1. Praise for Dan Wang's Balanced Insights on China and US Infrastructure
Users widely recommend Wang's book/letter for its nuanced take on China's "breakneck" building speed vs. US stagnation.
"One of the best books I read this year... A really balanced take on China that also digs deep into the perennial question of ‘why can’t we build big infrastructure projects in the US?’" (libraryofbabel)
"I recommend Dan’s book... to those wanting to better understand China - and the United States." (kaonwarb)
2. US Lacks a Coherent Plan for China Competition
Consensus that the US desires confrontation without preparation, while China builds autarky and infrastructure at scale.
"Beijing has been preparing for Cold War without eagerness for waging it, while the US wants to wage a Cold War without preparing for it." (152334H, quoting Wang)
"The US doesn't have a plan, it has a framework... My money's on the US out-competing everyone else" (glitchc, contested by many)
3. Silicon Valley's Meritocracy and Cultural Shortcomings
Debate over SV's claimed openness/meritocracy vs. credentialism, humorlessness, and lack of broader culture.
"I believe that Silicon Valley possesses plenty of virtues. To start, it is the most meritocratic part of America." (strange_quark, quoting/critiquing Wang)
"Silicon Valley loves credentialism and networking, probably more than anywhere else." (strange_quark)