Thread by @EricRWeinstein

Let me tell you the secret as a US PhD in Math: the answer is under-compensation.

We got it into our head decades ago that we were entitled to STEM-serfs. So we started a rumor that our own US students are so dumb & lazy that we need STEM visas to protect us from our own kids.

https://twitter.com/forbesscience/status/1205015679944007680

Thus began one of the craziest lies in US history: the market couldn’t be used in STEM! Somehow, despite the theory that compensation should rise to direct our efforts, we started lying about scientist shortages. Math was now so critical that STEM PhDs should be practically free!

If Math & science are so critical, where are our young PhDs with country homes, sports cars, high ranking jobs, multiple offers from top employers at mouth watering levels inducing envy from lawyers, management consultants & investment bankers?

Now watch your reaction to that Q.

You‘re probably thinking: “Why should math & science folks need all those toys, money, security & freedom for their families? They should be happy to work for much less!”

Well the market says otherwise. The market says that analytic skills are fungible and we can’t accept that.

And with your reaction you have your answer: we have weirdly decided that STEM talent should work for our national wealth and security but should not unapologetically participate in the power, freedom and pleasure they provide for everyone else. They are STEM serfs to be used. 🙏

If you are interested in how this nauseating game has been played for decades and just how conscious the market tampering is, you should find this rather interesting. It is the national scandal that cannot be fully reported by any major news source:

users.nber.org/~sewp/referenc…