# Black Swan the Complete Box Set  ## Metadata - Author: [[Mark Goodwin]] - Full Title: Black Swan the Complete Box Set - Category: #books ## Highlights - When one gets in bed with government, one must expect the diseases it spreads.   Ron Paul ([Location 1221](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=1221)) - “My peers have lots of free time on their hands and one of the things we like to do with that time is to develop what we consider pithy allegories for the complex functions of markets and currency. One such allegory is the black swan, which represents rare economic anomalies that can trigger systemic upheaval. But in our endeavor to be overly succinct, we often fail to grasp the full scope of our own analogies. Black swans are a separate species, not a white swan that happened to get an atypical roll of the genetic dice. As such, they live in groups called a lamentation, which takes our example one step deeper. So, while it may be uncommon to see a black swan if you do happen to witness such a creature, you’re very likely to view several of them. It’s even quite possible that you’ll behold an entire lamentation of black swans.” ([Location 1381](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=1381)) - When the paper-thin façade of civility melts away, those cops are gonna have to take care of their own families. You’ll be on your own. ([Location 1864](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=1864)) - Then the Gods of the Market tumbled, and their smooth-tongued wizards withdrew And the hearts of the meanest were humbled and began to believe it was true That All is not Gold that Glitters, and Two and Two make Four And the Gods of the Copybook Headings limped up to explain it once more.   As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man There are only four things certain since Social Progress began. That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire, And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire;   And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins, As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn, The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!   Excerpt from Gods of the Copybook Headings—Rudyard Kipling ([Location 2694](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=2694)) - Predators thrive in this type of environment. It doesn’t matter which side of the law they happen to fall on.” ([Location 3513](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=3513)) - “The only thing harder than doing the right thing is living with the regret for doing the wrong thing.” ([Location 3935](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=3935)) - “Remember, dwelling on the past won’t do you any good. The best course of action is to focus on the present and build a solid foundation for the future. ([Location 3940](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=3940)) - Real patriotism is a willingness to challenge the government when it's wrong.   Ron Paul ([Location 4058](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=4058)) - Fascism is the stage reached after communism has proved an illusion.   Friedrich Hayek ([Location 4178](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=4178)) - “Being searched is one level below being accused, Sheriff. We’ve already entered into the unpleasantness. The formality part isn’t an inconvenience whatsoever, at least not to me. ([Location 4195](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=4195)) - Just a careful observation of history. Nothing about the death of the dollar was particularly noteworthy from a historical standpoint. It’s what always happens. The only reason we think of it as such an incredible event is because this time, it happened to us.” ([Location 5833](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=5833)) - Courage, then, my countrymen, our contest is not only whether we ourselves shall be free, but whether there shall be left to mankind an asylum on earth for civil and religious liberty.   Samuel Adams ([Location 6027](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B08HYC6VDQ&location=6027))