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The Roots of Finance: How Reciprocity Explains Credit, Insurance, and Investment

Finance may seem like the crown jewel of modern institutions—replete with contracts, algorithms, and global markets. But what if its deepest logic predates banks, money, and even language? In a compelling new paper, Finance as Extended Biology (arXiv:2506.00099), Egil Diau argues that the cognitive substrate of finance is not institutional architecture but reciprocity—a fundamental behavioral mechanism observed in primates and ancient human societies alike. Credit, insurance, token exchange, and investment, he contends, are not designed structures but emergent transformations of this ancient cooperative logic. ...

August 3, 2025 · 3 min · Zelina
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Break-Even the Machine: Strategic Thinking in the Age of High-Cost AI

Introduction Generative AI continues to impress with its breadth of capabilities—from drafting reports to designing presentations. Yet despite these advances, it is crucial to understand the evolving cost structure, risk exposure, and strategic options businesses face before committing to full-scale AI adoption. This article offers a structured approach for business leaders and AI startups to evaluate where and when generative AI deployment makes sense. We explore cost-performance tradeoffs, forward-looking cost projections, tangible ROI examples, and differentiation strategies in a rapidly changing ecosystem. ...

March 27, 2025 · 4 min · Cognaptus Insights