Konstantin Kisin- The Cobra Effect: Why Good Intentions Don’t Solve Problems
The Cobra Effect is based on a story which may or may not have taken place during British colonial rule in India. Despite its unconfirmed authenticity, it remains a powerful illustration of how bad incentives can undermine good intentions. In my view, it should be taught as early as possible to anyone who intends to run, manage or operate any system of almost any complexity.
We have some Persians working in our yard.
I’m told they can’t speak a word of English, but they work hard so who gives a fck.
Why do they work hard?
I’m told they want coke and alcohol, just to name 2 incentives.
I’m sure getting/staying out of Mesopotamia is a lot of incentive as well.
If you build it, they will come.
People gravitate toward free stuff.
Yes, it’s pretty well known the homeless go where the money is. Thanks for feeding the whole countries homeless Elon.
Is it any wonder that EVERY DEI hire finds MORE and MORE racism … systemic racism … structural racism … endemic racism … blah, blah, blah … yep. more cobras
I think it was Margaret Thatcher who said that if you create a department for something, the problem will never go away. However, that may have been on Yes, Minister.
The only good intention that ever worked was a honest to goodness upgrade.. Word of mouth will do the rest..
To simplify, incentives: money, power, sex.
To be honest, we’re all under their sway.
The Cobra Effect…Indians scamming Whitey long before the internet.
It’s a good article, but halfway through he confuses “good intentions” with “intentional malevolent Bezmenov tactics”.