Intellectual Humility and Gaining Knowledge (Education and Learning)

Learning can be active or passive. People who are curious and motivated to learn will dig deep into topics. This drive to understand leads scientists and gifted to discover new things, invent products, and make an impact.

The difference between those who believe they have all the answers and those who want to know answers and are willing to take information is profound over a lifetime.

“To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge” – Confucius.

According to this study reflection, need for cognition, intellectual engagement, openeness, open-mined and curiosity, less social vigiantism were associated with acquiring knowledge. There was internal drive that came into play. Links between intellectual humility and acquiring knowledge

Global Trade March 2025 Taiffs UN Report (Economy and Global Trade)

This piece is on global trade and tariffs. Much of the article focuses on the negative aspects of tariffs but that is dependent on the amount and length of such tariffs. Sometimes higher or lower tariffs are used as tools.

Other research indicates that short term tariffs can help domestic companies strengthen but can become less helpful if the companies protected don't adapt and produce globally competitive products within a reasonable time frame. There are some costs to them so one would want to use time well.

There is also an issues of countries using unfair subsidized products and dumping them on domestic market so sometimes tariffs help limit unfair practices and that can help protect US companies while they prepare to export. Prepare is the key term here.

There is no clear answer and some of that is dependent on consumer and global influences. Knowing when, how, how much, and how long to have a tariffs is part science and part art.

UN March 2025 Global Trade

A Connection Between Human Rights, Corruption and Economics (Philosophical Thought Experiment)

The world in which we live is a complex one with all types of intermingled parts, interests and influences. When thinking about a complex topic we may sometimes believe they are a result of purely isolated cause and effect factors. What has made some economies successful is the ability to raise human capital and innovation through human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of religion and other freedoms that maximize societal contributions by as many people as possible. Using philosophical thought experiments we can better understand the underlining factors that can hamper growth and find ways to correct so as to improve performance in a healthy prosocial way. The name of the game is working for what is good, positive and helpful. Let us continue to explore this idea........

Keep in mind this is a philosophical discussion for learning purposes that has highlighted 5 stages that led to community resilience and through organic methods that further fostered economic growth. This improvement in economic health occurred because good people believed in their democracy and the essential value of fair treatment. Despite little support for the higher principles of justice by a minority of corrupted officials, community members bravely and actively reported incidents of hate and corruption, voted their conscious, and strengthened their and their kid's future through making important everyday decisions together. In turn, a sense of community formed, good officials were supported/strengthened so they could continue their noble work, quality of life improved and economic health returned after decades of decline (Corruption seen as a form of waste, inefficiency, and misalignment with organizational mission/value/purpose.)

In this hypothetical example, blatant mistreatment of some by a Clan (nefarious members) and their supporters (most more immature than malicious) exposed long stemming corruption of a network of officials who engaged in behaviors such as bullying, dehumanization, extortion, lying, aggression, sexual exploitation, putting kids in harm's way, mistreating the elderly, harming vets, misuse of resources, hate, etc..... all the bad things we can conjure (Remember that we want to use a worst-case scenario for discussion to analyze influences.). Corruption occurred not only against out group members (out group seen as anything different or challenging of clan members bad behavior) but also against other victims in a closed type of system. (…meaning group think and choices didn't have outside anchors and victims had no recourse.). 

Because these mischevious behaviors were ongoing for a long period of time, The Clan had a negative impact on the entire community and limited freedoms to the point that it impacted the health of the whole. Investigations into clan members were blocked, investigations into people who lodge complaints were opened and whistleblowers retaliated against to protect an embedded network. Clan immunities were well known by numerous people who talked openly of corruption while victims kept getting stuck with the bill through gross negligence. Left without support and help the community adapted upward politely, willfully, and in a positive way showing the root strength of democracy in action (people with good souls stepped up to improve their environment in a constructive way.). 

