Enduring ideas💡 that matter ☕ to you. The Easy Existentialist

This podcast analyzes the  erosion of democratic stability  caused by extreme wealth inequality and the rapid advancement of  artificial intelligence . Author Donald Harvey Marks argues that concentrated capital has transformed the United States into a  plutocracy , where elite interests supersede the needs of the average citizen. This economic shift creates a  "pathology of despair,"  characteriz...

From subtle disinformation campaigns to the fabrication of political reality, deepfakes are rapidly evolving from a technical curiosity into a severe threat to democratic elections, particularly in the United States. In this newest version 2 of my 2019 article on Deep Fakes, now version 2, I examine the sophisticated new tools and predictive analytics being used to manipulate voter behavior. This...

From subtle disinformation campaigns to the fabrication of political reality, deepfakes are rapidly evolving from a technical curiosity into a severe threat to democratic elections, particularly in the United States. In this newest version 2 of my 2019 article on Deep Fakes, now version 2, I examine the sophisticated new tools and predictive analytics being used to manipulate voter behavior. This...

I examine the widespread issue of  planned obsolescence , specifically focusing on Microsoft's decision to end  Windows 10 support  in October 2025. Helping me is AI which creates a two-way narrative based on my research and personal viewpoint. This transition forced a massive hardware turnover because many existing computers lack the  TPM 2.0 chips  and specific  CPU requirements  necessary to of...

This conversation draws on my analysis covering general questions regarding  major economic and societal challenges . Common themes include the  analysis of wealth and income inequality , lack of affordability, critiques of prevailing economic systems , and  the disruptive impact of technological change , particularly concerning  Universal Basic Income in a post-labor economy, its application to ...

Review  by Donald Harvey Marks concerning Viktor Shvets' fantastic recent book: The Twilight Before the Storm . I  analyze the book's central arguments , which posit that the world is in a dangerous transitional period marked by the  decline of neoliberalism - an ideology rooted in free-market capitalism that sounds reasonable, but went astray. Helping me is AI which creates a two-way narrative ba...

The United States healthcare system faces a dual crisis of unsustainable spending and suboptimal outcomes. Despite spending nearly one-fifth of its GDP—approximately $4.8 trillion in 2023—on healthcare, the U.S. ranks last among ten high-income nations in health equity, access, and outcomes. I propose a cogent, six-point reform strategy designed to restore systemic health by mandating universal pa...

The United States healthcare system faces a dual crisis of unsustainable spending and suboptimal outcomes. Despite spending nearly one-fifth of its GDP—approximately $4.8 trillion in 2023—on healthcare, the U.S. ranks last among ten high-income nations in health equity, access, and outcomes. I propose a cogent, six-point reform strategy designed to restore systemic health by mandating universal pa...

Elitists, Neoconservatives, Neoliberals, and Globalists are all political ideologies that hold distinct beliefs and values. Knowing the differences is essential to starting a thoughtful discussion. It really helps, having been a child progeny. LMK your reactions

I examine various contemporary and historical issues through the lens of social, political, and moral critique. I cover the history of antisemitism at UCLA, distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israeli policy and anti-Zionism that devolves into antisemitic tropes, and note that modern antisemitism often originates from liberal or leftist political spheres. I give an ethical and rhetorica...

How neuroimaging techniques, like functional MRI, can be used to interpret thoughts.

Donald Harvey Marks asks: Are we really in a Financial meltdown? It sure seems like it to me, an educated non-economist. And at this very moment, I believe we are in what can best be called a “false lull” or deceptive calm before a major financial setback, either a recession or possibly a full depression.  The full economic consequences of current policies — especially tariffs, debt expansion, and...

Donald Harvey Marks asks: With all the uncertainty and turmoil in our lives, many have wondered whether there is meaning to the world, and whether, as Einstein said, God Truly Does Play Dice With The Universe. In many ways, Einstein and his findings of Relativity can help us answer this important question. What are the causes? See my related articles on Spotify, and on my personal blog www. DHMark...

Donald Harvey Marks examines various contemporary and historical issues through the lens of social, political, and moral critique. One of his writings on Substack and on his personal blog www. DHMarks.blogspsot.com scrutinizes the history of antisemitism at UCLA, distinguishing between legitimate criticism of Israeli policy and anti-Zionism that devolves into antisemitic tropes, and notes that mod...

A short discussion of what are deepfakes, how are they made, what dangers do they pose to our freedom? Full text and references at https://bit.ly/3GZJdXh 

A discussion of the term Woke, what it means to be Woke, the history of Wokeness, and why I am not. This written episode along with references is found at https://bit.ly/3Fd7fPy 

Short but essential discussion of what and who are the Elitists, the Neocons, The Neolibs and The Globalists.  My personal and ever-evolving detailed lists of each group are found at https://bit.ly/3Fa4wqb 

Existential poetry from the collection: Transit States, by Donald Marks, available on Amazon and Kindle

Do I have the flu or COVID-19? How to tell the difference and what to do

The public has a right and a need to know the results of all clinical data. Particularly in this time of COVID-19, with many therapeutic and vaccine clinical trials going forward, the public must know the results of clinical studies, whether there are Adverse Events from Therapeutics in order to make informed decisions. The public must know that vaccines have been adequately tested for safety and...

One of a series of podcasts presented on Henry Kissinger, conflicted Jew and former Secretary of State and National Security advisor. Was he an agent for good or an evil war criminal? The greatest Secretary of State of our time? Only time will tell but I offer a number of different perspectives on this subject. In addition to Kissinger, other people discussed include Mao, Secretary of Defense Jame...

Personal reflections on the meaning of time, mortality, immortality, influencing the present and the future, and many other things that are dear to me. What I have not told my family about my shrinking amount of available time, with a sprinkling of poetry, segments from the movie Groundhog Day, and a Star Trek Voyager episode. Read by Donald H. Marks. Personal blog page: https://bit.ly/3bJinSR I h...

Reflections on how best to achieve childhood health, the overall role of vaccines, social justice, and the legacy of Dr Jonas Salk and pandemics.

This podcast discusses the early history of Einstein's life, his key concepts and where they fit into both history and ethics. I then address whether some or all ethical decisions have moral absolutes or are simply relative to their context, "whatever."

In this Soliloquy or internal monologue from Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Hamlet shares his inner feelings thoughts and plans for the future after his father's foul and most unnatural murder. My Explainer and context added.