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Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Browser daily newsletter [11 Dec 2011]

11 December 2011

 Best of the Moment

The Dark Side Of Creativity

Scott Kaufman | Huffington Post | 9 December 2011

Fascinating review of some recent psychological research lays bare an awkward trend: Creative individuals are those most likely to be dishonest. Indeed "creativity was a better predictor of dishonesty than intelligence" Comments

The Inevitable Rise Of Egypt's Islamists

Thanassis Cambanis | Atlantic | 8 December 2011

Post-Mubarak Egypt hasn't turned into a battle between religious and secular parties, as some predicted. It's Islamists vs the military and, increasingly, Islamist (Muslim Brotherhood) vs Islamist (Salafist). Good sit-rep Comments

Breaking Out Of Our Righteous Minds

Samuel McNerney | Scientific American | 8 December 2011

On Jonathan Haidt and new book The Righteous Mind, in which he applies moral psychology to explain political divisions. Interesting on nature of morality, why valuing both conservative and liberal principles makes societies flourish Comments

The Bitch, The Stud And The Prawn

Adam Curtis | BBC | 8 December 2011

Another terrifically enjoyable piece by documentary maker, illustrated with video clips. Tells story of "geezer capitalism" through rise and fall of gangster-turned-businessman, George Walker. Sardonic humour much in evidence Comments

Australian Exceptionalism

Scott Steele | Pollytics | 8 December 2011

Enough of the modesty, Australia. You're doing well. "Over the medium term our broader economic performance has been nothing short of astonishing. The income of our poor grew faster than the income of everyone else’s rich" Comments

Emperor Wang Mang: China’s First Socialist?

Mike Dash | Smithsonian | 9 December 2011

Seized throne in 9 AD, probably by murdering infant ruler. Sole emperor of Xin dynasty. Invented form of social security, redistributed land equally, started income tax. Provoked devastating civil war. Died horrible death Comments

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