Watch full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18zpjpPNWRw

TL;DR

The world faces complex challenges that require collaboration, efficiency, and adaptability. From vaccine distribution to cryptocurrency regulation, each issue highlights the need for improved government-private sector partnerships, better crisis management strategies, and a deeper understanding of cultural influences. As technology evolves, so do the responsibilities of those who wield it, making the balance between innovation and regulation more crucial than ever.

Speaker Info

Patrick McKenzie: CEO, VaccinateCA
Dwarkesh Patel: Host, Podcast Host

Main Ideas

Vaccine distribution during COVID-19 exposed significant government inefficiencies and the need for better public-private collaboration.
Cryptocurrency's rapid growth raises questions about its societal impact and susceptibility to fraud, necessitating regulatory oversight.
Government surveillance efforts clash with individual privacy rights, with cryptocurrency offering a potential solution.
The tech industry's influence on society grows, prompting calls for responsible engagement in public policy and misinformation control.
Cultural and psychological factors significantly shape business practices, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in negotiation and entrepreneurship.
Post-mortem analyses are essential for continuous improvement in organizational performance and preventing future mistakes.
Balancing career ambitions with personal life responsibilities is crucial for overall well-being and sustainable success.

Jump Ahead

Vaccine Distribution Challenges During COVID-19
Vaccine Distribution Challenges
Government and Private Sector Collaboration
Government Inefficiency
Cryptocurrency Skepticism
Government Surveillance and Privacy
Tech Industry's Role in Society
Financial Reporting and Short Sellers
Cryptocurrency and Financial Fraud
Cultural and Psychological Factors in Business
Post-Mortem Analysis and Improvement
Career and Personal Life Balance

Detailed Analysis

Vaccine Distribution Challenges During COVID-19

Overview: Distributing COVID-19 vaccines in California and across the U.S. has been a real challenge. There hasn't been a coordinated strategy in place, which has led to a heavy reliance on non-governmental efforts to fill the gaps.

Government failed to create a centralized vaccine distribution system.

Without a coordinated strategy, the response relied heavily on amateur efforts and private initiatives such as Vaccinate CA.
Creating the system wasn't easy; there were both political and logistical hurdles to overcome.

Tech industry was not effectively utilized.

It's surprising that the tech sector, with all its capabilities, wasn't brought in to help with vaccine distribution.
Political pressures and the fallout from the January 6 events likely played a role in this reluctance.

Implications

To tackle future pandemics more effectively, we need to strengthen public health infrastructure and foster better collaboration between the government and tech industries.

Key Points

California's bureaucratic challenges: Vaccine distribution in California faced significant hurdles due to bureaucratic disputes over prioritization. This led to inefficiencies and delays in getting vaccines to those who needed them most. Analyzing these challenges is essential for improving public health responses in the future.
Amateur efforts on Discord: A group of amateurs on Discord came together to tackle the issue of vaccine availability tracking. They created a project that effectively filled the gap left by official channels. This grassroots initiative not only showcased the power of community collaboration but also highlighted how such efforts can play a crucial role in addressing public health challenges.
Underutilized tech industry: The government's approach to vaccine distribution overlooked the tech industry's potential contributions. This gap highlights the necessity for improved collaboration between these two sectors to enhance future public health responses.
Role of Vaccinate CA: When government efforts fell short, Patrick McKenzie and Vaccinate CA took the initiative to centralize vaccine location information. This private effort highlights the significant role that non-governmental organizations can play in addressing public health crises.
Lack of centralized government initiative: The lack of a centralized vaccine distribution system by federal and state governments led to chaos and inefficiency during the vaccination rollout. This situation underscores the critical need for coordinated government action in managing public health emergencies.

Vaccine Distribution Challenges

Overview: Distributing COVID-19 vaccines turned out to be a real challenge. Political and logistical hurdles made the rollout less efficient than hoped.

The U.S. government failed to manage vaccine distribution effectively.

California's low injection rate and minimal private industry involvement reveal some inefficiencies in the system.
Many people believe that the pandemic's unique and unexpected nature made it hard to foresee all the challenges it would bring.

Political disputes hindered efficient vaccine distribution.

People focused more on what to prioritize rather than how to do it efficiently.
It's important to prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, but we need to ensure that this doesn't slow down the distribution process.

Implications

To tackle future public health emergencies effectively, we might need to adopt more flexible and cooperative strategies for distribution and logistics.

Key Points

California's Low Injection Rate: California's vaccine distribution process is facing significant challenges, with only 25% of its allocated doses successfully injected. This inefficiency underscores the broader operational hurdles states encounter in managing vaccine distribution effectively.
"But the mad rush in our political system to dole out favors around the prioritization for those first vials exceeded the actual distribution and successful injection of the vials as a goal. Again, California reported to the federal government that it was only successfully injecting 25% of its allocation." - Patrick McKenzie
Political Bickering Over Prioritization: Vaccine distribution faced significant challenges due to a lack of a clear strategy, resulting in political disputes over prioritization. These disagreements not only slowed down the distribution process but also complicated efforts to ensure an efficient rollout.
Lack of Private Industry Involvement: The U.S. government's vaccine rollout could have benefited from greater collaboration with private industry. By leveraging private sector expertise, logistical efficiency and data management during the rollout might have significantly improved.
Logistical Challenges: Maintaining ultra-low temperatures for vaccine storage posed significant logistical challenges during distribution. These challenges are crucial as they directly affect both the viability of the vaccines and their accessibility to those in need.
Comparison with Other Countries: Israel's flexible vaccine policies effectively minimized wastage, showcasing how different strategies can lead to better outcomes in vaccination efforts.

Government and Private Sector Collaboration

Overview: Collaboration between government and private industry can be a game-changer for tackling large-scale logistical challenges. The COVID-19 vaccine distribution serves as a perfect example of how this partnership can work effectively.

The government failed to leverage private sector expertise during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

During the pandemic, the tech industry's expertise in data and logistics management wasn't fully utilized, leading to missed opportunities for more efficient responses.
Many people feel that working together was tough because of all the regulatory and bureaucratic red tape.

Successful historical collaborations provide a framework for future efforts.

During wartime, collaboration between the government and private sectors often leads to impressive results. This partnership has proven effective in mobilizing resources, streamlining production, and innovating solutions to meet urgent needs.
The pandemic brought about challenges that were completely new and unlike anything faced in previous collaborations.

Implications

To tackle future crises effectively, we'll need to combine the strengths of both the government and the private sector.

Key Points

The U.S. government did not effectively utilize private sector expertise during the vaccine rollout.: The government's failure to effectively integrate private sector resources and expertise into the vaccine distribution process represents a missed opportunity. This oversight not only hindered efficiency but also limited the overall effectiveness of the crisis response.
Historical examples exist where the government has successfully partnered with private industry.: Looking back at past crises, successful collaborations between the government and private sectors during wartime efforts stand out. These examples provide a valuable benchmark for potential future partnerships in addressing new challenges.
The tech industry could have played a significant role in solving data and logistical problems.: Tech giants like Google could have played a pivotal role in streamlining the vaccine rollout. Their expertise in complex data management and logistics would have addressed critical challenges, potentially improving overall outcomes.
There is a need for better models of government-private sector collaboration.: Current models for crisis management have proven inadequate, especially during the pandemic. This highlights the urgent need for developing robust collaboration frameworks to enhance our response to future crises.
The tech industry was underutilized despite its capabilities.: During the pandemic response, the potential contributions of tech companies were not fully leveraged. This underutilization highlights a significant gap in strategic crisis management.

Government Inefficiency

Overview: The U.S. government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic revealed some major inefficiencies. There's a growing consensus that improving state capacity is crucial to handle future crises more effectively.

The U.S. government's inefficiency in pandemic response was evident in vaccine distribution challenges.

At one point, California managed to successfully inject only 25% of its vaccine allocation.
Many people believe the pandemic's unprecedented nature created unique challenges that were hard to foresee.

Regulatory barriers significantly hindered the vaccine distribution process.

Navigating the bureaucratic system proved to be a challenge, even for seasoned professionals.
Regulations play a crucial role in ensuring safety and efficacy, but there's definitely room for streamlining them.

Implications

To tackle future public health crises and other emergencies effectively, boosting government efficiency and capacity will be essential.

Key Points

The U.S. government struggled with vaccine distribution and logistics.: COVID-19 vaccine distribution proved to be a major challenge for the government. Despite having ample supplies, states like California struggled with low vaccination rates. This situation underscores how logistical inefficiencies can hinder public health efforts during a crisis.
There was a lack of effective collaboration with private industry.: The government's struggle with vaccine distribution highlighted a missed opportunity for collaboration with private sector tech companies. By partnering with these innovators, the distribution process could have been streamlined, showcasing how private sector collaboration can enhance efficiency and innovation in crisis response.
Regulatory barriers hindered efficient vaccine distribution.: Complex regulatory systems have created significant hurdles in the efficient distribution of vaccines, complicating the process for healthcare providers. Streamlining these bureaucratic barriers is essential for enhancing the speed and effectiveness of emergency responses.
The government failed to learn from past crises and international examples.: Crisis management can greatly benefit from learning lessons from past experiences and successful international models. The lack of adaptation in recent responses, particularly in areas like the healthcare.gov rollout and vaccine distribution, highlights the need for a more agile and informed approach. By incorporating insights from previous crises and successful strategies from other countries, we can improve our ability to manage future challenges more effectively.
There is a need for better state capacity to handle emergencies.: The pandemic highlighted major flaws in the government's emergency management capabilities. This has underscored the urgent need to strengthen state capacity to ensure more effective responses to future public health crises and other large-scale emergencies.

Cryptocurrency Skepticism

Overview: Many people are questioning the true value and impact of cryptocurrency. There's a growing skepticism about whether its societal costs outweigh its benefits and if it really delivers on the utility it promises, especially considering the resources invested in it.

Cryptocurrency's market cap does not justify its societal cost.

The market cap hit an impressive $3 trillion, but it's still unclear what benefits this brings to society.
Just like the dot-com bubble paved the way for valuable internet infrastructure, some folks think crypto could do the same.

Crypto has not significantly banked the unbanked.

Achieving this goal isn't primarily hindered by the technology itself.
Many people believe that cryptocurrency still has the potential to promote financial inclusion.

Implications

If crypto doesn't live up to its promises, it might shake people's trust and investment in future technologies.
Successful crypto applications have the potential to revolutionize financial systems and lessen our reliance on traditional banking.

Key Points

Cryptocurrency's market cap reached $3 trillion at its peak.: There's an ongoing debate about the societal costs associated with a company's significant market cap. Many question whether this valuation truly reflects its societal benefit, highlighting a disparity between market valuation and its perceived impact on society.
Significant resources have been invested in crypto.: Investing in cryptocurrency mining involves significant resources like GPUs, electricity, and human talent. This raises important questions about the opportunity cost of these investments. By examining how these resources are allocated, we can better assess whether the overall investment in crypto mining is justified.
The actual utility and value produced by crypto are questioned.: Cryptocurrency was created to offer financial solutions, such as banking the unbanked. However, its real-world applications and benefits are under scrutiny. This evaluation is essential in determining whether crypto can truly fulfill its promises and reach its full potential.
Crypto is compared to the dot-com bubble.: Investing in cryptocurrency now could be like investing in the internet during the dot-com bubble. Just as those early investments led to the creation of valuable infrastructure, crypto investments might pave the way for future technological advancements. This analogy highlights the potential long-term impact of investing in emerging technologies.
Debate on crypto as a hedge against government overreach.: Cryptocurrency is seen by some as a way to break free from traditional financial systems, offering an alternative that could protect users from surveillance and control. This perspective highlights both the ideological and practical reasons driving the adoption of crypto.

Government Surveillance and Privacy

Overview: Government surveillance, especially in financial transactions, is a growing concern for many. Cryptocurrency emerges as a potential solution, offering a way to maintain privacy and reduce the impact of such oversight.

The banking system employs as many intelligence analysts as the American intelligence community.

Surveillance in the financial sector is on a massive scale.
Many people argue that surveillance is essential for preventing financial crimes.

Cryptocurrency can offer privacy and freedom from government control.

Cryptocurrency transactions offer a higher level of anonymity than traditional banking systems.
Many people are unsure if cryptocurrency can deliver on its promises because of regulatory hurdles and the risk of misuse.

Implications

AI and LLM advancements might boost government surveillance, leading to increased privacy concerns.
If cryptocurrency gains widespread adoption as a privacy-preserving alternative, it could shake up traditional financial systems.

