Joseph Stiglitz Road to freedom, Edinburgh book festival 2024

 

 

Stiglitz is a Nobel Laureate,  worked for the world bank and a chief economist under Clinton -  His new book, Road to Freedom, looks at the role of the state and the idea of freedom, and his theories of Progressive Capitalism. That there are no free market he said, we have the rule of law, property – there are always trade offs. He recommends that the enlightenment of 250 years ago should be taught in schools. It’s the reason we live better today.  

He is critical of both Milton Friedman and of Friedrich Hayek and his book Road to Serfdom (1944), being taught at Stanford, and who influenced both Reagan and Thatcher in the 80s.  “Keynesian economic markets have failed, with one out-of-four unemployed. Government spending could improve economy. . retirement security made a difference and the NHS. In America the private sector has failed, with 20% GDP on worse healthcare outcomes.” Friedman argues that government’s greater role and social benefit will lead to authoritarianism."  He talked of Authoritarian capitalism, when counties have too little. By contrast in the Nordic countries, there is the strongest support for democracy.  

He spoke of American ideology and mythology around freedoms and the American revolution. Slaves are not free. And who is going to rule? What do we mean by freedom? What do we mean by freedom to do?. Recapture the nation. Freedom for potential and to achieve. 

“Should everyone have the right to own an aK47 – means others loose their freedom to live. There is also the freedom from fear. Every school now teaches what to do if a gunman enters the school. Which freedoms are more important? Freedom to live is more important.”

 

He spoke of examples – such as traffic lights, that take away your freedom and are restraints. “In a city if there are no stop lights there is chaos. Therefore traffic lights give people more freedom to do. The recent Pandemic – there were good vaccines paid for by government, a quick response. People have to pay taxes, taxes are a restraint. Some restraints will increase freedoms.”

His book looks at the issues around capitalism and freedoms. He argues that the Keynesian theories that free markets are efficient and lead to democratic markets, is disingenuous. He spoke of Pinochet in Chile – who was advised to force radical ideas on banking – but it will take twenty years to get out of the mess!   “These theories are about creating inequality, to exploit. Free to choose. Free to Exploit. No competition laws. These ideas were wrong – economically wrong. Freidman was very successful selling an idea of unrestrained markets. 

Neo Liberalism)- for successful economies and Thatcher/ Reagan followed. That market forces would lower costs. That profits will increase by scamming people and maximising profit and this is not a well being society.” Bankers get rich.

He spoke of the influence of Adam Smith (the great enlightenment theorist here in Edinburgh) and the invisible hand, will lead to successful societies. The force for innovation. And why you need regulation to direct that force. That the markets are not operating adequately. 

Stiglitz spoke of the impacts of the Scottish enlightenment thought. “How do we reason about society. We need checks and balances – and no government is perfect.  We need Collective administrations and restraints. And then we can expand everyone’s freedoms. Books 1 to 3 – unregulated: Books 4 to 5 – Role of the state.”

Clinton and Blair, followed this free market thinking. “Clinton felt their pain”. But the de-regulation of the Banking system led to the Banking crisis of 2008. The banks made a lot of money. 

Why haven’t Progressive ideas won?” “Neoliberal ideas are very profitable for a few people. Climate crisis, poverty crisis. Unrestrained markets are problematic. Failings are now so great, that Progressives might have a moment. But disaffected areas are moving to support Trump – but Trickle–down economics has failed; socialism has failed, communism has failed.”

**QUESTIONS

Are you hopeful?  - His book is based on the hope that this battle can be won. He spoke of his theories of Progressive Capitalism. Governments owning means of production, and that control management, requires too much information. We must de-centralize – for care economy and to innovate. Progressive ideas can be ideologically complex. He spoke of the growth of misinformation. And the struggle between individual rights as opposed to collective rights.

Deficits? - Two thirds trade surplus economies: one third trade deficit economies. Sum of deficits, equals sum of surpluses. He advocates a Global Reserve Currency. Deficient global demand. There is deficient global demand. 

Are Enlightenment ideas settled? – Only absorbed by a minority of the population. The education system should explain the enlightenment of 250 years ago. It’s the reason we live better today.  

