In my view we're in late stage imperial decline.
This is the "looting and grifting" stage, and it's very rare for really talented people to want to go into government - they're much more likely to be found in tech startups or maybe in academic labs or at hedge funds.
There is no Kissinger or even Hermann Kahn or George Kennan in public service. It's not the structure of the US system, it has more to do with the vibes of this era.
PRC is in a totally different phase - lots of kids there want to work hard to build their Nation and still believe in heroic ideals. This follows the general pattern of imperial growth and decline: https://infoproc.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-fate-of-empires.html…
In my lifetime, the US passed through what Glubb called the Age of Affluence, and is beginning the Age of Decline.
"Money replaces honour and adventure as the objective of the best young men.
Moreover, men do not normally seek to make money for their country or their community, but for themselves.
Gradually, and almost imperceptibly, the Age of Affluence silences the voice of duty.
The object of the young and the ambitious is no longer fame, honour or service, but cash. Education undergoes the same gradual transformation. No longer do schools aim at producing brave patriots ready to serve their country. [ Or to discover great things for all mankind! ]
Parents and students alike seek the educational qualifications which will command the highest salaries."
The 21st century American reality (the Age of Decadence): "Yeah, I calculated the NPV, and, you know, it's just not worth it for me. I really believe in your project, though. And, I share your passion. Good luck."
This is the "looting and grifting" stage, and it's very rare for really talented people to want to go into government - they're much more likely to be found in tech startups or maybe in academic labs or at hedge funds.
There is no Kissinger or even Hermann Kahn or George Kennan in public service. It's not the structure of the US system, it has more to do with the vibes of this era.
PRC is in a totally different phase - lots of kids there want to work hard to build their Nation and still believe in heroic ideals. This follows the general pattern of imperial growth and decline: https://infoproc.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-fate-of-empires.html…
In my lifetime, the US passed through what Glubb called the Age of Affluence, and is beginning the Age of Decline.
"Money replaces honour and adventure as the objective of the best young men.
Moreover, men do not normally seek to make money for their country or their community, but for themselves.
Gradually, and almost imperceptibly, the Age of Affluence silences the voice of duty.
The object of the young and the ambitious is no longer fame, honour or service, but cash. Education undergoes the same gradual transformation. No longer do schools aim at producing brave patriots ready to serve their country. [ Or to discover great things for all mankind! ]
Parents and students alike seek the educational qualifications which will command the highest salaries."
The 21st century American reality (the Age of Decadence): "Yeah, I calculated the NPV, and, you know, it's just not worth it for me. I really believe in your project, though. And, I share your passion. Good luck."