Key Points

Financial Surveillance: The modern financial system operates under stringent monitoring due to AML and KYC regulations. Banks are required to track and report transactions, leading to a large-scale surveillance operation. This extensive oversight raises significant privacy concerns, highlighting the delicate balance between preventing financial crime and protecting individual privacy.
Tech Industry's Role: The tech industry's role in government-like functions is under scrutiny, particularly regarding surveillance and misinformation control. This ongoing debate raises important questions about the ethical boundaries and responsibilities of tech companies in relation to government oversight.
AI and Surveillance: AI and Large Language Models have the potential to significantly enhance government surveillance capabilities. This raises concerns about privacy, as future technological advancements could lead to increased monitoring of individuals.
Cryptocurrency as an Alternative: Cryptocurrency is gaining attention as a potential alternative to traditional financial systems. Many see it as a way to enhance privacy and reduce government control over financial transactions. This perspective highlights cryptocurrency's relevance in addressing growing concerns about privacy in the digital age.

Tech Industry's Role in Society

Overview: The tech industry plays a huge role in our society, impacting everything from government influence to how misinformation is controlled. Privacy concerns also come into play as technology continues to evolve.

Tech companies should not act as government proxies for misinformation control.

When tech companies get involved in government surveillance and information control, it raises important concerns about free speech and privacy.
Some people believe that tech companies, with their vast resources and global reach, are in a strong position to tackle misinformation and minimize its impact.

The tech industry must engage in public policy advocacy to responsibly navigate its societal role.

Patrick McKenzie highlights how crucial it is to engage responsibly with government and advocate for public policy.
Some people worry that tech companies might use their power to influence policies in ways that benefit them, rather than serving the public interest.

Implications

The tech industry's influence is set to grow, which may lead to more government oversight and challenges in finding the right balance between power and responsibility.

Key Points

Power and Influence: The tech industry wields significant influence over society, prompting important questions about its role and responsibilities. As its power continues to grow, understanding the extent of this influence becomes crucial in determining the industry's responsibilities and assessing the potential need for regulation.
Misinformation Control: The role of tech companies in controlling misinformation has sparked an ongoing debate. Should these companies act as gatekeepers of information, or does that responsibility infringe on free speech? This question becomes even more complex when considering the potential for these companies to serve as proxies for government interests. The ethical and practical implications of this situation are significant, raising concerns about censorship, bias, and the influence of powerful tech corporations on public discourse.
Government Overreach: There's growing concern about government overreach in using tech companies for information control and surveillance. This approach could infringe on constitutionally protected freedoms, particularly free speech. It highlights the ongoing tension between national security and individual liberties, a critical issue in democratic societies.
Balancing Power and Responsibility: The tech industry has the potential to create powerful systems, but it struggles to balance this power with its societal responsibilities. Finding this balance is crucial to ensure that technological advancements benefit society while upholding ethical standards.
Public Policy Advocacy: The tech industry must actively engage with government and advocate for public policy to navigate its societal role responsibly. This collaboration is essential for shaping policies that protect public interests while promoting innovation.

Financial Reporting and Short Sellers

Overview: Financial reporting, especially in the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrency and banking, comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Short sellers play a crucial role in uncovering financial fraud, but their task is far from easy.

Short sellers provide an enormous service by uncovering financial fraud.

Short sellers play a crucial role in keeping the market honest. Their financial motivation to expose fraud helps maintain market integrity.
Short selling can be a tricky game. Many short sellers struggle because financial instruments are complex, and not everyone has the expertise needed to navigate them.

Financial reporting is too reliant on repeating statements from influential figures without verification.

Reporters often struggle to verify complex financial statements, especially when it comes to the cryptocurrency sector.
By enhancing verification processes and building expertise, we can reduce our dependence on external sources.

Implications

Better financial reporting and more effective short selling could make the market more transparent and help reduce financial fraud.

