The notion of privilege

I think much talk of “privilege” is actually false modesty on the part of the speaker – probably 90% of it actually.  However, Arnold Kling has a list of other factors, particularly

  • being tall
  • having attractive features (or at least not being extremely unattractive)
  • being naturally outgoing (extroverted)
  • not having mental disorders, such as autism, depression, or schizophrenia
  • not having debilitating physical ailments or physical handicaps
  • growing up with your biological father (particularly if you are male).
  • having artistic gifts

There is no political advantage to either side for these so no one ever talks about them…

Quote of the day

From Tyler Cowen’s conversation with Elisa New

COWEN: Why would anyone ever have wanted to be a Puritan?

NEW: That’s a great question. That’s a terrific question and one that I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. Being a Puritan is a great way to live a psychologically very candid life, [laughs] if what you want is actually not to be repressed at all.

We think of the Puritans as very repressed, but instead, you want to be marinating in and giving a lot of attention to all of your own insecurities and sense of, “I goofed that up. I messed that one up. Oh, that didn’t work out very well.” If you want to cultivate your inner life, it’s really great to be a Puritan.
If you want to live a kind of high-octane life of extremes, you want to feel the exultation of a day like this in New England, where the green of the grass and the blue of the sky announce to you that God’s creation is the most eloquent of all creations. If that’s what you’re after, that kind of intensity, New England Puritanism is a really good religion for you.

Amusing things said at bedtime

Marleigh: Daddy – how do you think you’re going to die?

Me: Uhhhhhhhh – of old age I hope

Marleigh: How old?

Me: About 112 – how do you think I’m going to die

Marleigh: You’ll probably be killed by a monster who hates us, but my love will bring you back (and makes hand gestures indicating casting of spells)