Late-stage imperialism

 https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2024-08-27/america-late-stage-imperial-decline

Meet Steve Hsu 

For those unfamiliar with Steve Hsu, he is one of America's most impressive polymaths. He earned a bachelors degree from Caltech when he was only 19. Here he is with one of his professors, the great Richard Feynman. 

Hsu went on to earn a PhD in physics, and is currently a physics professor at Michigan State University. He also started and sold an Internet company, and founded a genomics company, where he applies some of the original research he has done into human genetics. 

I suspect being the son of Chinese immigrants colors his view of America relative to China, but nevertheless, when someone of Hsu's talents speaks, he's worth listening to. In a post on X on Monday, Dr. Hsu explained why he thinks America as entered the "looting and grifting" phase of "late stage imperial decline". 

I've shared Hsu's post in full below. Following that, we'll close with a brief note on three trades we have teed up for later today. 

Authored by Steve Hsu on X

Why I Am Pessimistic About America

A longtime reader asked me why I'm pessimistic about "midwits" in US government, politics, and policy. My answer follows below.

In my view we're in late stage imperial decline. This is the "looting and grifting" stage, and it's very rare for really talented people to want to go into government - they're much more likely to be found in tech startups or maybe in academic labs or at hedge funds. There is no Kissinger or even Hermann Kahn or George Kennan in public service.

It's not the structure of the US system, it has more to do with the vibes of this era. PRC [The People's Republic of China] is in a totally different phase - lots of kids there want to work hard to build their Nation and still believe in heroic ideals.

This follows the general pattern of imperial growth and decline: The Fate Of Empires.

In my lifetime, the US passed through what Glubb called the Age of Affluence, and is beginning the Age of Decline.

Money replaces honour and adventure as the objective of the best young men. Moreover, men do not normally seek to make money for their country or their community, but for themselves. Gradually, and almost imperceptibly, the Age of Affluence silences the voice of duty. The object of the young and the ambitious is no longer fame, honour or service, but cash. Education undergoes the same gradual transformation. No longer do schools aim at producing brave patriots ready to serve their country. [ Or to discover great things for all mankind! ] Parents and students alike seek the educational qualifications which will command the highest salaries.

The 21st century American reality (the Age of Decadence):

Yeah, I calculated the NPV [Net Present Value], and, you know, it's just not worth it for me. I really believe in your project, though. And, I share your passion. Good luck.