ACX
Book Review: How Asia Works
The review examines 'How Asia Works' by Joe Studwell, which proposes a three-part model for economic development based on the success of East Asian countries.
57 min read 8,791 words
The independent Scott Alexander archive
Scott Alexander, collected.
Essays, arguments, and unexpected connections. An independent archive of Slate Star Codex, Astral Codex Ten, and LessWrong.
The collection
2,008 essaysACX
ACX Reader Research Survey: Call For Submissions
Scott Alexander announces the ACX Reader Research Survey, inviting researchers to submit questions for the blog's readership by July 10.
5 min read 643 words
ACX
Links For June
Scott Alexander presents a monthly collection of 42 diverse links covering topics from science, politics, culture, and technology, highlighting interesting findings and current events.
23 min read 3,442 words
ACX
Mantic Monday 6/21/21
Scott discusses various prediction markets and forecasting topics, including Metaculus predictions, Polymarket vs PredictIt, a study on forecasting accuracy, and the need for more precise inflation predictions from experts.
10 min read 1,447 words
ACX
Vote In The Book Review Contest!
Scott Alexander opens voting for the book review contest, listing 17 finalists and providing a voting link.
2 min read 259 words
ACX
Your Book Review: Plagues And Peoples
The review analyzes 'Plagues and Peoples' by William H. McNeill, which presents human history as shaped by the interaction between humans, microparasites, and societal structures.
29 min read 4,492 words
ACX
On Cerebralab On Nutt/Carhart-Harris On Serotonin
Scott Alexander examines a review of a paper on serotonin receptors, discussing prediction error, suffering, and the effects of different serotonin receptor activations on problem-solving approaches and psychedelic experiences.
10 min read 1,437 words
ACX
Contra Smith On Jewish Selective Immigration
Scott Alexander argues that Jewish overachievement is real and deserves continued study, countering Noah Smith's attempt to downplay its significance.
26 min read 3,906 words
ACX
Your Book Review: How Children Fail
The review examines John Holt's 'How Children Fail', critiquing traditional education and suggesting modern alternatives to improve learning.
31 min read 4,733 words
ACX
Your Book Review: Down And Out In Paris And London
The review analyzes Orwell's 'Down and Out in Paris and London', praising its vivid depictions of poverty while noting some limitations in perspective.
90 min read 13,903 words
ACX
Drug Users Use A Lot Of Drugs
Scott Alexander explains how the vastly higher doses taken by recreational drug users compared to psychiatric patients lead to misconceptions about drug safety in clinical settings.
8 min read 1,197 words
ACX
I Will Not Eat The Bugs
Scott Alexander examines the ethical considerations of insect farming for food, questioning whether insects have moral value and how this impacts our ethical decisions.
12 min read 1,756 words
ACX
Instead Of Pledging To Change The World, Pledge To Change Prediction Markets
Scott proposes politicians pledge to change prediction markets' forecasts instead of making direct outcome pledges, using Biden's emissions pledge as an example.
6 min read 877 words
ACX
Your Book Review: Where's My Flying Car?
A review of 'Where's My Flying Car?' by J. Storrs Hall, exploring the causes of technological stagnation and the potential for future progress in flying cars, nuclear energy, and nanotechnology.
21 min read 3,124 words
ACX
Your Book Review: The Collapse Of Complex Societies
This review examines Joseph Tainter's theory of societal collapse due to diminishing returns on complexity, critiquing aspects of the model and attempting to apply it to modern contexts.
40 min read 6,174 words
ACX
Moral Costs Of Chicken Vs. Beef
Scott Alexander argues that eating beef is more ethical than chicken due to reduced animal suffering, despite higher environmental impact, and explores the complexities of this ethical calculus.
12 min read 1,762 words
ACX
Comments / Register Of Bans
Scott Alexander explains ACX's comment policy, requiring comments to be at least two of true, necessary, and kind, and lists recent bans.
5 min read 721 words
ACX
What Do Treatments For Accelerated Aging Tell Us About Normal Aging?
Scott Alexander examines the treatment for progeria and its potential implications for understanding and treating normal aging processes.
7 min read 939 words
ACX
Your Book Review: Humankind
A critical review of Rutger Bregman's 'Humankind', analyzing its argument that human nature is fundamentally good, while highlighting both flaws and valuable insights in the book.
50 min read 7,635 words
ACX
COVID Suicides: Much More Than You Wanted To Know
Scott Alexander directs readers to his essay on Works in Progress examining why suicide rates didn't increase during the COVID-19 pandemic as expected.
1 min read 21 words
ACX
Peer Review Request: Depression
Scott Alexander presents a detailed guide on depression, covering its causes, symptoms, and various treatment options, including lifestyle changes, therapies, medications, and other interventions.
72 min read 11,078 words
ACX
Book Review: Arabian Nights
Scott reviews 'Arabian Nights', exploring its themes, fantastical elements, and proposing a meta-interpretation of Scheherazade's storytelling strategy.
30 min read 4,617 words
ACX
Your Book Review: The Accidental Superpower
A review of Peter Zeihan's 'The Accidental Superpower', which predicts global disorder and American preeminence based on geographic and demographic advantages.
63 min read 9,642 words
ACX
Links For May
Scott Alexander presents a diverse collection of 37 links and interesting facts, covering topics from AI research and educational methods to historical anecdotes and current events.
17 min read 2,547 words
ACX
Highlights From The Comments On Culture Wars
Scott Alexander responds to reader comments on his culture wars article, addressing various topics including 4chan history, transgender issues, feminism, dating apps, and internet censorship.
36 min read 5,540 words
Find your next rabbit hole
Start with a reader favorite, or follow an idea somewhere unexpected.