Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Study.

What is most common, and least helpful, in societal issues, is to look to an authority for a quick fix, presuming that protest and action from above cures all ills. But how did they get that authority?

Well, at some point they most likely researched a topic to the point where they could craft a convincing argument.

But that isn't where the matter should rest. When you want better, you have to set a benchmark for better.

And so studies are the tool - deep, rich ones, crafted around the specific scenario. This lets you convince the public and authorities, one at a time, that a certain course of action has merit. Often, officials respond well to requests to study a topic: It builds a path to legitimize action. But you have to hold your own standards high too, and not fall into partisan ways of thinking.

Sometimes you can approach with a broad message, other times you should focus on developing a small circle of people. It is not a uniform thing.



Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: