...on rootlessness

For the time being, I very much appreciate my self-imposed rootlessness. I take pride in being educated in four countries, on three continents. For me, rootlessness implies freedom.

...on sweden

The "middle way" is one of socialism, corruption and economic disincentives. A nation governed by a dominant party, arbitrarily appointed civil servants and trade union representatives is hardly a democracy. The education system is ideological. The openness is a hoax. Civic life is infected by political apathy. "Conservatives" in Sweden are pseudo-socialists.

...on academics

I take my academic work very seriously. In terms of natural ability, I might not be very far above average, but my strong dedication usually makes up for that.

...on hong kong

An interesting blend of ancient culture, market capitalism and efficient public service. Hardly democratic, but I have a firm belief it's getting better. If you ever have the chance to go here, do so. Even if it is just to enjoy the food.

...on china

There is just something I like passionately about her. My love affair with her made me start learning her crazy language, despite being aware that I will never be able to speak it properly (I obviously suffer from a lack of talent for acquiring tonal languages: 邓咏琳，你的第三声有点儿问题……). However, for some unknown reason, I feel more at home in China than anywhere else.

...on canada

Canada is to China what Ramsey pricing is to first-best pricing. If I, for some reason, cannot settle in the Sinosphere, I will return to Canada. My impression is that Canadian people are very open-minded, thoughful and well-eduated, at least compared to their southern neighbours and European counterparts.

...on migration

I find it disgraceful how most "developed" countries deal with the issue of immigration. If people seeking freedom and prosperity in "developed" countries were given the opportunity to productive work and were embraced as individuals with full rights, liberties and liabilities, rather than being stuffed away in custodies and reserves where motivation and individuality are gradually and systematically broken down, there would be no problem of immigration.

Migration is also a very personal matter for me: considering myself unable to live a fulfilling life in my native country, I am extremely lucky that I can do something about this matter. Around the world, most people cannot.

I find the highly xenophobic attitude in most economic literature on immigration extremely disturbing. More on this in my essay on economic assimilation of immigrants.

...on economics

My self-declared major. It started out like a purely academic interest, but some time ago, I realised that my economics studies have gradually and profoundly changed the way I approach the world. I am moderately interested in wordly things like current interest rates or stock prices, but perceive of economics as an analytical toolkit providing a systematic approach to explaining and understanding many dimensions of human existence.

...on mathematics

In a desperate attempt to make myself competetive in the economics grad school rat race, I suddenly found myself enrolled in Analysis and Linear Algebra courses in my leisure time. Unfortunately, the famous Warwick Mathematics Institute happens to be one of the very best departments for undergraduate mathematics in England, and my classmates are all incredibly talented. Philosophically, I have discovered that mathematics is more arts than science, and I would personally consider it a subdiscipline of aesthetics.

...on the internet

I used to be a computer geek at 13, and I have had my own home page ever since then (1998). I am a certified HTML programmer since 2001.

...on libertarianism

I endorse a distinct kind of libertarianism, drawing on ideas of a variety of political philosophers, such as Locke, Rand, Hayek and Nozick. The key ideas are negative freedom (freedom from interference) and full personal liability; if we don't take responsibility for our actions, then who will?

I condemn legalisation of drugs, because drug use in mainstream society typically creates immense external costs, infringing on other people's liberty. However, if people wish to use drugs in isolation from the rest of society, they should of course be able to do so.

I endorse a minimal welfare state, but no redistribution of property. Education on lower levels (where it cannot be appropriately allocated in a market because of the conflict of interest) should be publicly financed, and on higher levels through commercial loans. Taxation should be kept to a bare minimum. Nozick and Hayek both give very eloquent accounts on why capitalism is the only economic system compatible with liberalism.

...on swedish

The relationship I enjoy with my native language is quite peculiar. It's not particularly expressive, the vocabulary is quite limited, and the sound is quite harsh. Yet, it is the only language I know well enough to use for my poetry.

...on love

Indispensible. The closest humanity will ever get to discovering the meaning of life.