Conor Nolan
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cnolan94.bsky.social
Conor Nolan
@cnolan94.bsky.social
Avid reader and observer. Part-time philosopher.
Einstein once said on immigration:

“Unemployment is not decreased by restricting immigration.”

“Immigration increases consumption as much as it does demand on labour.”

Paraphrasing here: Immigration strengthens the internal economy of a sparsely populated country, and its defensive power.
January 18, 2025 at 11:16 AM
We have grown up to embrace indifference. We have learned to tolerate the intolerable.

We have been force fed and mislead into morally inept consumers. We are told what to think, how to feel and - more importantly - what to buy to slip us back into the abyss of indifference.

Change start with us.
January 17, 2025 at 9:46 PM
A beautiful speech to the pleasure of reading.

Although audiobooks are my great pleasure, they lack the tactility of books the allure of which Lyon skilfully conveys in his speech. I often dream of purchasing the physical copy to display proudly in a bookshelf.

At least the dreaming is free…
The History Place - Great Speeches Collection: William Lyon Phelps Speech - The Pleasure of Books
William Lyon Phelps (1865-1943) was an American educator, literary critic and author. He served as a professor of English at Yale University from 1901 to 1933. His works include Advance of the English Novel and Essays on Modern Dramatists. On April 6, 1933, he delivered this speech during a radio broadcast.
www.historyplace.com
January 16, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Reposted by Conor Nolan
The same dudes who fetishize the supposed lost strength and competence of their forefathers want computers to write their emails for them.
January 15, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Tech has the potential for so much good; it can allow us to connect, work and educate together.

Unfortunately, it is often used to numb the masses to benefit the few.

Rather than bringing us together, it polarises us.

Rather than informing us, it makes us more ignorant.

What have we gained?
January 16, 2025 at 7:51 AM
Many of us readily believe the myths of the rich.

How often are their comments genuinely for the betterment of humanity or society? Few practise what they preach; merely seeking to monetize their reputations to influence our opinions.

The rest of us would be held to account; why are they not?
January 15, 2025 at 8:19 AM
@bsky.app we have an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of Meta and X to create a safe and tolerant environment for the expression of free speech.

The moment we forget we are interacting with another person who feels, hopes and dreams like us, we are no longer the solution; but the problem.
January 14, 2025 at 1:13 PM
I admire the intent; but I this misses a core issue: seasonal rents and AirBnBs.

They reduce the supply of housing and inflate the rental market - particularly in Catalonia leaving locals unable to leave home or find a place to live.

Without addressing this issue, the problem will continue.
Spain plans 100% tax for homes bought by non-EU residents
The measure is meant to help tackle the country's housing crisis, the prime minister said.
www.bbc.com
January 14, 2025 at 7:51 AM
In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt warned of the dangers of character assassination that occurs in the media that spreads hate and spawns violence.

Roosevelt contended with newspapers. Today, face pocket “journalists” forgetting the pen is mightier than the sword.

Do not spread the hate, confront it.
January 13, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Reposted by Conor Nolan
Elon Musk has had a lot to say about the grooming gangs scandal. We looked at 24 hours on Musk's X timeline and found a range of false and misleading information being amplified. www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
Ros Atkins on...24 hours on Elon Musk's X timeline
The BBC's Analysis editor, Ros Atkins, investigates Elon Musk's recent posts on X about grooming gangs - and looks at how one day unfolded on his timeline.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 11, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are delicate topics.

They should be aimed to address social inequality to give everyone an opportunity in the workforce.

It should be a commitment to address the underlying issues in society; not distilled into quotas and arbitrary tic box exercises.
Apple board pushes against diversity rollback call
The tech giant has asked investors to reject a proposal from a conservative group to end its DEI policies.
www.bbc.com
January 13, 2025 at 6:58 AM
We have been witnesses to seismic cultural shifts in western society.

Attacks on the Rule of Law - established as a check to abuse of any one power of government - by elected officials.

Breaking of promises in the international sphere.

Have we forgotten to hold governments to account?
December 30, 2024 at 10:43 PM
It’s funny how we live in a time when we have more access to information than at any point in human history.

Yet, many of us are targeted by false news reports on social media platforms.

Taking a moderate “pinch of salt” approach to on social media must be our prudent first line of defence.
December 30, 2024 at 8:06 PM