Does every society need an underclass? - More people locked up here  in Britain then any other developed country -  and 25% to 30% are from children’s homes. “Some degree inequality is inevitable – but we don’t need such extreme inequality. There is 20% poverty in America.. In equality is a choice.. Biden has reduced childhood poverty with programs he introduced.”

 

Future Images at EIBF 2024

 

Now at the historic and impressive Futures institute, recently renovated. I met the architect last year, who was in my art class at Trinity. The building was once Edinburgh’s Royal infirmary. Behind the building is a wide open grassy area, with light flooding the more modern window structures. The futures Institute has wonderful light flowing in the open expanses on it south sides and attractive exposed solid stone work. Perfectly restored. It’s a long, narrow building: now part of the Edinburgh university  

How can Scotland and UK be tech or AI leaders when the government won’t invest in our futures? Recently funding for a Super Computer was stopped by the new Labour government, even as the university has invested 32 million is a new building to house the computer. Edinburgh is a world leading centre for AI development. 

 

There was a display 'Stories from the Wards' – lit perfectly by these south facing windows and taking us back in time. Across the corridor was an exhibition of Scots children’s ideas of a future Scotland 2049!

Outside in the courtyard Mama G and Elmer was entertaining children, while the bookshop buzzed with book signings and shoppers. The Speigel tent made a welcome return, hosting poetry, art and music events, emphasising how crucial art is for our lives – not as an extra but central. (Medics should be taught art so they have better empathy) Life is not only about facts and figures – but about our aspirations, imaginations, looking beyond the day to day while discovering our past stories. To enrich our souls.

The T venue was the main lecture hall, which was comfortable and hosted some of today's renowned thinkers and creatives. Some in person and some remotely. Authors who look ahead on how we can build a better world. As half of Scots support our independence, I might wonder where are the books on this important issue in the history section. Self-determination is normal in most democracies and here in Scotland there is a disconnect between people's ideals and the governments imposed on us. 

I bought an excellent wee book entitled - 'Eleven Writers and Leaders on Democracy'. I attended excellent talks by Joseph Stigliz, Caroline Lucas, Irvine Walsh, and Marina Warner. Joseph Stigliz, economic adviser to Clinton, spoke eloquently on future economies and his book Road to Freedom.

Many feel we need a new constitution, a new voting system and improved democratic rights. Britain and other western economies are creaking at the seams – as the 'Neo Liberal' of Thatcher and Reagan project has failed us the past decades, since the 80s.

Dean Atta

Jordan Stephens

Alistair Campbell

The new book festival venue is close to the busy meadows walk way, which gives it better visibility. While I miss the special oasis of book festival at Charlotte Square, I’m hopeful for the new futures institute that the book festival will thrive here!

 

*BOOKS

Road to Freedom – Joseph Stiglitz

Another England – Caroline Lucas

Forms of Enchantment – Marina Warner

Outrun -  Amy Liptrot

Eleven Writers and Leaders on Democracy

 

 

Over 100,000 visits were made to our new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute between 10-25 August 2024, with thousands of curious passers-by exploring and enjoying the new site, as well as almost 70,000 in-person ticket holders. They were joined digitally by viewers in 55 countries who enjoyed live streamed events – most of which are still available on demand.

 

Future Tense tackled topics of global importance ranging from AI to the climate crisis, capitalism to the war in the Middle East, migration to inheritance, and more besides. Legendary authors, writers, poets, thinkers and entertainers including Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie (who joined down the line), Richard Osman, Dolly Alderton, Alan Cumming & Forbes Masson, Phillipa Gregory, https://www.edbookfest.co.uk

 

Scotland First Oil Producer and Refinery!

 

In 1865 James Young, from Bathgate, set up Young Paraffin Light and Mineral Oil Co. On a drive over to Edinburgh I asked my engineer husband about the 30 to 90 metres high Bings, as we near the city. He replied, they were the result of the first Chemical engineer James Paraffin Young. They are heaps of red soil containing the mineral waste from the shale mining and distillation process that took place here. 