The paper below is interesting because it helps highlight how money, clans (groups, social networks, etc.), and power can be used to help enrich some in a way that creates victims and lowers the development of the whole. The competitive ability of systems rests in part on the genuine desire to create mechanisms to reduce corruption, encourage justice decision makers to think of central universal principles, and stand firm on a higher moral conscious versus technicalities that sometimes warp outcomes.  Freedom reduces corruption and improves the whole through economic engagement, trust, maximizing human capital, effective/efficient use of resources, in a way that improves the underlining speed of transactions related to information and resources that furthers innovation. People often swear oaths to certain principles related to freedom because of the higher moral conscious of doing. As a bonus they were rewarded through economic and quality of life improvements to the community. Earnest beliefs in oaths, pledges, commitments, and responsibilities helps create strong societies because people believe in furthering collective interests. When people work together, they can build great prosperous and free societies.

The article sort of highlights the benefits of good governance and moves into much depth on the topic in a way we can visualize. One doesn't need to agree or disagree with the article, but it carries with it some interesting information and detail. 

Human Rights, Corruption, Economics

*This is a philosphical hypothetical thought experiment for learning purposes. Take with a grain of salt. It is meant to foster discussion.

Understanding the Patterns of Local and Regional Growth (economic cluster research)

My research focuses on economic rapid transactional development that in part considers factors like finance, technology, investors, taxes, civics, transference of ideas (speech), so on and so forth as input factors. Reading about others research and ideas creates new ideas and helps further knowledge. 

This piece was a few years ago but did bring forward three points about regional development.

Understanding Patterns in U.S. Regional Economic Growth

1. Technology and incomes rose in some places.

2. Decline of manufacturing and rise of technology have change which locations grew.

3. Housing availability impacts growth.

Thoughts are that technology, and manufacturing should develop together to create maximum wealth, human capital that feeds skilled innovative labor, and housing (including quality of life) impacts resource/talent draw.

I write about a lot of places but do like Escanaba because one can better understand the input factors. Also, the people are really great and care about their community. It is also possible to see the impact of ideas in action that can impact other parts of the UP if they work out well.

Just in case your wondering, I'm proof reading my book but think I need to add a chapter on why various stakeholders would collaborate for mutual community-industry development.

Critical Thinking and New Knowledge (Everyday Philosophy)

Critical thinking helps us achieve goals and find pathways through competing information. One can learn critical thinking and they can practice it as a skill. In my experience critical thinkers can do a few things that others may not be able to do. 

1.) Look for alternative information and weigh its value. 

2.) Understand alternative logic and follow it to a natural conclusion. 

3.) Look into evidence to make evidence based decisions. 

Let me give you an example of everyday philosophy at work. The other day I was conversing with a group on whether or not a social club(s) are open to other religions and types of people as long as they believe in a higher power (Someone else brought up the topic so it wasn't my deal. I avoid those conversations like the plague. Politics, religion and cocktails rarely turn out to be good conversations.). I had a pretty good understanding because I read the rules and agreed with those inclusive values. 

The vast majority of people agreed that they are open to everyone under a few criteria (i.e belief in a higher power, doing good for the community, supporting democracy, treating people well, etc.). One person was sure they were correct and doubled down on the idea of my God is not the same as their Gods, only these people belong, so on and so forth. When probed the person understood very little of the other religions but emphatically questioned others knowledge. They had a special insight the rest of the people didn't have.

(Someone came to me after and said you are very truthful and handled the situation with tact. I could see from the nonverbal cues in the room that the people listening agreed. My response was something like I have seen a bigger world and the ugly and good it holds. I did not mention I was on the receiving end of hate before but I learned from that situation as well and the importance of supporting certain values. More importantly the type of people we pick to administrate our central values. Even a very religious person actively serving a religious flock agreed with me and you know they and their people are supporting essential truths. I was proud most present believed in their oaths and gained insight into the pain that creates divisions.  That person is not a bad person, baring that opinion, a descent person but perhaps a little misguided on some things. They walked away with the subtle impression that people in general don't share those exclusive opinions. Things someone else told them they didn't critically examine. Democracy and freedom was strengthened in a micro way that moment.)

Alternatively, a few weeks ago I was discussing economics and ways to improve communities. We listened to each other and agreed on some things and disagreed on some things but ultimately participants adjusted their opinon based on new insight and perspectives. Everyone discussing seemed to share collaboratively their thoughts and adjust when a good point was made. We socially learned to hedge and further our individual knowledge. An additive process that led to some reasonable conclusions. (On that day democracy was also strengthened but in a different way.)

