“For the real environment is altogether too big, too complex, and too fleeting for direct acquaintance."

Walter Lippmann was right. And because the world is too big and complex, I’ve tried to assemble key passages from his 1922 book, "Public Opinion," that capture why it matters today.

Link below.

Yep.

Should we ditch elections, cancel politicians, and hand over decision-making power to a small and randomly selected group of fellow citizens?

Here I review the case for and against two proposals: Alex Guerrero’s “lottocracy” and Hélène Landemore’s “open democracy.”

Link in first comment.

I love a good epigraph.

New Substack post!

Why do so many people accept evidence of widespread political ignorance but deny that we can determine who is politically knowledgeable? I look at some explanations.

open.substack.com/pub/michaelj...

Join us Monday to discuss "Truth, Expertise, and Democracy."

Why are true beliefs essential for democracy? How can truth be weaponized for political domination?

🗓️ Mon, Dec 9 | 2pm ET | 7pm UK
📍 Register: bit.ly/3OJ7Ahc

If you live in London or plan to visit in the New Year, you should book this exhibit. It’s phenomenal.

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending an LSE event at the Cumberland Lodge, where I spoke with a group of exceptionally bright students about political ignorance and dogmatism.

The discussion was based on this: "Are Knowledgeable Voters Better Voters?": journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

A new film is directed by a real jerk. Should you go see it?

The APA has an online event on "Immoral Artists and Art Consumption".

Thurs Nov 9th - 4pm EST

With Heather Battaly, A.W. Eaton, Dominic Lopes, and Ian Stoner

Register: apaonline.org/events/Event...