In my career of professional observation, it has become evident that most of us initially reject information which challenges our worldview. Only after repeated exposure do we open up to any adjustment of preconceptions. To guard against this hard-wired defect, I remind myself of Herbert Spencer’s wise words republished in the graphic above from Forbes Quotes. Two examples are referenced in today’s note…
- First is the growing credibility of a theory that the Covid-19 virus escaped from a Wuhan Institute of Virology laboratory a critical theory rather than being transmitted from a primitive “wet market”. This morning’s comment by the Editorial Board of The Wall Street Journal joins the dots. It is republished below. Also, what was first dismissed as a Trump Fantasy is being taken seriously by his successor to sanction an official investigation with a 90 day deadline. A reminder of how we sapiens need beware of “contempt prior to examination”.
___STEADY_PAYWALL___
- A similar conclusion can be drawn after examining SA Health Minister Mkhize’s response to the recent media frenzy calling for his head. In his statement, Zweli Mkhize lays out the facts surrounding a highly irregular contract awarded to supposed pals. First off, Mkhize himself initiated the investigations into the Digital Vibes contract, including calling in the crack Special Investigations Unit. Second, the two ex-staffers painted as co-conspirators were low-grade members of Mkhize’s office staff – hardly people a high profile politician would trust to run a corrupt conspiracy. Click here to read Mkhize’s statement and make up your own mind where the truth lies.
- Something lighter to brighten your morning – in the US, HBO Max will tonight air the long-anticipated reunion of hit 90s sitcom Friends. South Africans will get to see it at 8pm on Sunday when M-Net (DSTV 101) rebroadcasts. Having twice watched the entire 10 year series it’s a safe bet where I’ll be ending the weekend. The WSJ’s John Anderson is one of the few to have been afforded a head start on the rest of us – click here for his preview.
PLEASE READ – FOR YOUR WSJ.COM 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 – [email protected]
Come into our virtual studio for BPH at 5:30pm
You can now access our flagship BizNews Power Hour show live via our virtual studio. First, subscribe to our YouTube channel – BizNews TV – and we’ll send you the link just just before the 5:30pm kickoff.
If you’re on the move, the BPH is streamed worldwide on BizNewsradio.com. Live at 5:30pm; recordings at 7pm and 7am.
