The review examines Peter Brown's book on the transformation of Western Europe and North Africa from pagan to Christian society (350-550 AD), focusing on wealth in churches and societal changes. Longer summary

This book review examines Peter Brown's 'Through the Eye of a Needle', which explores the transformation of Western Europe and North Africa from classical pagan society to medieval Christian society between 350-550 AD. The review highlights Brown's focus on the entry of wealth into Christian churches and the economic, social, and political changes during this period. It discusses the late Roman economy, the role of cities, social structures, and the collapse of the Roman state. The reviewer also offers personal insights on the competitive nature of monotheism and the inefficient equilibria in Roman society. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander explores the dynamics of cool vs. uncool groups, relating it to Richard Nixon's college strategy of uniting outsiders against elites. Longer summary

Scott Alexander reflects on his middle school thoughts about cool and uncool kids, wondering why uncool kids don't band together to challenge the cool kids' status. He then shares a comment from a reader that draws parallels to Richard Nixon's college experience, as described in Rick Perlstein's book 'Nixonland'. The comment details how Nixon formed the Orthogonians, a group for outsiders and strivers, in opposition to the elite Franklins at Whittier College. This strategy of uniting the 'uncool' majority against the 'cool' minority became a blueprint for Nixon's later political success. Shorter summary