Sunday, June 2, 2013

Bernanke: "Physical beauty is evolution's way of assuring us that the other person doesn't have too many intestinal parasites"

Earlier today, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke delivered commencement remarks to the Princeton University graduating class and offered them this advice on picking a "traveling companion" to go through life with:
I spoke earlier about definitions of personal success in an unpredictable world. I hope that as you develop your own definition of success, you will be able to do so, if you wish, with a close companion on your journey. In making that choice, remember that physical beauty is evolution's way of assuring us that the other person doesn't have too many intestinal parasites. Don't get me wrong, I am all for beauty, romance, and sexual attraction--where would Hollywood and Madison Avenue be without them? But while important, those are not the only things to look for in a partner. The two of you will have a long trip together, I hope, and you will need each other's support and sympathy more times than you can count.
And the mad money printer said this about money:
 I'm not going to tell you that money doesn't matter, because you wouldn't believe me anyway. In fact, for too many people around the world, money is literally a life-or-death proposition. But if you are part of the lucky minority with the ability to choose, remember that money is a means, not an end.

And he seems to think that part of the Ten Commandments isn't that significant anymore:
This is indeed an impressive and appropriate setting for a commencement. I am sure that, from this lectern, any number of distinguished spiritual leaders have ruminated on the lessons of the Ten Commandments. I don't have that kind of confidence, and, anyway, coveting your neighbor's ox or donkey is not the problem it used to be[...]

3 comments:

  1. "In fact, for too many people around the world, money is literally a life-or-death proposition. But if you are part of the lucky minority with the ability to choose, remember that money is a means, not an end."

    That is to say, when you can force individual choice for economic decisions to be replaced with political decisions, it's better that I be on the inside making those political decisions rather than you.

    "I am sure that, from this lectern, any number of distinguished spiritual leaders have ruminated on the lessons of the Ten Commandments. I don't have that kind of confidence, and, anyway, coveting your neighbor's ox or donkey is not the problem it used to be[...]"

    Yeah, because now it's actually worse. We in government can take your value in terms of money, in restricting what you may grow or purchase and how you may consume what you purchase. 'N since I don't have any confidence in Moral Precepts, better that I just steal your value...BTW, my steak is a little overcooked. Could you take it back to the kitchen and cook me another one more to my liking?

    CW

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  2. Shouldn't that be, "your steak is a little overcooked. Could you take it back to the kitchen and cook me another one more to my liking?" ;รพ

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