James ‘Paraffin’ Young    There was a time when Scotland was the first and largest producer of refined oil in the entire world,  because of one man – James ‘Paraffin’ Young. Young was an entrepreneur, inventor, chemist and engineer.  His major discovery occurred in 1848, while working in the mining industry. He noticed that oil was leaking from the ceiling of a coal mine. He deduced from this that there must be a way of intentionally extracting oil from coal if you heated it. Young patented this method1850 with his partners, Edward Binney and Edward Meldrum. They then set up the world’s first Refinery at Bathgate. 

This enterprise used Young’s technique of distilling oil from the locally mined shale or Torbanite (known as bog head coal, bog coal or cannel coal). From these he managed to extract oil and instil it into paraffin, amongst other useful chemicals.

Then, with a new plant at Addiewell he became the father of the industry. The company was a world-wide success, selling oil and paraffin lamps as far afield as America. This initial proliferation and success begat an industry that managed to mine around 30 million tons of shale from the bowels of West Lothian for the following 50 years and turn it into oil!

His company pioneered the use of shale oil, and employed 4,000 people. Young’s company founded 1866, was absorbed into the petrochemical giant BP.  His innovation and entrepreneurship remain a lasting legacy, not only in Scotland where the landscape is literally etched with his chemical processes, but over the entire world.

Young studied Chemistry at Anderson’s College in Glasgow. This decision would somehow lead to Young becoming the father of the petrochemical industry little more than a decade later. For around six decades from the 1860s, Scotland was the world’s leading oil producer.

 

The Bings have today become hotspots of wildlife – with 350 plants species, including moss and lichen; diverse array of orchids; and of  hares and badgers, red grouse, skylarks, ringlet butterflies and elephant hawkmoths, 10-spotted ladybirds.

Cal Flyn writes in his Guardian article  - “Over the space of a half-century, these once-bare wastelands had somehow, magically, shivered into life….Eliot’s Waste Land drew from the “perilous forest” of Celtic mythology, a land “barren beyond description” through which a hero must pass to find the Otherworld, or the holy grail. The bings, too, already offer a glimpse of what we might find on the other side: recuperation, reclamation. A self-willed ecosystem is in the process of building new life, of pulling itself bodily from the wreckage. In starting again from scratch, and creating something beautiful.” https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/mar/16/west-lothian-scotland-spoil-heap-wastelands-shivered-into-life

Impossible not to think of TS Eliot: 

breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.

II  Its all rather a sad reflection then, that under the new Labour government, Scotland may become the first oil producer to loose its refinery at Grangemouth  and the north east may start closing down. The first article I found on James Young, thought it was unbelievable that Scotland produced such innovators!  But really – why not Scotland?!

Scotland will then need to import costly and less green refined oil from elsewhere. Yet more plans to hold Scotland back, as seen in the past decades with the closure of shipbuilding, steel, and other industries in order to weaken Scotland’s economy and make us dependent. A thriving economy needs to be based on industry and manufacturing – and not the property market in London!

Caroline Lucas Another England at Edinburgh book festival 2024

 

The nation is a construct of stories” Phillip Larkin.

 

Fourteen years in the European parliament, and former English Green party leader

The UK is coming apart. Wales wants a new constitution, Scotland has over 50% support for independence and Ireland has moves to unify. England appears to be left squeamish about the English flag - as a symbol of imperialism and exceptionalism. There is also the rise of the right in England. Lucas said we need a different story, of a more progressive England. 

 

British Trust attempts to bury slavery, the story of imperialism was a good theme and initiatives to alter that story .The recent violent riots in Southport – the media were reluctant to name it. There were counter protests against racism and of another England.

 

There is a need to see England as separate from Britain. There is the myth of 4 equal nations likely to encourage the rise of far right. Anglo-centric British nationalism which constantly muddles England/ Britain. The English lack confidence in ‘who’ we are. The hate-filled language of the Tory party the past decades has had consequences. 

 

Lucas has a long-standing interest in literature.. She is interested in the narratives and false histories of England. The battle of Flodden was won by Catherine of Aragon – which was written out of history by Henry. The victors rewrite history. Robin Hood did steal from the rich - but never gave to the poor! The Spanish Armada was held back by bad weather. The Charters of the Forrest – which gave rights of landless people to forage, but who has heard of it? The Magna Carta was about the rights to restrain the power of the king. 

