Globalization is not a recent phenomenon; it began in the 1870s when international trade and investment expanded to sell mass-produced products worldwide, driven by technologies such as steam engines and electricity. The peak of globalization occurred in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The economy advances primarily through improvements in productivity. The technological advancements mentioned have significantly influenced this productivity growth. For example, a smartphone, which combines the functionality of a computer with that of a mobile device, exemplifies technological progress that has brought convenience to mankind. However, smartphone technology and network effects haven’t contributed to the expected boost in human productivity. Technology can be categorized into those that enhance productivity and those that do not. Although today’s technology development exceeds that of the past, it doesn’t automatically lead to greater productivity. To build wealth, incre...
Doing nothing is also media content. The media showed others something with the obsession that something had to be done. The Norwegian national broadcasting company, NRK, showcased only the scenery of the railroad between Bergen and Oslo for 7 hours and 20 minutes in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the railway’s opening. In 2011, they aired 134 hours of ferry service along the fjord coast. Railroad broadcast ratings were 15% (four times the usual), and ferry broadcasts were watched by 64% of all Norwegians. If you know that humans are not the main characters in our lives, you are guaranteed more fun. Proof of existence and achievement is not everything in our lives. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”