One led to a higher thought process and the other led to more insight into an individual but also more shared knowledge on why organizational oaths are important. I believe that it is helpful to think through things and learn. I like to see people of different opinions and backgrounds constructively building a better world. Where misinformation and rigid opinions exist there seems to be a lack of new knowledge. Where people are open and when respectful there is social development that leads to community improvement.

I question my own logic all the time and many times I'm just not sure because I don't have all the info and still need to make a judgement call. However, over the years I have become more sure on some things through experience and insight. One should develop the ability to be open to ideas before they can evaluate them correctly to come to a conclusion. Sometimes you can understand many sides to an argument and understanding isn't always agreement. It is the little things that count.

This article is a little interesting,

Predicting Everyday Critical Thinking: A Review of Critical Thinking Assessments

Freedom and Justice Discussed-Body of Liberties 1641 and Bill of Rights 1789 (Hate and Corruption Thought Experiment)

Learning about our values and freedoms of society is important for positive and constructive civic engagement. The very rights of our people have a long history that goes into a philosophical discussion that spans back to Europe and Europe's borrowing of ideas from other golden eras of the Catholic, Greek, Roman and Islamic Empires as well as Jewish influence (The point it is universal and touched by many peoples Antiquity Freedom). Ideas do not exist in a vacuum and change and adjust over time making them living ideas that are as valuable today as they were centuries ago and will be tomorrow. Learning helps us understand the development of society and its collective benefits of shared values.

(I found this Bill of Rights History in Documents book at a thrift store I read so it got me thinking about this hypothetical thought experiment I have been using to understand for myself how to strengthen a democracy and in turn an economy. Reading these documents how they were actually written without a filter or mediator creates some insights into how the founding fathers/mothers thought. This is why to ancient Greeks and others saw an ideal citizen as an informed one. I already read it so if you want the book you can get it from me on Bill of Rights eBay)

Universal thoughts and ideas do not have borders or racial or religious preferences but are added to and adjusted to the needs of people. They stick in history because they have value to societal survival. This collective support and adaption is often why society is continuousy although slowly advancing and developing over time. It is possible to trace the development of intellectual thought through an analysis within different cultures and lenses. History of Ideas

(As a side thought, reading history and philosophy with an open mind and without bias or short term focus may allow for deeper knowledge heirarchies/scafolding that are more sophisticated than what would be possible without such exposure. This is why experts and philosophers are well read deep thinkers who often understand different cultures and peoples.)

We have been exploring a philosphical theoretical thought experiment for learning purposes on hate and coruption. In the example, a corrupted network ( dubbed "The Clan") of which some members engaged in bullying, spreading dehumanizing rumors, targeting, sexual expoitation, enrichment through intimidation/threats, blatant violation of human/civil rights, harming kids, disrespecting vets, manipulating sick elderly for money,  social prestige, and much more. While certainly it had racial and religious under and over tones to it, it also exposed a much wider problem of corruption (comingled data points and manifest/latent functions We can talk about different lines as indicators of bad behavior later. Theoretically anyway.).

This learning example is an interesting one because people have reported the behaviors in public, it was well known they were committed, people were enriched from aggression, submitted formal complaints, talk opening about immunities, and are aware of the social connections between decision makers, investigators, and perpetrators (friends known to be part of the same social network). Some have experienced similar behaviors and are very aware of corruption. No matter how many laws and rules are broken or how many people are harmed there was little to no attempt to hold to account the network leading to a first stage of default and then a number of other stages where community members had to act to protect their public institutions and did so in a public legal way. 

(The coordination and insulation of bad behaviors could be put into certain category that a forshadows the possibilities of collectivization under just the right circumstances. A danger with the blind eye approach to network protection. There are many micro defaults that are avoidable in the example but the higher route was often not taken. Each time we are engaged in an ethical question like this we must consider the benefits and risks of choices. Choosing the highest moral standards are best but often unwanted in situations where hate, extremism, social networks and corruption exist in the same time and place. Remeber this is just a theoretical example of "what ifs")

The little mental exercise helped highlight 5 stages so far that ranged from defaults to community resilience. Let us pretend people reported but ultimately because of rampant corruption and hate where there was no recourse (victims silenced and exploited through corruption, hate and threats of violence). Good officials became muted for fear of upsetting Clan leaders (We support good officials when we report bad behavior and remove the elements that impact their full functioning and quality of work satisfaction. In other words, we fix the environment to let good people thrive by the values we live by. Continue to report until the network breaks or decision makers believe the community has value above their homogeneous friend/work network.). The rumblings and grumblings of community members grew but no ability to gain resolution. Investigations into perpetrators blocked while whisleblowers and concerned citizens quickly were put on secretive lists (History should be our guide here if such behavior becomes common.). 