 

England is nature depleted: the right to roam in England, is only 8% land, and 3% rivers. The history of the enclosure movement. They discussed, should the values of today be imposed on the values of the past? Lucas felt that history is always evolving and the Colston statue in Bristol is now in a museum with a plaque stating his story. After all statues are often put up much later on, by those who want to use history for contemporary needs. 

 

There is a Chapter on inequality – on a wealth tax, constitution, reform voting system. Take finance out of politics? She is a big admirer of Anthony Burnett of Open Democracy, who is a constitutional expert. She’s concerned about the disengagement of young people from politics and a fairer voting system. At the recent General election, a third of people didn’t bother to vote. This is a serious issue. Labour won a big majority of two thirds of the seats, with only a third of the vote. 

(Comment: We were told by the powers that be back in 2011, that we get strong government with our First past the post voting system,(!!) when we had a vote on the issue – and weak, chaotic government with Proportional Representation, such as France, Germany and all other European countries have! Only Belarus uses FPTP voting. First past the post voting means that most votes don’t count and only marginal seats matter. It also means there is a lack of negotiation and collaboration in the UK government, compared to elsewhere.) 

 

There is a lot literature can tell us. Lucas asked us to put people and planet before profit!

 I was sad to hear Little is retiring from his role at the book festival as an interviewer. 

**Allan Little - “Edinburgh festival essentially became a peace project.” 

Lifted Up at Edinburgh festivals 2024!

 

high street performers

Weather warm and muggy this year over for the Edinburgh festivals. Who says Scotland is always cold? asks a young American girl. But the next day the humidity lifts and its clear, windy and sunny. In Scotland, often has the three seasons in one day. We meet old friends and later make our way up the very busy high street – past the excited performers, the tourists young and old, as Edinburgh comes to life again for its annual celebration of the arts, culture, drama and music, from the sublime to the idiotic. Entrancing audiences both young and old, and from near and far.

 

One of the world’s oldest and biggest Arts festivals, begun in 1947 after the war. (which might have ended all wars but didn’t)

Sunday – Bach’s St Matthews Passion. Such a wall of sound: spine-tingling and goose bumps. 

With the Festival chorus, BBC symphony orchestra and a top line up of soloists. What joyous, soul enriching and uplifting music by the genius of Bach. – and interpreted by Mendelsohn. 

 

Festival chorus & Symphony orchestra

Carmen Festival Theatre

Monday – Scottish National art gallery to see the exhibition of John Laverty. Persuasive impressions.

A major exhibition of Irish and Scots impressionist painter John Lavery July to October, 2024. He was a great journeyman, who painted extraordinary images of ordinary life in Glasgow, Spain and Morocco. His portraits have a surreal quality: both commanding and expressive. 

 

Tuesday – Carmen Opera with incredible singing and performances and unforgettable music by Bisset. What a treat! 

Paintings by Sir John Lavery July to October 2024.  ‘An Irish Impressionist: Lavery on Location’, a collaboration between the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, National Museums NI, and the National Galleries of Scotland. That capture Lavery's impressions of people and places, from his travels - Scotland, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Palm Springs, Glasgow, London, and Venice. Portraits, genre scenes, landscapes, and cityscapes. 

The Arts are under pressure like never before. Recent funding has been cut.  But art is not an extra in life or for our heritage and stories. Its central.

 

This year’s festival theme was ‘The Rituals that Unite Us’. 

 

We must hold on – to the past and to future innovations.

 

Stevie Nicks captivated a packed Glasgow OVO Hydro

Held us spellbound and captivated. 

Nicks took us through her musical journeys, taking flight through her story-telling, her husky, forthright, mesmerising voice. With her haunting energy and the charm of her vast back catalogue of songs. So many classics and nostalgia.

Many audience members were dressed in hipster skirts and hats – and were all ages. She sang her own hits, some Fleetwood Mac songs, as well as Tom Petty songs. 

In between songs she regaled us with the stories of how Fleetwood Mac came into being , which brought a human touch and brought her musical journey to life. 

