Manifesto

Attempted Thoughts believes in improving the human condition through two focuses:

First, to understand whatever it is that underlies the engines of economic growth, and in doing so position ourselves to build a better world. To bring tangible change that improves peoples lives, we often look to power. Too often, political power is simply taken for granted to be the ultimate source of change. Institutions and democracy are simply assumed to function.

Yet perhaps an underlying force beyond nominal political power is economic power. Since we live in a largely capitalistic world, it makes sense to that capital surely exerts undue influence. And we know this is true intuitively - but intellectually we are too accepting of certain constructs as natural law.

By identifying the fundamental forces of economic growth, we may hope to identify the means by which power can be devolved to the people. Forget mere nominal political representation, where is the representation in the markets that dominate our lives?

Second, to understand how culture informs political economy. Beyond hard economic growth, such as the internet or semiconductors, perhaps there are undue inequalities in how we choose to structure ourselves. This involves a judgement claim that our current system is not just. People do not fully rise to the 'top' on their own accord. Even if we accept that capital accumulation is a valid pursuit, the means by which capital is allocated is not clearly just.

Consider the exemptions of a corporation in being given strong legal privileges. A limited liability corporation acts freely in ways that individuals cannot. Certainly, there are routes to capital accumulation that are easier than others. Contrast being a real estate magnate with working a high income job. Even if you are worth the same amount, the means by which you got there is surely different.

By identifying the structures of class and culture, we hope to open up the routes in which people might 'rise'. It is not good to that certain knowledge is locked away from different demographics. While it is not ideal to have a hierarchy to 'climb', it is hoped that we dismantle arbitrary rules that withhold capital.

My dream then is to have an activist fund. With sufficient capital, we may have enough power to effectively improve the structures of our lives. Imagine building sustainable housing, functional co-operatives with respect for the worker, and self-sufficient means of living - in order to create good art and more. With enough people, we may use the rules of the game to our own advantage. Let us make our own firm, protect our own capital, and in the process improve our lot in life.

I cover topics that naturally accompany me on this journey, including:

Books on the state of affairs and current affairs (to know the landscape and how the board is laid out)
Reporting on current affairs, interviews, and alternative data projects (to gather information on what is happening now)
Actionable forecasts and business projects (to tangibly improve the world and make use of our analysis)

Inspiration comes from sites such as: