When the economy feels rigged, shortcuts start to look rational

[Royal Cap]

To be honest society has also made us so that waiting patiently seems almost foolish. Everyone around us shows us how to achieve success in a short time, so it naturally enters our heads that there must be an easy way, we just haven't found it. But I also think that shortcuts are not always bad. The problem is when we think of every shortcut as a life changing solution. True shortcuts may save time but they increase responsibility. And most importantly, no path is safe, slow or fast, by relying on something that is not in our control.

[Synchronice]

How often have we sought a short cut? A quick opportunity. A secret method. Something that will not waste the years of boring construction. I have done it. Many times. And nearly every time I came out worse than I would have kept patient. But after a couple of months I am back and looking. Why do we do this?

I believe it is because the straight and narrow way seems like it is impossible. Work for 30 years. Save a little each month. Hope nothing bad happens. Hope prices do not increase faster than your savings. Hope you do not get sick. Hope your industry is not extinct. That is a lot of hoping. And then, when you are sitting with that feeling, that the safe route is not safe after all, shortcuts begin to seem like logic. Not greedy. Rational. If the slow road may fail anyway, why not try the fast one? At least there is a chance. I am familiar with this reasoning since I have experienced it.

But here is what I begin to think. It is not that we desire shortcuts. The problem is that we are building on things that we do not control. Jobs that can disappear. Systems that can change. Prices that are charged by individuals we will never see. The actual shortcut (perhaps the only one that works) is to require less of those systems. Study how to do things that remain useful even in the collapse of the industries. Create relationships with individuals, not only platforms. Spend less so you need less.

People often look for shortcuts and that's normal to my mind because people want to live, not to work to live. When you barely earn enough money that lasts from paycheck to paycheck, it's logical that you'll start looking for shortcuts because you want to live and have fun when you are young, not in your 70s when you barely walk and doesn't have any energy, when your skin is full of wrinkles and you are no longer attractive. So, I completely understand this natural wish of shortcuts but at the same time, yes, the whole system is rigged and those who achieve something, usually achieve via shortcuts too but as you said, that's very risky and punishable, that's why always say that life is luck. You are either born lucky or you are without it.

[YOSHIE]

When the economy feels rigged, shortcuts start to look rational

Yes, that's a natural law where the economy has been regulated, rational thoughts will emerge, some will take illegal and legal paths, their goal is that the economy continues to develop, no matter the consequences that will occur, That's a human trait like this that has been going on for centuries, it's no wonder we often read about the history of the collapse of ancient kingdoms with oppressive kings ruling and managing the people's economy arrogantly and unfairly.

It is not surprising that rebellions occurred in one region, leaders were overthrown and so on, all of this was caused by economic policy factors that were cruel and chaotic towards society.

[justdimin]

When the economy feels rigged, shortcuts start to look rational

Yes, that's a natural law where the economy has been regulated, rational thoughts will emerge, some will take illegal and legal paths, their goal is that the economy continues to develop, no matter the consequences that will occur, That's a human trait like this that has been going on for centuries, it's no wonder we often read about the history of the collapse of ancient kingdoms with oppressive kings ruling and managing the people's economy arrogantly and unfairly.

It is not surprising that rebellions occurred in one region, leaders were overthrown and so on, all of this was caused by economic policy factors that were cruel and chaotic towards society.

The worst part about human history is that we have learned many times where people were murdered specially one group of people (changes based on which group) and only when economy started to be bad, people rose up in rebellion. I am not American so some American can fix my history knowledge, but for example slavery didn't end in USA because it was a bad thing, the people of that day thought that was a normal thing, it ended because south was hurting norths economy, and slavery ending would have made it better equal for all, it was based in economy, not in human decency.

MANY examples like this all through history in every part of the world, I just gave USA as example because it's more recent and globally known, but my nation had something quite same too, did horrible things but only stopped the king when it hurt their pockets.

