It's a dumb take. The idea that powerless people, even those who commit violent crimes (of which the risk to an average person not involved in crime themselves is negligible), are a threat, but the top 1% who control every facet of the economy, media, government, the police, your workplace, etc, is false on its face.
But to be a bit more specific: most "societal" rules that impact our day-to-day police anti-social behavior which is largely produced by a very small minority of society. The point wasn't to disparage the poor but to highlight that most risks and inconveniences in day-to-day life are caused by anti-social actions from a small group of bad actors.
For example, 63% of violent crimes are committed by 1% of the population. Stricter enforcement, particularly on repeat offenders of said laws, would yield wonders for the rest of the population.
Inequality and insider dealing (particularly the latter) are obviously issues and and of themselves, but I would argue that "inequality" itself is a byproduct of hyper-success in which the total pie itself gets bigger.
I'm a pretty hard left poor loser ass guy but I'm 100% with you on this point, definitely a lot of easier for people to punch up. Only adjustment I'd make is to say its for of top 20 bottom 20 thing and worth mentioning how unpopular the rational conclusions of acknowledging this problem are. The smartest thing jordan peterson said after he got captured by politics was that its not clear hospitals save lives, huge parts of human activity are dedicated to not simply genociding undesirables or living in a world saturated with fear and misery. Really gets to the heart of what matters to people. Also whilst the bottom 20% are certainly controlling society, there's no doubt the top 20% control our economies, people will use what tools they have
Elon musk thinks of you as an “NPC” and will actively choose a policy like no maternal leave to the “laptop class”(his words) before going to bed one day. It is the biggest spit in your face, but the spit is not literal, unlike the bottom 1%. And it is so veiled that you’ll know he did it 20 years from now when some economist does some research on social issues that changes society forever.
Comparison is the thief of joy section did it for me as I've said this all year long. I've stated that 2026 is my year of gratitude. Where I do my best to appreciate how far I've come, the things I have, and the blessings that keep coming my way instead of always asking for more and talking to the man above about why I'm not a millionaire yet.
I very much enjoy your writing! Especially when you talk about NYC. I love that place so much and moved away about 6 months ago and it’s been like bad breakup regret and heartbreak since. I miss it terribly. I’m curious, do you think you’ll stay long term?
Great piece. Though I will say, when you write “35% loaded,” you’ll probably say something like “hangovers are not mental. I thought they were mental. But then I learned slowly that they’re not mental and now I get a hangover if I drink one beer at 3pm and chug a gallon of water”
Everyone has the means and opportunity to get and education and a job to live at least a basic quality of life (humble, but still light years ahead of almost every ‘poor person in the past). How does the wealth of others cause someone to commit violent crime or steal toothpaste?
Really excellent Jack. Can't wait for your book. Also keep in mind that the average male lives to their 80s not to 100. So your initial graph is wrong in an even more depressing way :)
"The bottom decile of society..." is not well defined, thus the various comments from people assuming it's about the poor people. I think the example used is rather niche and I would challenge the extrapolation that you used to get to your reasoning there, Jack.
Most major cities, where income inequality has surged and are located in warm climes have an outsized homeless population. It doesn't take much for most average folks to go from a good life to a bad one. If a person had no family or friends, lost their job, and had a major bill (or multiple) come knocking, they'd be doomed. It's not the bottom 10% that decides how society works. Nor the top 10%. It's the middle 80%.
We are powering the gig world. We demand Amazon same-day delivery. We demand perpetual internet connectivity (let alone demand bountiful utility coverage). We want our HC universe to cater us (US has much higher elective surgery rates and our HC market encourages optionality that the rest of the world, generally, doesn't prioritize). We buy new cars for $50,000 just to leave them parked for 95% of their life. This world is ours.
It's just, the top 10% can afford to step up to the plate more than the other 90%.
Generally good, but the point about the bottom 10% is pretty rough and worth thinking about
If we didn’t live in such an unequal society, would there be as much mouthwash stealing?
It's a dumb take. The idea that powerless people, even those who commit violent crimes (of which the risk to an average person not involved in crime themselves is negligible), are a threat, but the top 1% who control every facet of the economy, media, government, the police, your workplace, etc, is false on its face.
It’s the best take in this whole article. You fundamentally misunderstand power.
I took it as an observation and not a judgement or declaration. And while I agree it’s an uncomfortable take doesn’t necessarily mean it’s dumb.
There wouldn't be much mouthwash to steal.
