In recent explorations, I've delved into introductory microeconomics, game theory, and related subjects. Among the plethora of fascinating concepts, I was particularly intrigued by foundational theories such as the Nash equilibrium. This piqued my curiosity and led me to contemplate and consolidate my thoughts, prompting the creation of this article.Game theory, a mathematical study of strategic decision-making, delves into the concept of Nash equilibrium. Nash equilibrium represents a scenario in which no player can unilaterally improve their position by changing their strategy. However, this equilibrium does not always align with the socially optimal outcome, which maximizes collective welfare.John Nash (1928-2015)The Nash equilibrium is a central idea in game theory because it represents a point where players’ expectations are met, and no one has anything to gain by changing their strategy alone. It is named after John Nash, who demonstrated that every finite game has at least one Nash equilibrium, possibly in mixed strategies.In the scenario depicted, if both players choose to “Confess,” they each receive a payoff of 3. This outcome, while not the most beneficial for either player, represents a Nash Equilibrium. It’s a stable state where neither Alice nor Bob can improve their situation by changing their strategy unilaterally, assuming the other’s strategy remains unchanged. This equilibrium is not the optimal collective outcome, which would be achieved if both players chose to “Deny,” resulting in a payoff of 2 for each. However, the fear of receiving the lowest payoff (1) if the other player betrays them (by confessing while they deny) drives both players to choose “Confess,” leading to a mutually worse outcome of 3 each.The Nash Equilibrium here illustrates a significant problem: rational individuals might not cooperate, even when it seems that cooperation would be in their best interest. This paradox is evident in various real-world situations where individual incentives lead to collective suboptimal outcomes, such as in competitive business environments, political negotiations, or public goods dilemmas. The Prisoner’s Dilemma thus serves as a powerful tool for understanding strategic interactions in economics, politics, and sociology, highlighting the complexity of human decision-making processes.The Nash equilibrium has profound implications beyond theoretical models. It has been applied to various fields, including economics, politics, and biology. For instance, it helps explain market behaviors in oligopolies, voting strategies in elections, and even the behavior of species in an ecosystem.However, it’s important to note that Nash equilibrium does not necessarily result in the optimal outcome for all players involved. It simply means that given the current strategies, no one player can do better by changing their strategy alone. This can lead to situations where all players are worse off than if they could somehow coordinate and agree on a different set of strategies—a concept known as Pareto inefficiency.In real-world scenarios, achieving Nash equilibrium can be complex due to the multitude of factors influencing decision-making. Communication, trust, and the potential for future interactions can all play a role in whether players adhere to the equilibrium or seek to deviate in pursuit of better outcomes.Unlike the notion posited by Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations or An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations that individuals pursuing self-interest will lead to the best societal outcomes, Nash's theory suggests that people in real life do not always act in a way that leads to the greatest collective benefit. Even though individuals may share a common goal, they may be pulling in different directions. Therefore, the summation of individual interests does not necessarily equate to the overall welfare of society. In the realm of game theory, it is crucial to consider the decisions of each participant, as optimizing personal decisions does not always guarantee the best overall outcome.Just like the classic "prisoner's dilemma," game theory presents an abstract and simplified model of real-life scenarios. While models can shed light on certain real-world issues, the complexity of real-life situations far surpasses that of theoretical models. The prisoner's dilemma exemplifies the conflict between individual rationality and collective benefit, where cooperation may be collectively rational but individually irrational.In essence, the Nash equilibrium exemplified in the prisoner's dilemma showcases the paradox where individual rationality leads to a suboptimal outcome for all parties involved. This highlights the challenge of reconciling self-interest with the well-being of society as a whole. However, game theory provides strategies such as repeated interaction, communication, and reputation-building to navigate these challenges and encourage cooperation.Nevertheless, game theory offers mechanisms like repeated interactions, communication, and reputation management to mitigate these challenges and foster cooperation. Understanding the interplay between Nash equilibrium and social welfare enriches our comprehension of strategic decision-making. It prompts us to seek a balance between individual actions and communal benefits amidst the dense network of strategic dependencies. Through this perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties inherent in strategic choices and their impact on both individual and collective prosperity