Key Points

Financial reporting is challenging, especially when it comes to verifying statements made by influential figures.: Financial reporters face significant challenges in accurately verifying statements from CEOs and influential figures in the complex world of cryptocurrency. This difficulty arises from the intricate nature of financial instruments in this space. Ensuring accurate reporting is essential for maintaining market transparency and integrity.
Short sellers have an economic incentive to uncover financial fraud but often fail to detect it.: Short sellers are crucial for maintaining financial integrity, as they help expose fraud. However, their efforts are often hampered by the complexity of financial instruments and the specialized knowledge required in areas like bitcoin micro mechanics.
The complexity of financial instruments and the need for expertise in areas like bitcoin micro mechanics make it difficult for short sellers to succeed.: Short sellers play a crucial role in exposing financial fraud, but they often struggle with the complexities of financial instruments. Navigating these intricacies is essential for effective fraud detection and making informed trading decisions.
There is a call for more rigorous financial reporting and investigation into statements made by CEOs and other influential figures.: To enhance accuracy and transparency in financial reporting, a more thorough investigation and verification of statements is essential. This rigorous approach not only prevents misinformation but also boosts market trust.
The role of short sellers is seen as crucial in maintaining financial integrity, yet they face significant obstacles.: Short sellers play a crucial role in uncovering fraud in the financial markets. However, they face significant challenges in tracing financial transactions and verifying statements. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for ensuring effective market oversight.

Cryptocurrency and Financial Fraud

Overview: The cryptocurrency market has shown some serious vulnerabilities to financial fraud. Notable examples include the Mt. Gox hack and the controversial activities of Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF).

Cryptocurrency markets are prone to fraud due to lack of regulation.

Mt. Gox and SBF's actions serve as prime examples of financial mismanagement and manipulation.
Many people believe that too much regulation could hinder innovation in the cryptocurrency industry.

Sophisticated financial maneuvers can exploit market vulnerabilities.

SBF's intricate financial maneuvers show just how some people can skillfully navigate and even manipulate the system.
Smart financial strategies can spark positive innovations and improve efficiencies.

Implications

Tighter regulations and more oversight might just make the cryptocurrency market more stable and secure.

Key Points

Susceptibility to Fraud: Cryptocurrency markets, with their complex structures and minimal regulation, are particularly susceptible to financial fraud. Recognizing this vulnerability is essential for creating effective strategies to protect investors and stabilize the market.
Mt. Gox Example: Mt. Gox serves as a cautionary tale in the cryptocurrency world, illustrating the severe consequences of financial mismanagement and insolvency. This case underscores the potential for significant financial losses when cryptocurrency exchanges are not properly managed.
Role of SBF: Sam Bankman-Fried stands out as a sophisticated player in the cryptocurrency world, navigating complex financial maneuvers. His activities highlight the fine line between innovation and manipulation in this rapidly evolving market.
Money Laundering: Money laundering in cryptocurrency transactions has become a significant concern, underscoring the need for increased scrutiny in this area. Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring the legitimacy and security of cryptocurrency markets.
Need for Regulation: There's a growing call for more regulation and oversight in the cryptocurrency market. This move aims to prevent fraud and protect investors, which could ultimately mitigate risks and boost investor confidence in this volatile market.

Cultural and Psychological Factors in Business

Overview: Cultural and psychological factors play a big role in shaping business practices, especially when it comes to negotiation and entrepreneurship.

Cultural attitudes towards money influence business practices.

Cultural differences shape how resources are gathered and negotiations are conducted, influencing business strategies across the globe.
Some people believe that personal traits and differences can have a bigger impact than cultural influences.

Psychological factors like confidence are crucial for negotiation success.

Readers who applied negotiation strategies saw their salaries increase significantly, according to Patrick McKenzie.
Access to negotiation opportunities isn't the same for everyone.

Implications

Being more aware of cultural and psychological factors can help businesses adopt more inclusive and effective practices.