But to be a bit more specific: most "societal" rules that impact our day-to-day police anti-social behavior which is largely produced by a very small minority of society. The point wasn't to disparage the poor but to highlight that most risks and inconveniences in day-to-day life are caused by anti-social actions from a small group of bad actors.
For example, 63% of violent crimes are committed by 1% of the population. Stricter enforcement, particularly on repeat offenders of said laws, would yield wonders for the rest of the population.
Inequality and insider dealing (particularly the latter) are obviously issues and and of themselves, but I would argue that "inequality" itself is a byproduct of hyper-success in which the total pie itself gets bigger.
I'm a pretty hard left poor loser ass guy but I'm 100% with you on this point, definitely a lot of easier for people to punch up. Only adjustment I'd make is to say its for of top 20 bottom 20 thing and worth mentioning how unpopular the rational conclusions of acknowledging this problem are. The smartest thing jordan peterson said after he got captured by politics was that its not clear hospitals save lives, huge parts of human activity are dedicated to not simply genociding undesirables or living in a world saturated with fear and misery. Really gets to the heart of what matters to people. Also whilst the bottom 20% are certainly controlling society, there's no doubt the top 20% control our economies, people will use what tools they have
Elon musk thinks of you as an “NPC” and will actively choose a policy like no maternal leave to the “laptop class”(his words) before going to bed one day. It is the biggest spit in your face, but the spit is not literal, unlike the bottom 1%. And it is so veiled that you’ll know he did it 20 years from now when some economist does some research on social issues that changes society forever.
You’ve conflated cause and effect
Excellent piece. I turned 36 this year and life keeps getting better as you become more confident in your own skin. Enjoy the ride.
Thank you!
> Life is performed for online perception, and travel has been a casualty.
So have restaurants, music festivals, and all IG/TikTok-able pastimes at large
Comparison is the thief of joy section did it for me as I've said this all year long. I've stated that 2026 is my year of gratitude. Where I do my best to appreciate how far I've come, the things I have, and the blessings that keep coming my way instead of always asking for more and talking to the man above about why I'm not a millionaire yet.
Wise beyond your years
The coffee point is extremely underrated. Going fully decaf for a few months is an eye-opening experience.
Well it's been fun, but the time has come to say goodbye
Reads like the old GS Elevator lists of yesteryear, specifically "The Unofficial Guide to Being a Man", which principles still guide the well-heeled.
Really enjoyed reading this!
I very much enjoy your writing! Especially when you talk about NYC. I love that place so much and moved away about 6 months ago and it’s been like bad breakup regret and heartbreak since. I miss it terribly. I’m curious, do you think you’ll stay long term?
I'd love to if I can afford to!
Great piece. Though I will say, when you write “35% loaded,” you’ll probably say something like “hangovers are not mental. I thought they were mental. But then I learned slowly that they’re not mental and now I get a hangover if I drink one beer at 3pm and chug a gallon of water”
hahaha valid
Happy birthday my dude 💚 🥃
Thanks homie
Everyone has the means and opportunity to get and education and a job to live at least a basic quality of life (humble, but still light years ahead of almost every ‘poor person in the past). How does the wealth of others cause someone to commit violent crime or steal toothpaste?
Really excellent Jack. Can't wait for your book. Also keep in mind that the average male lives to their 80s not to 100. So your initial graph is wrong in an even more depressing way :)
Thanks Evan! (hopefully I can make the push to 100 but we'll see)
From one 29-year-old to another: thank you! This was a great list of interesting reflections, well worth reading.
"The bottom decile of society..." is not well defined, thus the various comments from people assuming it's about the poor people. I think the example used is rather niche and I would challenge the extrapolation that you used to get to your reasoning there, Jack.
Most major cities, where income inequality has surged and are located in warm climes have an outsized homeless population. It doesn't take much for most average folks to go from a good life to a bad one. If a person had no family or friends, lost their job, and had a major bill (or multiple) come knocking, they'd be doomed. It's not the bottom 10% that decides how society works. Nor the top 10%. It's the middle 80%.
We are powering the gig world. We demand Amazon same-day delivery. We demand perpetual internet connectivity (let alone demand bountiful utility coverage). We want our HC universe to cater us (US has much higher elective surgery rates and our HC market encourages optionality that the rest of the world, generally, doesn't prioritize). We buy new cars for $50,000 just to leave them parked for 95% of their life. This world is ours.
It's just, the top 10% can afford to step up to the plate more than the other 90%.