Six-Chart Sunday – You Do the Math

6 Infographics + 1 Video (the inspirational Jim Abbott)

Taking a break from wars, AI & elections this holiday weekend. Here’s six equations to make you think. (3 min read)

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1. Peace + Prosperity = Popularity?

Were 50% of Republicans satisfied with the direction of the U.S. during Bill Clinton’s second term due to the performance of the Democratic President or did they credit the GOP-led House? (Gallup)

2. Happiness = Reality - Expectations?

Are American Gen Z’ers less likely to rate their lives positively than previous generations (or Gen Z’ers in other nations) because their lives are worse or their expectations are too high?

3. Media ≠ Reality?

Does the media over-index on rare-but-dramatic events because they drive audience engagement (read, click, watch) or because they’re literally “news”?

[T]he news, true to its name, tells us what’s new. The fact that nearly 2000 Americans die from heart disease every single day means it is not novel or new. The headline tomorrow would be the same as it was today, which was the same as yesterday. Rarer events like terrorist attacks, plane crashes, homicides, or disasters each have their unique headline. (Our World in Data)

4. f(Social Media)=Division… f(AI)=Addition?

Are AI platforms “nudging people away from the most extreme positions and towards more moderate and expert-aligned stances” or nudging them towards the very “elite consensus” that exacerbated inequalities, accelerated distrust of institutions & fuel today’s divisions? (FT)

5. Capital < Culture?

Is New York City more wasteful & inefficient than Tokyo (and thus spending more to get less), or do budget & outcome differentials reflect cultural differences & the fact that NYC's budget absorbs costs — Medicaid, public hospitals, public housing, pensions & immigrant services — that in Tokyo are funded nationally?

6. Determination x Practice = Success?

Was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. a mediocre public speaker who got a lot better with practice or were his public speaking grades low because back then professors graded much more strictly? (Open Culture)

VIDEO

Despite being born without a right hand, it never really occurred to MLB pitcher Jim Abbott that he had a disability limiting his possibilities:

I was surrounded by parents and coaches and teachers and mentors, and I didn’t face resistance. I faced encouragement and optimism.”

In 1993 he pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians, a near-impossible feat that only 13 hurlers have managed the storied history of the NY Yankees. Inspiring!