Charlie Munger advocates for a non-egalitarian approach in business and investing, emphasizing the selection of individuals based on skills and abilities rather than equality. He cites basketball coach John Wooden's strategy of prioritizing top players for better performance and argues that this principle applies broadly, including in fields like surgery where expertise is crucial. Munger believes that a meritocratic system, where the most talented individuals are given the most responsibility, leads to better outcomes than treating everyone equally regardless of their capabilities.
Charlie Munger discusses various psychological tendencies that influence human behavior, emphasizing the dangers of undue respect for authority, the prevalence of twaddle, and the importance of clear reasoning in communication. He highlights the "Lollapalooza Tendency," where multiple psychological factors converge to create extreme outcomes, and reflects on the implications of these tendencies in real-world scenarios, such as corporate decision-making and social psychology. Munger advocates for a deeper understanding of these tendencies to improve decision-making and avoid disasters, while acknowledging the moral complexities involved in applying psychological knowledge.
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has been involved in various activities aimed at influencing and destabilizing foreign governments under the guise of promoting democracy and human rights. This includes funding NGOs in Ukraine, attempting to undermine the North Korean government, and supporting pro-US forces in countries like Mexico and Cuba. NED has also been accused of manipulating elections, inciting divisions, and fabricating misinformation to sway public opinion against targeted nations. Criticism of NED has emerged from both American politicians and the international community, highlighting its role in violating sovereignty and promoting US interests abroad.
