Premium: Powerful lessons about complexity of our world – beware reductionists

We live in a massively complex world. One we know so little about. Unintended consequences of mankind's actions are everywhere. Yet arrogant ignorance prevents us from learning from these mistakes. No wonder Socrates taught wisdom starts with understanding that "I know nothing"..The danger of reductionism (superficial simplification) is a point Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson repeats so often in his bestselling books it's now burnt into my subconscious. A good thing. Once reductionist scales have been removed, the world is a different place..Reactions to the Covid-19 pandemic offer the best contemporary example. Hardly anyone I know hasn't lost loved ones to the virus. So that overrides their approach to the deadly virus. The opposing camp contains those who believe as Covid-19 "only" kills 3% of the infected the overwhelming evidence supporting vaccination is a conspiracy and best ignored..___STEADY_PAYWALL___.That we know so little comes home again in the powerful article from our partners at the Financial Times of London published in the Premium section of BizNews. In SA, "excess deaths" are universally ascribed to Covid-19. But data from the UK suggests that at most only half are a direct result of infection. Best we keep open minds. Nobody has a monopoly on the truth..More for you to read today:.* Helen Zille on governing by DA's new mayors: Will be like walking barefoot over mountains..* US Joins With China, Other Nations in Tapping Oil Reserves. Politicians moving to increase supply to drop fuel prices, but analysts reckon the impact will be temporary..* Samsung to Choose Taylor, Texas, for $17 Billion Chip-Making Factory. There is growing momentum in the US for investments away from "Blue" to business-friendly "Red" States..NB FOR YOUR WALL STREET JOURNAL ACCESS….As a Premium subscriber you are entitled to full membership of wsj.com (normal price $29 a month). Be sure to action your access through the Premium link on the BizNews website. Because of The Wall Street Journal's credential requirements, be sure to create a password which has at least 8 characters and includes at least one letter and one number – NB it MAY NOT contain any special characters (ie #, !, @ etc). To maintain access to WSJ.com, you MUST enter our partner's website via BizNews Premium at least once a month. A final PS, if you had previously signed up for WSJ you'll need to clear the cookies from your device. Our help desk can assist – support@biznews.com.If you'd like to help sustain our independent voice, why not share the love by making a gift that keeps giving? Click here to access the BizNews Premium subscription signup form, and be sure tick the relevant box (see below). At R100 a month and inclusive of full membership of The Wall Street Journal, it's a mind-expanding gift at an incredibly modest price.

Premium: Powerful lessons about complexity of our world – beware reductionists

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