(Let us thing from an adaptability aspect. If we know that something is wrong or a group of trouble makers caused issues then it would make sense to adapt upward. New problems bring new opportunities. Entre and intrapreneurs can sometimes foresee problems based on objective information and strategically adjust. This is why we should promote people on merit and specifically seek out the best and brightest versus the most connected. This example helps us learn why we wouldn't want to focus on status, race, religion, reasonable political perspective as a true measure of a persons worth or value.)

 In this example, to the positive attributes of the community, more victims led to collective pressure to vote out those misusing authority. The other mechanisms of changes didn't work as promised leaving victims and the rest of the community in a difficult spot (the danger of social clan networks.) As change was thrusted upon unyeilding hate and corruption supporters, prosperity began to return as a reward for patriotic values that were supported by the vast majority of society members (Corruption and hate generally have a negative effect on society because it reduces free innovative thought, upward pressure to encourage good leadership, and ultimately lowers transaction quality and speed which are foundational to economic health. Democratic societies typically experience more growth because of those freedoms In this thought experiment, freedom of speech and religion violated in wholesale. i.e. telling the victims why they are being targeted and then acting on that. Democracies and Wealth)

The philosophical example helps us think of the importance of community in preserving freedoms and the poor judgement some officials can display at times when they can benefit themselves or their friends (which benefit themselves). If we went to the bottom of the barrel argument they were aware of the crimes, knew they were harming good citizens to further clan interests, and tried to shirk responsibility as a result of creating all those victims. Restoring health also restores trust. (It is just something that is rooted in change and social perception; right or wrong. Our forefathers/mothers knew there was a propensity for people to misuse power and that is why checks and balances were created within the system.) The remnants of corruption and hate lingering on due to foot dragging and resistance to healthy change.

We should also make a distinction between mistakes that are corrected when compared to intentional nufarious activity where mistakes are repeated, rewarded, uncorrected and encouraged. Where the right thing is the wrong thing and the wrong thing is the right thing then we need to review and learn. Adjust and change. Victims are data points that point to a future unknown. If there are more victims the path becomes a little clearer (Other markers might be witnesses, video, economic datamarks, testimony, ideology, outcomes, etc. The words of those within those corrupted networks sort of start to look manipulative by nature.). 

Consider how deeply rooted freedom is from the beginning,

The Massachusetts Body of Liberties (1641) 

You can see some similarities with th 12 Amendments and specifically the 10 that are known as the Bill of Rights. Notice similarities in lines of thinking over historical periods that include root thoughts from different times, places, peoples, forms of worship and races. No one owns the concept of freedom but some societies such as ours codified it as fundamental to their being (Leaders should support that.). Some will seek to restrict those freedoms based on superficial perspectves, pressure, immature ideological development, unwritten expecations, etc. but ultimately these are perversons of something pure and universal (Using elightened ideals as the northern star versus lower bar anchors. You have to reach for something so make sure it is a good thing. ). 

Transcription of the 1789 Joint Resolution of Congress Proposing 12 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

One lesson we might learn is that these are not useless words on an old piece of parchment or paper.  Freedom is rooted in our beginning and it is built into our culture and this is why our parents, great grand parents and great great grandparents strove for that freedom for hundreds of years and why so many of us have sacrificed to preserve it. Most believe in and support our principles as a people. Sometimes not everyone supports those ideals and will undermine those root freedoms for sefish gain. This is why we need some checks and balances when poor behaviors are normalized. No matter the pain and pressures to bend a knee to a lower standard and weaker moral conscious, we still have a responsibility to teach others from generation to generation to minimize the corrosive influence of corruption and hate. Where men/women make mistakes we enscripted a guiding reminding us of our ideals "In God We Trust"

(Let us explore philosophy a little more here. The term "In God We Trust" is that anchor ideal form of a type of perfection. We are expected to strive for the highest ideals because these institutions were inspired by moral and religious philosophies/philosophers. Some would say that at the root/encode of our social contracts and artificts is a collective "moral conscious" on how man/woman should live as free beings {free will}.  It isn't about a specific God or a specific form of worship. The concept of a higher moral conscious and order was drawn from many poeple's in history but is fundamental. We are going pretty deep into philosophy so let us pause there for a while.)