Key Points

Cultural attitudes towards money and negotiation: Cultures around the world have diverse attitudes towards money and negotiation, which can greatly influence business practices. While some cultures embrace a pro-capitalist mindset, promoting resource accumulation and negotiation, others approach these concepts with skepticism. Recognizing these differences is crucial for tailoring effective business strategies in various cultural contexts.
Distinction between pro-capitalist and skeptical cultures: Cultures vary in their attitudes toward capitalism, with some embracing it and others remaining skeptical of resource accumulation. This cultural divide significantly influences how businesses operate and strategize in different environments.
Psychological factors in business success: Confidence and a willingness to negotiate play vital roles in achieving business success. When individuals are encouraged to negotiate and recognize their own value, it can lead to improved economic outcomes for everyone involved.
Cultural narratives in the tech industry: Cultural narratives play a significant role in shaping the tech industry, particularly the 'nerd vs. jock' distinction. These perceptions influence behaviors and interactions within the industry. By understanding these narratives, individuals can navigate the tech landscape more effectively and enhance their chances of success.
Encouragement of negotiation: Negotiating effectively and recognizing the value of one's work can significantly improve economic outcomes. This approach empowers individuals to secure higher salaries and better job conditions.

Post-Mortem Analysis and Improvement

Overview: Looking back at our past actions can really help us understand what worked and what didn't. By analyzing our experiences, we can learn valuable lessons that improve our future performance. This process involves asking questions, documenting what we've learned, and making changes to avoid repeating mistakes.

Post-mortem analysis is crucial for continuous improvement.

Patrick McKenzie highlights how crucial it is to ask structured questions and keep thorough documentation.
If mistakes aren't handled constructively, there's a chance of job loss.

Structured inquiries should involve all relevant stakeholders.

Bringing in different viewpoints helps us understand issues more fully.
Finding the right balance between conducting a thorough analysis and managing available resources can be quite tricky.

Implications

When we enhance our systems and processes, we can achieve better results and reduce the chances of making mistakes in the future.

Key Points

Conducting a post-mortem analysis to understand the outcomes of past actions.: Examining past events helps us understand the factors that led to current outcomes, both good and bad. This reflection is essential for learning from our experiences and preventing similar mistakes in the future.
Identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes in the system.: Post-mortem analysis plays a crucial role in identifying areas for process enhancement, driving continuous improvement. This approach not only boosts efficiency and effectiveness but also supports organizational growth and competitiveness.
The importance of documenting experiences truthfully and comprehensively.: Accurate documentation plays a crucial role in capturing all relevant information, which in turn enhances analysis and decision-making. By maintaining comprehensive records, organizations promote transparency and accountability.
The potential impact on employment when addressing mistakes.: Identifying mistakes in the workplace can be a double-edged sword. While it's essential for improvement, focusing too much on individual blame can create job insecurity among employees. Striking a balance between accountability and maintaining employee morale is crucial for fostering a healthy work environment.
The need for a structured inquiry involving all parties.: Involving all relevant stakeholders in discussions brings diverse perspectives to the table, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the issues. This inclusive approach not only fosters robust solutions but also ensures buy-in from all parties involved.

Career and Personal Life Balance

Overview: Finding the right balance between chasing career goals and nurturing personal life can be a real juggling act. This theme dives into how professional ambitions intersect with family responsibilities and personal growth.

Balancing career and personal life is essential for well-being.

After years of dedicating herself to her career, McKenzie has decided to take a semi-sabbatical to spend more time with her family.
Finding the right balance in life can be tough, especially with societal pressures and work commitments pulling us in different directions.

Implications

Finding a better balance can make our personal lives more fulfilling and help us build sustainable career paths.

Key Points

Patrick McKenzie's semi-sabbatical and focus on family.: Patrick McKenzie has decided to take a semi-sabbatical to focus on his family, especially after relocating from Japan to the United States. This choice underscores the importance of intentionally prioritizing personal life after years of career dedication.
The challenges of adjusting to life in a new country.: Adjusting to a new cultural environment can be a complex process, especially for families. It often requires support and adaptation from all family members. Recognizing these challenges is essential for anyone going through similar transitions, as it can help ease the adjustment period and foster a smoother integration into the new culture.
The importance of rebalancing career and personal life.: After dedicating himself to his career for so long, McKenzie is now shifting his focus to achieve a better work-life balance. This rebalancing act is crucial for his long-term well-being and fulfillment.
Exploration of future professional opportunities.: McKenzie is exploring the possibility of raising a small VC fund as a way to embrace new opportunities while striving to maintain a balanced life. This approach reflects a desire to keep her career dynamic and fulfilling.
The impact of past career focus on current personal life.: McKenzie is reevaluating his life priorities after reflecting on the impact of his past career-driven decisions. This situation highlights how choices made in one's professional life can significantly influence personal life decisions.