The review analyzes 'Plagues and Peoples' by William H. McNeill, which presents human history as shaped by the interaction between humans, microparasites, and societal structures. Longer summary

This book review discusses 'Plagues and Peoples' by William H. McNeill, which frames human history through the lens of microparasites and viruses. The book argues that these invisible forces have shaped civilization, from early human migration out of Africa to the development of complex societies. It explores concepts like disease gradients, the balance between microparasites and macroparasites (like governments), and how these forces influenced historical events and social structures. The review also compares McNeill's work with other big-picture histories and briefly touches on its relevance to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander proposes viewing culture as a fourth branch of government to highlight its importance in societal function and governance. Longer summary

Scott Alexander proposes a thought experiment where culture is considered the fourth branch of government alongside executive, legislative, and judicial branches. This 'refactoring' of how we view culture helps to understand its importance in societal function and governance. He illustrates this concept through examples such as nation-building efforts in Iraq, the governance of hunter-gatherer societies, and debates about censorship and immigration. The post suggests that this perspective could clarify discussions about libertarianism, free speech, and the role of cultural norms in society. While acknowledging the idea is hypothetical, Scott argues it serves as a useful counter to overlooking the significance of culture in governance and social structures. Shorter summary

Scott reviews 'The Machinery of Freedom' by David Friedman, discussing libertarian ideas and anarcho-capitalist proposals while expressing both interest and skepticism. Longer summary

Scott reviews David Friedman's book 'The Machinery of Freedom', which presents arguments for libertarianism and anarcho-capitalism. The book, originally from 1973, feels dated in some aspects but offers fascinating insights. Scott finds the libertarian arguments compelling but expresses skepticism about the proposed anarcho-capitalist system, listing potential issues and questioning why a system without coercion would solve all problems. He concludes that experimentation with different governance systems is needed rather than relying solely on theoretical predictions. Shorter summary