First Amendment: “Congress Shall Make No Law Respecting an Establishment of Religion, or Prohibiting the Free Exercise Thereof; or Abridging the Freedom of Speech, or of the Press; or the Right of the People Peaceably to Assemble, and To Petition the Government for a Redress of Grievances.”

*This is a philosophical thought experiment for learning purposes so take with a grain of salt. We can end the writing anyway we want and It will likely be a very positive. It is designed to help us think about the importance of integrity in systems and ensuring they are focused on their stated purpose and missions. Democracy is managed and run by people and therefore they must be central to decision making. We will write in a very positive outcome of win-win.

Is Amazon Coming to Escanaba? The Value of Warehouses (Business Development)

If you have been reading the local news lately you might come to realize that a new distribution center is possibly coming to town. It is not a fact but it is a possibility. That could offer additional positive support for local jobs if we consider improved employment, its lure for other businesses, improvements in regional distribution, export infrastructure (rail, road, airport, and port) as well as possible ways to coordinate local businesses to maximize product sales online (getting them organized and listed could help).

The article is Amazon to build shipping facility in Escanaba If you want to know how their distribution system works check out Amazon Distribution System

One thing to think about is how to maximize a distribution center to sell local products and goods outside the area. Are there any advantages to that? Sell on Amazon. Sometimes if you have a few local businesses/employers that do well and hire a lot of people, produce products that are sold nationally or internationally. When a strong business takes off on the national or global market it may be able to increase wealth and investment in the area for businesses that use the same major input factors.

In other words, strengthening an export focus, and understanding what products can be sold to bring in wealth, can lead to improved economic/financial draw for a community. Getting local businesses to put their products into the system to be purchased in other locations is important (I have a product up. I should probably do more with that.). A business owner might consider improving their market range and expand into new markets.

According to the study below those places with distribution centers increased in personal wealth, expanded jobs, and raised wealth. Chamber of Commerce Distribution Center Impact. Further, while this distribution center will likely start with a limited focus and we can consider another warehouse designed around a local export market of local products could help (In and out of Amazon where their services don't reach. Small orders on Amazon and large orders by truck. rail, plane,. i.e. Ammish furniture or metal products. There is/was an import and export area at the old KI that might be utilized. ).

Distribution centers will also impact the efficiency of the whole product distribution system. An extra stop in a town with an airport, a port, rail, and roads is a great place to collect/break apart orders and ship them out. It provides greater flexibility to the regional supply chain in a rural area that takes a long time. When I'm in San Diego I get my stuff same/next day but here it takes a week or more.

(From a research transactional cluster perspective warehouses in general improve transactional speed and this is how they find business. However, having a running list of all the products in an area, marketing those products to other markets, and coordinating efforts to build an export market might further help. Combine that with a 'bring your headquarters' to Esky from overseas and invest might attract a few cluster-worthy businesses. Remember we are talking theoretically here so there are other options but this one is more or less food for thought.)

Other considerations from an economic perspective are does it improve distribution around the U.P and its impact on businesses/communities, whether is it possible to create an export market for the U.P. by getting businesses to distribute branded products, does it attract other industrial investors, and so on and so forth. There are opportunities if you can get the right people to think about expanding UP business in a coordinated manner. Theoretically, once the infrastructure is built, this or another warehouse could be used for impact/export opening wealth creation lines of development. Whether we take that, have the resources for it, can must the regional coordination, etc. is a whole different level of discussion. Warehouse Import/Export Demand

Remember, we are just exploring ideas and possibilities here as the city reconnects to the global market. So far it has come a long way and attracted new industries, arts, events, quality of life, tourism, etc. Hoping for more entrepreneurs that can use these warehouses and Amazon.