Years ago I highlighted Modeled Behavior’s theorizing on “Citizen X”, the ideal taxpayer who consumed minimal benefits. Now James Thompson highlights some empirical work on the distribution of tax payers and consumers. Those familiar with the work of Malcolm Gladwell should not be surprised to know that 20% of the population cost a disproportionate share of public resources. Hat-tip to Steve Sailer.

In another follow-up to some of my old posts, Greg Cochran says S.L.A Marshall’s work on reluctance to engage in combat is full of shit. He doesn’t provide a very specific rebuttal, but I’ve come across others saying Marshall’s work is not to be relied on. Randall Collins is one of the researchers who has cited Marshall, in work I myself have promoted.