Thursday Apr 25, 2024

The Lightning Podcast S1 E27: Emulation Instinct

“With the exception of the instinct of self-preservation, the propensity for emulation is probably the strongest and most alert and persistent of the economic motives proper.”

— Thorstein Veblen, Theory of the Leisure Class

This week, join Cyrus Palizban, Nicolas Sarian, Zohar Atkins, and Harry Jacobs as we explore Thorstein Veblen's assertion. We discuss various dimensions of emulation, from its philosophical implications to its real-world applications like influencing market trends and investment decisions. The conversation spans topics including the impact of social media influencers, the evolution of wealth and luxury from a historical perspective, and the balance between emulating others and maintaining individuality. From Bruce Springsteen's music to Warren Buffett's investment strategies, the podcast delves into how emulation drives not only economic behaviors but also personal and cultural narratives.

00:00 Welcome to The Lightning Podcast

00:32 Diving Into Thorstein Veblen's Insights

01:32 Exploring Emulation in Society

05:15 The Phenomenon of Veblen Goods

13:00 Emulation vs. Self-Preservation

14:29 The Influence of Role Models and Emulation in Modern Society

17:55 Economic Wisdom from Warren Buffett

21:48 The Apple vs. Amazon Investment Philosophy

24:03 Navigating the Digital Music Landscape

24:36 The Evolution of Music Consumption: From Napster to Spotify

25:36 Bruce Springsteen: The Soundtrack of Life

25:47 A Deep Dive into 'Born in the USA' and Its Misinterpretations