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I was trying to understand the history a bit to maybe gain some insights as to what is happening today and where we might go, but in the end I realize it's hopeless, there has been too much of a paradigm shift. I don't understand the bases and the model of today's business world and economy. Fundamental principles and common sense don't seem to apply, and things seemingly have little basis in reality.

Failure seems to be regarded by tens of millions of dollars in "bonus" payments. Time was when a bonus was viewed as a reward for a job well done. Now, it seems, it is a payment for a job poorly done, or not done at all. Time was, the "reward" for failure to do your job well was firing. You didn't get a monetary payment, you got the gate, and that's it. Time was, when you took out a loan, you had to show a reasonable ability to repay. Now, they are handing out credit like candy. Doesn't make sense.

Time was when you owned stock you paid a broker and got a certificate of ownership. Now it's all electronic accounts and leveraged buyouts and bundled securities and derivatives. American automakers are going out of business not understanding why, when the simple fact is people won't pay the money being asked for the product being offered. But why this seemingly simple fact goes lacking for understanding is something I don't get. So they either cut costs and offer a lower price, or offer a better product for the price they are asking. Isn't that how business is supposed to work? It did when I was in private business in a "previous life". Maybe rediscovering our roots, our basic values, and the pleasure of simple things will be the way to do it. But there will be a lot of upheaval and dislocation getting there.