Ever since I was a child, my father instilled in me the notion that traveling ten thousand miles is as essential as reading ten thousand books. As a young and inexperienced individual, I couldn't fully grasp the depth of his words. The value of reading and the significance of travel eluded me at that time.However, with each passing year, I've come to appreciate the profound impact that travel can have on one's life. Travel isn't just about exploring the world; it's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.Travel is a voyage to beauty. Each journey unveils a little more of the world's grandeur, allowing us to expand our horizons in a state of tranquility and delight. Whether it's witnessing breathtaking natural landscapes or immersing oneself in diverse cultures, travel offers an opportunity to marvel at the wonders that surround us. From diving into the depths of the sea to scaling mountain peaks or traversing through canyons, we are bestowed with the privilege of experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty bestowed upon us by our generous creator. Furthermore, traveling to different countries or regions enables us to partake in local festivals and celebrations, exposing us to the captivating allure of diverse cultures. Regardless of the path we choose, the truth remains unchanged: travel grants us a fresh perspective to appreciate the beauty that lies beyond ourselves.Travel is also a journey inward. Stepping out of our comfort zones and embarking on new adventures forces us to confront our preconceptions and broaden our understanding of the world. Each encounter with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds enriches our lives, offering insights into values and beliefs that may have previously been foreign to us. Their unique perspectives and life experiences serve as catalysts for personal growth, prompting us to reevaluate our own convictions and aspirations. Indeed, the most rewarding aspect of travel lies in the realization that there is an abundance of wonders waiting to be discovered both externally and internally.Only through embracing the dual journey of expanding our knowledge of the external world and delving into the depths of our own minds can we truly evolve as individuals. As we navigate through the tapestry of experiences that travel offers, we emerge as better, more enlightened beings.
Genes and memes are the fundamental units of biological and cultural transmission respectively. Genes, encoded in DNA, are passed down from parents to offsprings through the process of reproduction. This transmission is vertical and ensures that the typical traits of the last generation can be inherited directly by the next one. Memes, in contrast, are ideas or behaviors that spread within a culture through certain special medium, such as communication, imitation, and other forms of social interaction, characterizing horizontal transmission. According to Daniel Dennett, the fidelity of gene transmission is largely due to the precise mechanisms of cell division and sexual reproduction, which replicate genetic sequences constantly. Memes, however, thrive on adaptability. They gain their popularity and evolution as they pass from person to person, adapting to various contexts and different environment. Their flexibility allows them to be spread easily and widely, without being obstructed by geographical or cultural boundaries.While vertical transmission is a highly controlled and sometimes predictable process, horizontal transmission is dynamic and changing all the time. The characteristics of memes make them spread like wildfire, reaching and being accepted by a vast audience in a short period.The transmission of genes and memes reveals the complexity of information transfer in certain systems. But both play crucial roles in shaping individuals and societies at the end of the day.
La La Land is a cinematic masterpiece that resonates with me on a profound level, compelling me to revisit its story almost annually. The allure of this film transcends the captivating jazz melodies — my preferred musical expression — or the mesmerizing landscapes of California it so vividly portrays. At its heart, La La Land is an ode to the relentless pursuit of one's aspirations, with a theme that emphatically celebrates the spirit of individualism.The narrative that unfolds in La La Land is far from a sorrowful tale of love. Rather, I find its conclusion to be remarkably inspiring. The film's central figures, Mia and Sebastian, are the quintessential personifications of the American dream seekers depicted on the silver screen. One harbors a fervent passion for jazz, aspiring to rekindle interest in this musical genre, while the other dreams of stardom in the acting world. Both are magnetically drawn to Los Angeles, the fabled city where dreams are chased and sometimes realized. Their odyssey is a tapestry woven with threads of uncertainty and confidence, joy and despair—reflecting the collective experience of all who dare to dream. The journey of a dreamer is fraught with challenges. In moments when the world seems to crumble, leaving one in the depths of desolation, how does one emerge from the shadows and continue to hold fast to their dreams? La La Land suggests that love is the beacon that guides one through the darkness.It is the profound soul connection between Mia and Sebastian, partly ignited by their mutual adoration for jazz, that draws them inexorably together. Their love provides a sanctuary of understanding and warmth, enabling them to bolster one another as they each stride towards the fulfillment of their individual dreams.Many viewers have expressed a sense of melancholy over the film’s denouement, feeling that the unresolved differences and opportunities lost mar the beauty of the romance. Yet, I contend that our focus should not linger on what might have been, but rather find comfort in the characters' personal growth and the realization of their dreams. The most enchanting love stories are those in which we become witnesses to each other's evolution, without forsaking our own destined paths.
