Epsilon Theory In Brief

Epsilon Theory In Brief

 

Daily short-form pieces for those without the time (or attention span) for classic Epsilon Theory notes. Look out for regular features like the subscriber mailbag and guest contributions from within the Epsilon Theory network.

Money Can Buy Happiness (in variable and diminishing quantities)

By Brent Donnelly | April 6, 2022 | 32 Comments

What does your money/happiness curve look like? Is it curved or linear? Does it flatline somewhere? If so, where?

There’s the game of trading and the metagame of life. To win the latter, you have to Know Thyself.

Winner’s Tilt

By Brent Donnelly | March 31, 2022 | 9 Comments

The most damaging stories and narratives are not those that others tell us, but those that we tell ourselves.

Waiting for the Dog to Bark

By Marc Rubinstein | March 28, 2022 | 2 Comments

In the days leading up to their invasion of Ukraine, Russia successfully mounted a largescale cyberattack on Ukrainian banks, utilities and government agencies. Since then … crickets.

What are the vulnerabilities of Western financial systems to a new and wider attack?

They’re Not Sending Their Best

By Ben Hunt | March 15, 2022 | 16 Comments

The Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax Act is an abomination. It won’t lower gas prices, it will raise them. And the sponsors of the bill know it.

This bill was not written to become a good law. It was written to tell a good story.

Cursed Knowledge #9: Cat Eyes, Full Ass, Can’t Smile

By Harper Hunt | March 10, 2022 | 0 Comments

We’ve all felt insecure about our looks at one point or another. Especially in our chronically online world where how you look can be your whole brand. So with plastic surgery rates on the rise, let’s peel back the layers of this industry and see how information (and lies) about procedures spread and examine the real price of beauty.

Tough Guys

By Ben Hunt | March 7, 2022 | 49 Comments

Using NATO to escalate a shooting war with Russia – either directly through a no-fly zone or indirectly through a Polish cut-out and NATO “backfill” – is exactly what Putin wants. It’s the only thing that can save him. It’s how we ALL lose.

ChaChaCha!

By Ben Hunt | February 21, 2022 | 10 Comments

Tired: Pump and Dump

Wired: ChaChaCha!

The Reckless Driver! TM Narrative

By Charles Marohn | February 21, 2022 | 15 Comments

Reckless Drivers! is the dominant narrative for increased traffic deaths in the US. It’s dominant not because it’s true (it’s not), but because it serves the interests of the Nudging State to blame and the Nudging Oligarchy to spend.

Quitters

By Brent Donnelly | February 17, 2022 | 3 Comments

in the spirit of the question we are always asking ourselves at Epsilon Theory – WHY AM I READING THIS NOW? – Brent asks a slightly different question about announcements of senior management departures. DOES WHAT I’M READING NOW MATTER?

Cursed Knowledge #8: Bad Publicity

By Harper Hunt | February 7, 2022 | 0 Comments

Someone once said there’s no such thing as bad publicity. With all due respect, this person is an idiot. Publicity, both good and bad, can have major ramifications. Even if you don’t play a part in creating it.

Getting to War

By Ben Hunt | January 28, 2022 | 46 Comments

The international “negotiations” over Ukraine are 100% designed for domestic Russian consumption. They are as necessary a part of successfully invading Ukraine as mobilizing troops and tanks.

Stocks and Bonds

By Harper Hunt | January 13, 2022 | 0 Comments

Jonathan Plotkin is a longtime ET reader and brilliant cartoonist. For years he’s been sending Ben illustrations inspired by our notes and we’ve been dying…

Libor

By Harper Hunt | January 13, 2022 | 0 Comments

Jonathan Plotkin is a longtime ET reader and brilliant cartoonist. For years he’s been sending Ben illustrations inspired by our notes and we’ve been dying…

That Funny Feeling

By Brent Donnelly | January 10, 2022 | 37 Comments

The AI censors at YouTube banned a video by ET contributor Brent Donnelly for all the wrong reasons.

Meanwhile, the AI censors at Twitter won’t ban an impersonator for any reason.

Kinda gives you that funny feeling that we’re being played. Again.

Cursed Knowledge #7: Birkin Bags

By Harper Hunt | January 7, 2022 | 0 Comments

Birkin bags are one of the ultimate symbols of status. But how did that happen? And are they worth the hype?

Federal Reserve

By Harper Hunt | January 3, 2022 | 0 Comments

Jonathan Plotkin is a longtime ET reader and brilliant cartoonist. For years he’s been sending Ben illustrations inspired by our notes and we’ve been dying…

Inflation/Deflation

By Harper Hunt | December 8, 2021 | 0 Comments

Jonathan Plotkin is a longtime ET reader and brilliant cartoonist. For years he’s been sending Ben illustrations inspired by our notes and we’ve been dying…

Inflation and the Common Knowledge Game

By Ben Hunt | December 8, 2021 | 80 Comments

At whatever point in time you think inflation will start to fade, you are being too optimistic.

Why? Because common knowledge.

Where do we go from here? To a Man With a Plan, I think. And war.

The Medium is the Message

By Rusty Guinn | November 30, 2021 | 10 Comments

Social media is not just a delivery mechanism for content.

The delivery of content through social media IS the content.

Defund the World Health Organization

By Ben Hunt | November 29, 2021 | 12 Comments

Skipping the Greek letter Xi in naming the latest Covid variant is ridiculous, not dangerous.

What’s dangerous is WHO leadership placing Chinese political interests ahead of global health interests.