[Fortify]

But here is what I begin to think. It is not that we desire shortcuts. The problem is that we are building on things that we do not control. Jobs that can disappear. Systems that can change. Prices that are charged by individuals we will never see. The actual shortcut (perhaps the only one that works) is to require less of those systems. Study how to do things that remain useful even in the collapse of the industries. Create relationships with individuals, not only platforms. Spend less so you need less.

There is nothing wrong with trying to find shortcuts and it is how many fortunes have been built over the years. If you can find a more economical or efficient way to improve a process then you might be able to offer it cheaper than the next competitor. However you have to determine whether a shortcut is going to leave you worse off in the long run, because that is equally possible. Maybe your competitor adds a layer of rubber into a product, but you strip it out thinking it's cheaper to manufacture - yet that piece of material played a critical role and was a trade off worth having in order to keep the reputation of your company. It can also apply to your personal life, cheap tricks like bulking up might make you look big, but someone that has a dedicated and strenuous exercise routine would run circles around you if it ever came to it.

[Accardo]

To be honest society has also made us so that waiting patiently seems almost foolish. Everyone around us shows us how to achieve success in a short time, so it naturally enters our heads that there must be an easy way, we just haven't found it. But I also think that shortcuts are not always bad. The problem is when we think of every shortcut as a life changing solution. True shortcuts may save time but they increase responsibility. And most importantly, no path is safe, slow or fast, by relying on something that is not in our control.

Most people who go the short cut way try to force their way out of going back to the habit for its snailish approach to remarkable change and progress. Want to build something worthwhile? The long journey is the safest fastlane, three years spent on building a brand is much better than 3 years spent on moving from one 'make quick money' ebook to another.  It's a total time waste with nothing to show or build upon.

[LastKiss]

How often have we sought a short cut?

A lot I guess. I’ve seen many people get scammed by “quick profit” projects and I understand why they fall for them even many people throw a small amount of money into gambling, hoping for a big jackpot. This usually happens because of low income and the rising cost of living when people feel cornered, shortcuts seem more appealing than turning to crime. Some may actually hit a jackpot and others try to follow their example, but not everyone has the same luck.

The world is always changing. Even people who were once wealthy can lose everything if they can’t maintain their lifestyle. Life teaches us to be grateful and to keep trying. Chasing a perfect life often leads to disappointment and desperation, which can push us toward risky shortcuts.

[slapper]

The long journey isn't just for everybody but for the brilliant, dedicated, and patient people. Every engineered technology took years of sweat off intellectuals to be built. Engineers came together to build bridges, and modify them, tech engineers did computer and modified it to be this portable, it's paying off, not just the inventors, the present participants or users of computers make billions off the technology. Short cuts are for con and less confident people, the visionaries join a movement and stay in it for the love of it. Satoshi is a close example, he's cryptography lovesick, he built Bitcoin without asking for a dime.

I believe you are drawing the line too clean. Visionaries on the one and cons on the other. Patient builders VS weak shortcut seekers. Real life is messier than that. Most people who seek to take shortcuts are not cons. They are not trying to cheat anyone. They are just tired. They did the math well before they arrived at the long road and it did not add up. Work 30 years, save carefully, hope nothing breaks, and still end up not knowing. When the safe path does not feel safe the risky path begins to appear logical.

You mention Satoshi. Yes, he did build and did so without asking for a dime. But Satoshi also disappeared. We do not know if he is alive, rich, poor, happy or broken. We celebrate the myth, but we do not know the full cost. And to each Satoshi there are thousands of dedicated builders who gave everything, and got nothing. We do not tell their stories because they do not inspire us. But they exist.

I do not think that having a desire to achieve success without following the "conventional" order of working nonstop for thirty odd years or more is a shortcut. It is basically a desire to achieve success through a different route, one you consider to be more effective and efficient. Of course, as long as you are not looking towards crime or anything illicit, if you believe in your skills and knowledge and you think you'd achieve success quicker putting it to work, then you have to go for it.

That said, my point is that the word "shortcut" sounds negative, but it is not always so. It could basically be one sticking to their guns and for example launching a startup, when their mates are getting hired in different industries.