An Example of Hofstede’s Six Cultural Dimensions
In his insightful work, Richard Nisbett delves into the contrasting cognitive styles that have historically distinguished Eastern and Western thought. Ancient Greek philosophy, with its penchant for logic, sought to strip subjects from their contexts to forge a stable worldview. In stark contrast, ancient Chinese thought, through dialecticism, embraced the complexity of events, accepting contradictions and focusing on the interconnectivity of relationships. Nisbett's observations offer a compelling commentary on the current state of logic education within China, sparking a personal reflection on its apparent scarcity.Drawing from my own experiences, I've observed a notable divergence in the educational emphasis on logic when comparing Chinese students to their Western counterparts. This observation is not a commentary on the intellectual capabilities across cultures but rather highlights the different approaches to problem-solving that are deeply rooted in distinct cultural philosophies. The diminished focus on logic within the Chinese education system can be attributed to several factors: a societal preference for emotional rapport, the Confucian values that prioritize harmony and loyalty within interpersonal relationships, and perhaps most significantly, the relentless pursuit of success within a test-centric educational framework.Despite the rich tradition of logical thought in ancient China, its conspicuous absence in modern education warrants a thoughtful examination of the societal forces at play. My recent foray into D.Q. McInerney's "Being Logical — A Guide to Good Thinking" has further solidified my understanding of logic as an indispensable tool. McInerney employs accessible examples to elucidate fundamental logical theories and principles, underscoring the notion that logic extends beyond mere reasoning; it is a vital instrument in the quest for truth. Logic remains an essential component for anyone seeking to cultivate clear, efficient thought processes and to engage in effective communication across the myriad interactions of daily life. It is with this conviction that I advocate for a reinforced commitment to logic education within today's curricula, extending even to the prospect of lifelong learning in logic. Such an initiative is not only necessary but also holds profound implications for the intellectual and societal advancement of future generations.试着读读呢？Hofstede-Cultural-Dimensions-1.docxHofstede-Cultural-Dimensions-2.docx
在过去的许多英文写作练习中，笔者曾一度将[-]、[–]和[—]，甚至[——]等符号的使用混为一谈，闹了不少笑话。于是化悲愤为力量，在经过一番激情的网上冲浪之后，笔者决定将学到的知识稍作总结，如下分享。希望大家能引以为戒，多加了解，在今后的写作及翻译练习中少走些弯路。首先是比较难和其他几种搞混的[-]，即hyphen，中文叫做连字符。其主要用在以下几种情况：1、行末单词换行，例如We, therefore, the represen-tatives of the United Statesof America…2、连接前缀与后缀，例如co-workeranti-intellectual3、连接复合词的各个组成部分，例如22-year-old man4、分隔数字，例如Tel: 585-362-4115hyphen的输入十分简单，在英文输入法状态下，按下字母键盘0键右边或者数字键盘右上角的“减号”键即可。需要注意的是，hyphen的前后均不需要加空格。接着就是我们不太熟悉的[–]，en-dash，即连接号，或短破折号，其长度等同于大写字母N，稍长于连字符，而又稍短于em-dash。en-dash通常用来表示范围、联系、比例等，如：June–July 19671:00–2:00 p.m.China lost Korea at 0–1.也可以用来构成部分复合词，而在这方面，它与连字符hyphen的区别在于，hyphen连接两个或多个单词构成复合词，例如常见的cutting-edge、over-capacity等；而en-dash在此之上，连接复合词构成新的复合词。如：an e-book–only publisher (在“e-book”基础上构建的更为复杂的复合词)要想输入en-dash，可以按ctrl加数字­键盘右上角的“减号”键。如果是87键的，除了使用字符代码，还可以在单词后输入“空格+连字符+空格”，在后一个单词输入完成后连字符就会自动变为en-dash。不过在使用后一种方法时我们要注意，en-dash前后也是不需要加空格的，因此需要在随后将前后的空格删除。最后就是[—]，em-dash，即破折号了。其长度等于大写字母 M，使用方法与中文的破折号（——）类似，即表示插入、说明、语音的延长和思想的变化等。在英文句子中，它可以代替逗号连接插入语，也可以代替冒号或括号表示解释说明。要想输入em-dash。第一种是在英文输入法下，在单词后直接输入两个hyphen并直接输入下一个单词，不需要加空格，输入完成后两个hyphen会直接变成em-dash；另一种则是在键盘上按下“ctrl+alt+数字键盘上的减号键”可直接生成。而说到em dash，有关含有em dash句子的翻译方法也曾困扰过笔者很久，感兴趣的朋友们可以看看这篇文章，总结的很全面。https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/48915438