How to explore Scott Alexander's work and his 1500+ blog posts? This unaffiliated fan website lets you sort and search through the whole codex. Enjoy!

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2 posts found
Jul 08, 2022
acx
46 min 6,376 words 264 comments 147 likes podcast (41 min)
A review of 'The Outlier' by Kai Bird, examining Jimmy Carter's life and presidency, highlighting his unconventional approach and mixed legacy. Longer summary
This book review explores 'The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter' by Kai Bird, offering a detailed look at Carter's life and presidency. The review covers Carter's early life, his rise to power, his time as president, and the challenges he faced. It highlights Carter's unconventional approach to politics, his successes in foreign policy (like the Camp David Accords), and his struggles with domestic issues and the economy. The review also discusses Carter's defeat by Ronald Reagan and reflects on the lessons that can be drawn from Carter's presidency. The reviewer finds the book informative but ultimately unsatisfying in its attempt to fully explain Carter as a person. Shorter summary
Mar 17, 2020
ssc
85 min 11,770 words 283 comments podcast (82 min)
The review examines Herbert Hoover's life, from his business success and humanitarian work to his presidency and post-presidential career, presenting him as a complex and influential figure in American history. Longer summary
This book review explores the life of Herbert Hoover, from his humble beginnings to his presidency and beyond. It details Hoover's remarkable achievements in business, humanitarian work, and politics, including his efforts to feed millions during World War I and its aftermath. The review also discusses Hoover's presidency during the Great Depression, his controversial legacy, and his post-presidential attacks on FDR and the New Deal. The author presents Hoover as a complex figure who combined technocratic efficiency with small-government ideals, and suggests that his approach to governance might have significantly altered American history had circumstances been different. Shorter summary