I like the way you phrased that, because it makes me more specific with my language. You are correct: the desire to take another route is not necessarily a shortcut. Launching a startup, betting on your own skills, changing country, changing industry - they are strategies. They can be more effective and efficient when they are underpinned by real competence, hard work. In that sense, I agree with how the word, "shortcut", can be unfair, because it sounds like pressing a magic button rather than taking a different route.

What I was trying to describe is a different behaviour, the one that, when I reached for things I did not really understand, on timelines that were pure fantasy, the normal path seemed hopeless. For me, that is where "shortcut" comes in toxic. So maybe the real distinction is not conventional vs non-conventional, but:

- Am I taking a different route because I have a clear edge and am willing to own grind or because I tolerated how long the grind took and I am outsourcing my future to luck. Your example of "sticking to your guns and building something" fits with the first. Lots of what I see in the markets fits the second.

- If we can keep that nuance - that not every fast path is a delusion, but not every fast path is wisdom either - then the word almost doesn't matter. The important part is the inner motive: competence and patience wearing a new shape, or fear dressed up as "efficiency".

...

But here is what I begin to think. It is not that we desire shortcuts. The problem is that we are building on things that we do not control. Jobs that can disappear. Systems that can change. Prices that are charged by individuals we will never see. The actual shortcut (perhaps the only one that works) is to require less of those systems. Study how to do things that remain useful even in the collapse of the industries. Create relationships with individuals, not only platforms. Spend less so you need less.

So... You need to keep in mind those are mainly factors we all cannot control in the long term and we have to "trust" politicians to do their best (ironically) so they system will not be so variable while we try to build for the future.
It is true jobs and industries change, but it is part of our own vision to foresee it and prepare for it in advance, not allow for the dark day to come upon us and catch us unprepared.

Also, the system itself believe those shortcuts are crimes, that is way the majority of people do not take them. Reducing one's tax payouts to our government through the use of loopholes could be considered a shortcut, but it is in a grey area of legality. If one is not careful, one could be commiting a crime and be thrown in prison very easily.

A lot of the big levers are really not in our hands. Interest rates or housing policy, labor law, they're all in rooms that we're never going to enter. In that sense, we really do end up "trusting" politicians and institutions, or if not trusting, at least living with the results whether we trust them or not. That's part of why I wrote the thread from such a personal aspect. If I wait for macro stability before I move, I'll be frozen forever.

I agree we don't want to let the dark day catch us completely off-guard, but I do not think that anyone can reliably predict for certain which given industry or job gets killed the next day. What we can do is just what you are hinting at indirectly: build skills and habits that can survive lots of different futures. Less reliance on any single employer, one income base, one place, one credential. That, to me, is preparation without the illusion of control.

On shortcuts: I like that you went straight to the legal/grey area example as it unravels another layer. The system feels free to call certain types of acceleration "innovation" when it is done by big players, and "evasion" when it is attempted by small players. Same tax code, different treatment depending on who you are, or who represents you. That's why, in my head, of course the real shortcut isn't clever loopholes, it's reducing how exposed I am to having to use loopholes in the first place. Spend less than feels normal, simplify my obligations and make use of whatever upside I get to buy back freedom, not lifestyle. That path is slow and boring, but it's also one the system has a harder time punishing.

[Gozie51]

But here is what I begin to think. It is not that we desire shortcuts. The problem is that we are building on things that we do not control. Jobs that can disappear. Systems that can change. Prices that are charged by individuals we will never see. The actual shortcut (perhaps the only one that works) is to require less of those systems. Study how to do things that remain useful even in the collapse of the industries. Create relationships with individuals, not only platforms. Spend less so you need less.

