I fear Europe isn't at risk of falling behind--its already happenedt As evidence, I'm looking at three things: its expensive energy policies, it's lethargic response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the sacrifice of its youth (ie. post-2008 crisis austerity measures that lead to up to 50% unemployment rate for those in their 20's in many EU members, plus the insane housing policies leading to shortages across Europe that affect young people the most of all). It's a great blow to classical liberalism worldwide.
My working hypothesis is that all of these anti-growth policies originate from within the shadow of both world wars. Surprisingly in that context, Poland appears to be doing great and experiencing intense growth. Hope it's not just the effect of catching up.
This juxtaposition is, while perhaps a bit unfair, also devilishly accurate. It boggles the mind that our European friends still do not accept that reusable rocketry is viable.
China has not proven this technology either, but they are “all in” on reuse, aiming for all rockets to be reusable by 2035.
In Europe, a concern about jobs seems to take precedence. If we can reuse a rocket…how are we going to keep the people who build them employed?
This luddite logic has been proven wrong over and over again. Of all continents, Europe should be the most well-versed.
And yes, the progress movement needs to continue, in fact, it needs to accelerate. The reality is that our voices of rational optimism are always going to be drowned out by the voices of irrational pessimism.
Thanks! Fully agree. The juxtaposition is maybe a bit unfair. There are some efforts for re-use. But still, sometimes a mental picture is better to get the message across than a data-based argument.
Excellent framing and analysis, Kevin
Great piece!
I fear Europe isn't at risk of falling behind--its already happenedt As evidence, I'm looking at three things: its expensive energy policies, it's lethargic response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the sacrifice of its youth (ie. post-2008 crisis austerity measures that lead to up to 50% unemployment rate for those in their 20's in many EU members, plus the insane housing policies leading to shortages across Europe that affect young people the most of all). It's a great blow to classical liberalism worldwide.
My working hypothesis is that all of these anti-growth policies originate from within the shadow of both world wars. Surprisingly in that context, Poland appears to be doing great and experiencing intense growth. Hope it's not just the effect of catching up.
Wonderful write up Kevin
This juxtaposition is, while perhaps a bit unfair, also devilishly accurate. It boggles the mind that our European friends still do not accept that reusable rocketry is viable.
China has not proven this technology either, but they are “all in” on reuse, aiming for all rockets to be reusable by 2035.
In Europe, a concern about jobs seems to take precedence. If we can reuse a rocket…how are we going to keep the people who build them employed?
This luddite logic has been proven wrong over and over again. Of all continents, Europe should be the most well-versed.
And yes, the progress movement needs to continue, in fact, it needs to accelerate. The reality is that our voices of rational optimism are always going to be drowned out by the voices of irrational pessimism.
Thanks! Fully agree. The juxtaposition is maybe a bit unfair. There are some efforts for re-use. But still, sometimes a mental picture is better to get the message across than a data-based argument.