“At dinner he [Nero Wolfe] started on automation. He has always been anti-machine, and on automation his position was that it would soon make life an absurdity. It was already bad enough; on a cold and windy March day he was eating his evening meal in comfortable warmth, and he had no personal connection whatever with the production of the warmth. The check that paid the oil bill was connected, but he wasn’t. Soon, with automation, no one would have any connection with the processes and phenomena that make it possible to stay alive. We would all be parasites, living not on some other living organisms but on machines, arrived at the ultimate ignominy. I tried to put up a stiff argument, but he knows more words.”

Archie Goodwin’s internal monologue in Rex Stout A Right to Die

In my latest Epoch Times column I warn that what benefits citizens and what benefits politicians is often different, and as rational utility maximizers politicians will dependably choose the latter if we let them.

“As it turns out, tracking a balanced budget is like tracking a unicorn. The tracking is easy, but finding one is hard.”

Randall Denley in National Post August 16, 2024

On the Alex Pierson show on Global News AM640 I discussed the election including my column in Loonie Politics that asked parties and candidates obsessed with the catastrophe that awaits Canada if they lose to spare a thought for the possible downside if they win.

In my latest Loonie Politics column I ask parties and candidates frantically obsessed with the nightmare that will ensue if they lose in the current federal election to spare a moment’s thought for possible problems if they win.

In my latest Epoch Times column I warn against chasing trends in fashion, food or public policy.

In my latest Epoch Times column I unearth and reprint a set of principles I outlined when the 21st century was young and fresh to guide is through an uncertain future, and claim that I have been largely vindicated. I also challenge my fellow pundits to do likewise (and scoff at politicians’ forecasts) because I say you should listen to the person who gets it right not the one who offers soothing but inaccurate platitudes.

“he is a self-styled public-relations counselor – one of the various modern activities that are an insult to the dignity of man.”

Nero Wolfe to Inspector Cramer about Floyd Vance in Rex Stout The Father Hunt