She finished with her encore of Rhiannon, Landslide and with Got a hold on Me , herribute to her band mate Christine McVie, who died in 2022, along with powerful black and white images of their lasting friendship. Fleetwood Mac were musically led by their two songbirds. 

Nicks and her band have been doing her European tour for over two years and uniquely this Glasgow concert was the last night. 

She wore her heart on her dancing sleeves. Nicks apologized for having to cancel her previous Glasgow concert and explained she had suddenly come down with an illness. She is a melodic bird in flights of fantasy and song.

**SONGS

Running down a Dream, Outside the Rain, Dreams, 

If anyone falls, Stop dragging my heart around, 

For what its Worth, Gypsy, Wild Heart, Bella Donna, Stand Back, 

Free Falling, gold Dust Woman, Leather and Lace, 

ENCORE: Rhiannon, Landslide, Got a hold on Me. 

 

Glasgows Turing Institute on AI 1982 to 1994

 

Very interesting article on AI use in the NHS radiotherapy

Glasgow's "Turing Institute" which was closed down due to lack of backing by the UK government 1994 - as there was apparently no future for computers??! Even as The Turing Institute wrote the code for the Space shuttle landings and came up with the idea for a WORLD WIDE WEB. The Turing Institute has now been replaced by an "Alan Turing Institute" opened in London in 2015!

 

In 1965 a Research Group was set up in Edinburgh university, under Donald Michie, who had been part of the code breakers at Bletchley park , alongside Alan Turing. 

 

“AI in Scotland can be traced to the top-secret home of World War code breakers. The history of Scottish AI stretches back over 60 years. 

 

He’d been a member of a code-breaking group at Bletchley Park, and had worked as a cryptographer alongside Alan Turing, the famous mathematician and computer scientist.

 

Described as the father of British research into AI, Michie devoted his life to the development of computers to perform complex, human-like tasks. By 1970, Edinburgh University was one of the few centres in the world working on AI and today – more than 60 years after Michie’s research began – the institution hosts dozens of scientists using the technology.

Edinburgh University is undertaking research into the use of AI in healthcare

“We’ve been very much focused on health, public disease and patient data for the last five years, and trying to learn new things about diseases and how they progress,” says Simpson.”

“We have 57 PhD students here doing research, and we’ll have another 60, so it’s pretty massive. In total, we’re looking at nearly £20m in investment. We collaborate inside Edinburgh and across Scotland. It’s not just scientists – we’ve got nurses and clinicians learning about AI here, which is quite unique.”  In some quarters, AI is viewed as a game-changer….

 

Edinburgh University certainly hopes to transform patient care, and – 60 years after codebreaker Michie’s work began – it remains in the vanguard. “It’s only in the last five to 10 years that the data you need has been available,” says Professor Simpson, who is “very excited” about the potential of digital twins and virtual organs. “It’s very early days for that – but it’s fantastic that it’s based here.”

 

 

**In 1982 Michie set up the Glasgow Turing Institute – worked on the code for all the space shuttle landings.

 

The institute was forced to close in 1994 due to lack of backing by the UK government.

 

 

The Turing Institute has now been replaced by an "Alan Turing Institute" opened in London in 2015! With 42m from chancellor George Osborne.

 

https://www.thenational.scot/news/24450290.cure-nhs-artificial-intelligence-healthcare-scotland/

Questions of Identity

 

Tory MP Tony Hayes claims that, Welsh and Scottish identities devalues British identity.

Scottish self-determination is about how we are governed – not from the centre but locally, by those who understand Scotland’s needs and concerns. Cleary though if England/ Britain regard Scotland as a colony – and not an ancient nation – they want Scottish identity supressed. Just as they did across the empire.

 

But also if we look across the world, we can see that identities can co-exist. In Scandinavia there is a strong identity as a Nordic states, but people also feel Norwegian, Swedish, Danish and Finnish. They learn many languages from a young age.

 

In America, people firstly feel New Yorkers, Texans, mid Westerners, Californians – while they also hold a firm allegiance to their country of American states – united in their belief in liberty for all and the pursuit of happiness, freedom and democratic principles.

