Ideas to Ponder June 22, 2025
How Virtue and Vice Affects Class
What makes a person virtuous, what habits are considered vices, and how much of it is driven by social class and financial standing. In this post, I dive into those topics. The common definition of a virtue are behaviors and values that lead to a better good in the long run, and vices are short term pleasures that lead to longer term negative consequences. On an absolute basis, what qualifies as a virtue and a vice seems clear. However, when applied to the real world it becomes murky.
First the vice or virtue has to be looked at versus alternative behaviors. Let’s use gaming as an example. Many people (particularly young men) have wasted some of their potential focusing their time and competitive energy into video games. However, the cost from gaming is far more mild compared to previous vices. If a gaming addiction prevented that same man from partaking in more harmful vices (such as drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc.) or more anti-social behavior (crime, broken family formation, etc.), then video games are still a net positive society. Data has shown that the increase in gaming has occurred at the same time as the decline in many of these other vices. Correlation does not prove causation, but the timing of these social shifts hint at some sort of connection. A vice with less negative externalities than previous ones like video games, still results in a net good.
Another consideration is class. Virtuous behavior and avoiding vices are more important to the middle classes whose economic standing rely on personal reputation. They also have enough to lose to be hurt from addiction, but not enough of a financial buffer to be unaffected by it. The rich and the poor for opposite reasons do not need to be concerned with virtue and vice as their wealth either insulates them from consequences or their lack of wealth and social standing gives them nothing to lose anyway.
What are your thoughts on how vice and virtue connect to class? Watch the three videos mentioned below for my full insights on these topics.
Related Media:
Does Playing Video Games Signify Low Social Class?
In this video, we explore how gaming has evolved from a hobby into a refuge for millions of low-income men—and what that says about modern society, work, and identity. We dive into labor force participation trends, social isolation, shifting aspirations, and whether video games are a harmless escape or a digital pacifier in a declining economic reality.
I remain bullish on video game companies for the foreseeable future. From an investment perspective, the trade is relatively simple. Going long video game companies is a proxy bet on men’s economic prospects declining (whether on absolute basis or a relative basis to women of the same age group). I would even argue that the gaming sector is more a “defensive” industry than many classic consumer staples industries such a fast food.
Class & Virtue: Which Social Class is the Most Moral?
Are the rich corrupted by power? Are the poor driven to vice by desperation? Or does the moral high ground belong to the middle class? In this provocative video, we explore how virtue varies across social strata—backed by data on marriage rates, substance abuse, charitable giving, and community engagement. Drawing from sociology, economics, and philosophy, we challenge assumptions about class and character, revealing why the middle class may not just be the economic backbone—but the ethical anchor—of society. Prepare to rethink your preconceptions.
Moral Degeneracy is Popular Because it's Affordable
Is moral degeneracy is popular because it's affordable? In this thought-provoking video, I delve into the intricate relationship between economic changes and social behavior. Explore the surprising connections as he uncovers how economic shifts drive societal trends. From the cost of living to behavioral choices, discover the profound impact on our lives. Subscribe for more insightful analyses on what really moves economies and markets.
Reminder Events in Cincinnati and Nashville!
I've added two events this summer in the middle of the country. The first one will be in Cincinnati Ohio on Saturday June 28th and in Nashville on Wednesday July 2nd. I look forward to seeing OH, KY, and TN based readers there!
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Love it as always! A pleasure to read the truth!