Recently, I published my blog Done with USA. Later, I realised that I’m getting more and more bored by hearing, listening and reading about that American narcissist with his German roots. Luckily, the upside of boredom is curiosity.
“We often think boredom is a less productive state of mind, but a lot goes on when we are bored, including some useful mind-wandering. Curiosity can lead to mindfulness, finding greater meaning in life and a sense of awe, as well as being more open-minded, which can lead to innovation and exploring new ideas or pursuing new directions.”
Source: Psychology Today (2024): The Power of Curiosity and the Benefits of Boredom
My current curiosity includes these two topics:
- Foreign Policy, 10 April 2025: Why Beijing Thinks It Can Beat Trump;
- Foreign Policy, 23 April 2025: America Will Miss Europe’s Dependence When It’s Gone.
Thus far, I had assumed that the American-China trade war would result in two losers. I did not believe in a zero-sum game (ie, winners vs losers). Today, it feels as if China could win this trade war. In my view, USA cannot – and will not – win this trade war. USA can only lose, despite its future victorious claims.
My arguments feels similar to these (translated) Dutch remarks by the Chief Economist at a Dutch bank:
What started as an ambitious promise by Elon Musk to decrease American government expenditure by 2,000 billion dollars, is ending in a meager 160 billion. A big disappointment, according to […], chief economist at […] . ‘This is an example of cooking the books in a foolish way.’
Source: BNR postcast, 29 April 2025. Note: translation Dutch to English by LO.
My 2nd curiosity item (ie, European dependence) was rather new to me. I suppose it had – indeed – occurred to me (once) but I preferred to ignore it – a.k.a. denial. However, I need to digest on this. I do wonder about (i) a European victim role, and/or (ii) Europe being an American freerider – even willingly.
“The cure to boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.”
A quote by Dorothy Parker (1893-1967), an American poet and writer, known for her wisecracks
Fly Like an Eagle (1976) by Steve Miller Band
band, lyrics, video, Wiki-band, Wiki-album+song
[Chorus 1]
Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future
Time keeps on slippin’, slippin’, slippin’
Into the future
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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