 

So what of the British isles? We will always be connected by geography and family ties. A major factor is the narrative of the British empire over recent centuries – with the British monarchy still head of state today across the English speaking world. Britain imposed its culture on many far away lands and islands. Teaching Caribbean islands poems such as Wordsworth To a Daffodil, even though they’d never seen one! Teaching Irish children about English rivers and Scots about English kings. Britain became dependant on exploiting other nations. Instead of replying on its own resources.

 

There’s this narratives of empire here UK – from the Romans, Ottoman, Hapsburgs, from our historic past. Many of us now hope the EU is a new model – one in which each nation retains its sovereign laws and rights of self determination, while working together collaboratively for trade, defence and security. While there remains threats of out-dated dictatorships across the world, which threaten our democracies.

 

Scottish independence is in no shape or form about Scotland not wanting to be good neighbours and friends with England, Ireland and Wales. The present voting system in Britain is not a democracy. It’s a fake.

 

Some here in Britain continue to believe in ‘centralized’ governance, as being most efficient. Surely what’s required is environmental regulations and some joined up thinking, with laws, training and quality assessment (NHS say) and high standards in education. They believe in top-down control, rather than equal rights. We are all equal under the law – or should be. With the familiar cries of the “previous government has ruined the economy.”

 

But where is the money if Britain is a rich country?? Labour continue the austerity project and false claims of no money. 

Edinburgh Book Festival 2024

 

EIBF 2024

Since 2006 I have attended the EIBF. I would enjoy the fun, exuberance and festivities of the high street and after the walk down the mound and along George street to the relative calm and seclusion of the tree shaded book festival. A restorative juxtaposition.

 

Here I found a place of quiet reflection, big debate, colourful diversity, spontaneous conversations, intellectual challenge, famous faces, questioning politics. A place to anaylse or be informed. Intellectual freedoms and debates. There is also art, science, sport, history, economic and music and much more besides. It’s a place to refresh and for new ideas and interactions. .

 

EIBF was begun in 1983

EIBF is both national and international – with many well known Scottish authors – Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Alexander McCall Smith, Liz Lochhead, Christopher Brookmyre. Richard Holloway -  and also big names international names such as Elif Shakaf, Joseph Stiglitz, Margaret Atwood, Noam Chomsky and many more.

 

Neil Gaiman

Rachel Long

Simon Callow

This year the world leading book festival anticipates its brand new venue at the historic building next to the meadows  - with an expanded new outdoor Courtyard, the return of the Speigel tent and the Children’s tent in the courtyard, with lots of events and free activities to spark ideas and creativity.

Plus major events at the McEwan hall and food events at Elliott’s studio, Sciennes rd. 

 

My Top memories - One evening the Speigel tent was packed to hear an impromptu set by the Nile Rodgers! I felt so lucky to be there. He told stories of starting in Sesame street – and in-between played his songs with those very well kent riffs!

Another time was being mistaken for the famous Irish poet Seamus Heaney;s wife, on entering the book festival café, when Heaney we just ahead of me! 

 

I attend EIBF each year and its an unmatched place for informed debate, intellectual collaboration and creative thinking. Why are green activists targeting a place of free and open ideas for our future? When there are so many fake, ignorant click baits on so much of online media?

Ocean Vuong

This years theme is 'Future Tense' with a new venue at the Futures Institute – where Edinburgh’s famous Royal Infirmary once stood. And a new Scots festival director, Jenny Niven

 

Niven describes the Edinburgh festival as, “One of high octane and venerable, raucous and transformative, thoughtful and spontaneous….Is what brings the city to life, creating a playground for anyone who curiosity get the better of them. For ideas to take centre stage.”

“In a moment of such divisions and opposition – democracy thrives on good information, sanguine exchange  - the art of really listening and your voice deserves to be heard.”

TICKETS EIBF 2024 - https://www.edbookfest.co.uk/

 

**There will be several book festival themes - 

 

Future Tense - A toast to the future/ brilliant fiction/ future library/ generations/ data/ future politics/ imaginative realm.

How to live a meaningful life

Voterarma

Justified sinner