Statistically, there are usually only a handful of ways that a prediction can come true – but a myriad, even infinite, ways that it can go wrong. We should almost never expect a particular prediction to hold true.
READ MOREHighly restrictive procedures for virus testing have had the unintended consequence of shutting down tests that could detect outbreaks and save lives. Going by the book apparently mattered more than getting good results.
READ MOREThe good news is that this problem will pass in time, but a sound strategy right now, in addition to individual caution, is to free the markets to make the world economy less vulnerable to shocks such as this one.
READ MOREWith coronavirus fears accelerating and nations and organizations across the world grappling with how best to contain and mitigate the harm, it becomes increasingly difficult to be optimistic about the immediate future. What are the prospects for the A …
READ MOREWhat’s the better for dealing with pandemic disease: martial-law quarantines imposed by the state or keeping society open while trusting individuals, families, and communities to make intelligent decisions?
READ MOREIf we realise what the real risks are and take effective action that makes use of the advantages we have compared to our ancestors then we can survive a major pandemic. If we panic, however, and do things that seem to make sense but actually make the economic and social effects worse, then the prospects are bad.
READ MOREThe daily threats and warnings have spooked markets far more than the sober analysis from genuine medical professionals. Markets, non-interventionist policies, and budget cuts have between little and nothing to do with the fear now spreading.
READ MOREIt is human liberty operating within a market framework that saves us in times like this. In a disease panic, we are learning, people lose their minds and stop thinking clearly about things that matter. They also reach out to authority to save them.
READ MOREIt’s the result of a much-overdue price war among producers from which the consuming public will benefit. Amid the waves of bad economic news, this is actually good news.
READ MOREWith the virus priced, investor are now hedging themselves against a typically obtuse and alarmist reaction from policymakers that will enhance the power of government at the expense of the private sector where all growth takes place.
READ MOREAre we really ready to imprison the world, wreck financial markets, destroy countless jobs, and massively disrupt life as we know it, all to forestall some uncertain fate, even as we do know the right way to deal with the problem from a medical point of view? It’s at least worth debating.
READ MOREHave you noticed how philosophical COVID-19 is making us? The possible presence of imminent death of so many – true or not – is causing a reassessment of fundamental issues.
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