Is Facebook Fixable

Hi all! Today we are trying something new. I’m calling it an “idea review.” The goal is to examine a book for its hypothesis and conclusions, and leave the examination of the book’s writing craft to more capable hands. Please leave any feedback in the comments below.

If you are new here this is Napkin Math, a data-driven newsletter with 17k+ readers that examines the fundamentals of technology and business. Today we are looking at the complexity that is Facebook and whether the company can be fixed.

What would you be willing to pay to stop your imminent death? 

For most people, the answer is simple and brief. “Anything.” Money is trivial in comparison with experiencing one more sunrise, another kiss from your spouse, a great big bite of your favorite meal. It is clear that no number in a bank account is worth saving when compared to the things that actually matter. 

Next, allow me to ask—how much are you willing to pay for a total stranger not to die? This answer is decidedly more complicated. My Mormon readers may cite their scriptures that “the worth of souls is great in the eye’s of God” and they would be willing to pay anything.  My more actuarially inclined readers would cite the U.S. government’s official estimate of about $10M for a statistical life. The most honest of readers (atheist, religious, or otherwise) would say they wouldn’t spend more than two and a half grand to save a life, the average amount given to charity per household in America.