Sometimes I wonder whether it is destiny that will finally shape our lives or it is how far we can struggle to subdue the life situation we find ourselves because you see some people making real effort to survive and live a good life but they are not able to do that while others are quite lucky in survival. About industrialization and manufacturing, some individuals get into same business but one is surviving more than the other and gradually that one gives up. The economy is not fair to anyone but their are people who benefit from the hard economy and profit with their business because they are close to those in power to get contracts. So most times the fault is from government, it is the unfair treatment and imbalance distribution of resources that leave some with nothing but to look for alternative means to short cut and whether it is profitable or not won't be considered. Though most short cuts eventually lead to regrets but some people still get lucky in it.

[Accardo]

You mention Satoshi. Yes, he did build and did so without asking for a dime. But Satoshi also disappeared. We do not know if he is alive, rich, poor, happy or broken. We celebrate the myth, but we do not know the full cost. And to each Satoshi there are thousands of dedicated builders who gave everything, and got nothing. We do not tell their stories because they do not inspire us. But they exist.

I don't know if you know the story of Coach Carter, some weeks ago people began to question the financial status of the high school basketball coach, after his transformation on the Richmond Oilers, made it to a movie, blew up box office, and pops up every now and then on viewers timeline, they all met an answer from a guy who has known the coach for years, he testifed that coach Carter is going just fine and has businesses moving fine and smooth in real estate.

This is relatable to Satoshi, what could be more rewarding like what he's got? A life changing technology in the financial settings running without his daily efforts? The goal is to set it up, like Mark Manson the Author of 'the subtle art of not giving a f*ck' said in his previous news letter I read, he mentioned that after a visionary gets his mission completed, life begin to get boring to the person.

[Maus0728]

I have to correct you on this one, the economy does not feel like rigged, it is rigged against the masses. I guess the reason why we take those shortcuts every so often and even get tempted to go back after a recovery is because the economy or rather the people at the top of the capitalist food chain does not want to share the wealth because sharing means that we would not be reliant on them and if we do not rely on them, they lose influence and losing influence means losing power and those people do not want that to happen to them, that is why they are giving us just enough so we do not notice. The root of taking those shortcuts anyway is our reliance to money and the fact that everything around us has been made into a commodity that can only be used if you paid with that money. You are on the nose about one of the reasons why a lot of us take those shortcuts if not some of us, we do want to escape the system or at least become less reliant on them but the problem is that those in control know that people will try to get out so they have measures to make you the wrong one when you try to break free.

For me, the best thing right now is not to fight the system alone and I think that trying to get by alone will never be enough, I think that it is time to do something different, instead of trying to survive or create a shortcut for yourself, why not wake other people up and spread awareness that the trickle down economics that has been plaguing us since time immemorial is not working as it intended to be and that it is a bullshit spread by those that want to control the population. Unity in the destruction of this system is the only way to break free now, there's only 1% of them, I do not think that they would be able to destroy all of us. Revolution of economy can happen if people unite, Nepal and Indonesia is my closest modern example, the people marched and opposed those in power.

[Accardo]

I have to correct you on this one, the economy does not feel like rigged, it is rigged against the masses. I guess the reason why we take those shortcuts every so often and even get tempted to go back after a recovery is because the economy or rather the people at the top of the capitalist food chain does not want to share the wealth because sharing means that we would not be reliant on them and if we do not rely on them, they lose influence and losing influence means losing power and those people do not want that to happen to them, that is why they are giving us just enough so we do not notice. The root of taking those shortcuts anyway is our reliance to money and the fact that everything around us has been made into a commodity that can only be used if you paid with that money. You are on the nose about one of the reasons why a lot of us take those shortcuts if not some of us, we do want to escape the system or at least become less reliant on them but the problem is that those in control know that people will try to get out so they have measures to make you the wrong one when you try to break free.

Everyone has a way around this problem, in your second paragraph, you mentioned revolution as your suggestion, will the revolters be good? One thing that works is in this paragraph - not relying on the government. This won't require mass marching like the Luther days. It'll be a self decision, those who wish to focus more on something else other the government, would have to focus in its fastness, when the participating number begin to ride along in hurried growth, the government would have their spirits blushing.

[Smartprofit]

In my opinion, if you follow the same path as most other people, your end results will be the same as most. And frankly, these results are not impressive... People are getting poorer and poorer (although technological progress somewhat masks this state of affairs). 🙎Nevertheless, many members of the new generation of Zoomers have already realized that they are poorer than their parents. Videos on this topic regularly appear on YouTube.

And what will happen to people when AI agents start taking their jobs? When unemployment becomes widespread? Many creative professionals are already losing their jobs due to the development of AI. And this is just the beginning!

The old life strategy of "Good education, good job, wealth, and prosperity" unfortunately no longer works. Therefore, looking for quick ways to make big money, in my opinion, is not a crazy idea. It makes sense. Hard work is no longer synonymous with guaranteed success in life.  For example, buying Bitcoin in 2012 was a very real opportunity to get rich quick. Many bloggers have also managed to gain popularity and earn large sums of money by exploiting the cultural phenomenon of the rapid growth of social media. 🏆

[Hamza2424]

I believe it is because the straight and narrow way seems like it is impossible. Work for 30 years. Save a little each month. Hope nothing bad happens. Hope prices do not increase faster than your savings. Hope you do not get sick. Hope your industry is not extinct. That is a lot of hoping. And then, when you are sitting with that feeling, that the safe route is not safe after all, shortcuts begin to seem like logic. Not greedy. Rational. If the slow road may fail anyway, why not try the fast one? At least there is a chance. I am familiar with this reasoning since I have experienced it.

Your posts hit hard bro, really you are sharing a lot of wisdom and they have deep meanings.

I am fully impressed by your thoughts, as we must think out of the box, but I have learned that, when we are at stage X and we are wishing to be at stage X+1 we are thinking clearer and we want to do something that we can easily do and make money but when we are at the stage X+1 we forget it all and it becomes our success and somehow we are satisfied with it and find peace with it.

Some are happy making $10 per hour and some are not resting even at making $100 per hour. Some do good and bad but in reality none of us are safe in the collapse because as a new generation like won't say which gen I am but I am not too old haha, I have not seen much but I have seen Covid and wars and these situation brings desperate moments that we feel hopeless and the governments made us more hopeless, in these situations we try to find a way to survive, an instinct we all possess. By the way what have you tried?

[slapper]

But here is what I begin to think. It is not that we desire shortcuts. The problem is that we are building on things that we do not control. Jobs that can disappear. Systems that can change. Prices that are charged by individuals we will never see. The actual shortcut (perhaps the only one that works) is to require less of those systems. Study how to do things that remain useful even in the collapse of the industries. Create relationships with individuals, not only platforms. Spend less so you need less.

Sometimes I wonder whether it is destiny that will finally shape our lives or it is how far we can struggle to subdue the life situation we find ourselves because you see some people making real effort to survive and live a good life but they are not able to do that while others are quite lucky in survival. About industrialization and manufacturing, some individuals get into same business but one is surviving more than the other and gradually that one gives up. The economy is not fair to anyone but their are people who benefit from the hard economy and profit with their business because they are close to those in power to get contracts. So most times the fault is from government, it is the unfair treatment and imbalance distribution of resources that leave some with nothing but to look for alternative means to short cut and whether it is profitable or not won't be considered. Though most short cuts eventually lead to regrets but some people still get lucky in it.

Hard work is not always rewarded and luck is real. I agree with that. When I look at normal life, I see people doing "the right things" and not winning because rent goes up, prices go up or one bad thing happens. And yes, when there are contracts and opportunities closer to power the race isn't equal to begin with.

But this is exactly why I gave up putting my hope into "one big shortcut." If the system may be unfair then my plan can't rely on the system being fair. I try to create a life I don't need permission for: skills to take with me, money to save that is boring but stable, people I can trust when life shakes. It doesn't solve the entire country, but it reduces my personal risk.

You mention Satoshi. Yes, he did build and did so without asking for a dime. But Satoshi also disappeared. We do not know if he is alive, rich, poor, happy or broken. We celebrate the myth, but we do not know the full cost. And to each Satoshi there are thousands of dedicated builders who gave everything, and got nothing. We do not tell their stories because they do not inspire us. But they exist.

