned out to be the sharpest tool I've found for a much older question: what a text says vs. what its author claims it says.
Judgment Was Supposed to Be the Moat. The Bitter Lesson Says Otherwise.
Most of us believe org chaos protects our jobs. The reasoning goes: processes are messy, decisions are undocumented, judgment lives in people's heads — so AI can't touch what it can't even see clearly. I used to believe this too. Until I ran a small experiment that made me question it. Turns out, AI didn't need my process. It just needed to see my output.
Disintermediated? Think Again. The Rise of the Digital Gatekeeper
Ever wonder why those unskippable ads on your streaming service are getting worse? Or how a market sprang up in a WWII POW camp? It all comes back to the middleman. I dive into why brokers are essential for markets to thrive, and how they've evolved from mere facilitators to powerful gatekeepers. Discover the surprising truth behind why markets need brokers, and when they become a problem you can't ignore.
5 Public Policy problems in an Intangible Economy
I talk about the 5 public policy problems that will arise in an Intangible economy.
Book Review of “We, the Citizens”
I review the book, “We, The People”. This is an audacious attempt to simplify complex public policy topics in a comic book format.
Using Deadly Laws as a Proxy for Social Change
I argue why deadly laws cannot be a proxy for social change.
How Elite Imitation Affects Public Policy
In a previous newsletter on marketing fallacies, I argued how we’re prone to the Apex Fallacy the most. It’s widespread because some companies do indeed beat the conventional wisdom and win big. We see it unfolding right in front of us. And, we risk being seen as too soft when we appear skeptical about its... Continue Reading →
The Market for Lemons
Why do people prefer buying used cars from a dealer rather than a private seller? Especially when people know they must pay a premium for dealer’s commission charges over and above the car’s selling price. This is the issue American economist George Akerlof addressed at length in his paper, “The Market for Lemons”. The paper... Continue Reading →
How Social Media Changed Politics
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.
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.
Musings by Madhav 