I don't know if you know the story of Coach Carter, some weeks ago people began to question the financial status of the high school basketball coach, after his transformation on the Richmond Oilers, made it to a movie, blew up box office, and pops up every now and then on viewers timeline, they all met an answer from a guy who has known the coach for years, he testifed that coach Carter is going just fine and has businesses moving fine and smooth in real estate.

This is relatable to Satoshi, what could be more rewarding like what he's got? A life changing technology in the financial settings running without his daily efforts? The goal is to set it up, like Mark Manson the Author of 'the subtle art of not giving a f*ck' said in his previous news letter I read, he mentioned that after a visionary gets his mission completed, life begin to get boring to the person.

I like where you are heading with this: The best "win" is when you don't have to do high-risk moves all the time just to keep yourself alive. A system that is automatic without you is basically freedom.

I don't know the Coach Carter story that you've been talking about, but this part I recognize: people tend to look at someone's public image and think that he or she must be secretly struggling, or secretly rich, or secretly something. And then a simple answer pops up "He's fine." He built something stable." That is quite comforting because it implies that there is a way out that is not gambling- but build something real and let time do the work.

Where I connect it back to my original point is this: There are not many Satosh's out there. Most of us won't create a world-level invention, which will print freedom for all ever after. So the danger is when we take those rare examples we have that are like this and use them as a mental shortcut: "I just need one big move then I'm done." That thought's the cousin of leverage addiction, just wearing better clothes.

[Versatile_choice]

I believe it is because the straight and narrow way seems like it is impossible. Work for 30 years. Save a little each month. Hope nothing bad happens. Hope prices do not increase faster than your savings. Hope you do not get sick. Hope your industry is not extinct. That is a lot of hoping. And then, when you are sitting with that feeling, that the safe route is not safe after all, shortcuts begin to seem like logic. Not greedy. Rational. If the slow road may fail anyway, why not try the fast one? At least there is a chance. I am familiar with this reasoning since I have experienced it.

It's better we Invest than to save because savings is more like reserving money that you will use in few days time or in the near future, but if you invest or establish a business and also keep being consistent in running the business at the same time making your savings there's no way you would be scared of all of this things you just mentioned here, because it's only when you don't have different cash flow you will be thinking about all this things. But when you have Investment/ or business you will just be worried to some extent but can't be compared with those that doesn't have Investment or business.

[Cookdata]

To be honest society has also made us so that waiting patiently seems almost foolish. Everyone around us shows us how to achieve success in a short time, so it naturally enters our heads that there must be an easy way, we just haven't found it. But I also think that shortcuts are not always bad. The problem is when we think of every shortcut as a life changing solution. True shortcuts may save time but they increase responsibility. And most importantly, no path is safe, slow or fast, by relying on something that is not in our control.

I was having conversation with one old man and I remembered what he told me. He said my generation want to have everything at once and want to experience what we is meant to be enjoyed in 40 years to the extent that we jump life experiences. The society is so corrupted that it's normal that they are okay with seeing a life you are going to enjoy in your 30+ enjoys it at 20 years old because tell me why you expect a 20 years old boy to have a car and a house.

The things we teach generations and what we have turned norm in society, in the next 10 years we will be reaping what we sow by that time.

[Donk1]

Well as individuals most times we can't be 100% certain of what might work out for us either the straight way or the narrow. That's why  to me  finding a shortcut in life isn't bad. But then not all shortcuts are worth the risk. That's why we need to be very certain about the decisions we make, because whatever road we take, it's not everything you can come back from.

Moreover, everything we do in this life, I believe there is always a reason. So definitely either a short or straight road to success, I believe if an economy was good then the rate of the shortcut would be less, but if the economy is bad, it would be the other way around. So  that's just it  every financial situation is determined by the economy status. So yeah  definitely I agree with you op  the most sensible shortcut is  just to depend less on that system that's just it.......