The Antitrust Truth vs. The Discomfort of Thought

The fact that McDonald’s maintains an extensive advertising campaign doesn’t make its burgers the best, despite their popularity.  A similar pattern is what we’ve been observing with the anti-tech movement that has gained traction in the past years.  Indeed, one has to recognize that the antitrust Neo-Brandeisian movement has skillfully managed to use all marketing opportunities — often offered by digital services — to gain momentum among policymakers and lead the headlines.  However, that doesn’t make Neo-Brandeisian ideas good ones for innovation and consumers.

As part of this momentum, Neo-Brandeisians have launched several initiatives, including the release of publications and public events.  In these publications, Neo-Brandeisians claim to hold the truth about some of the most successful tech companies in the U.S.  And while the debates around antitrust are healthy, it is important to recall the words of John F. Kennedy with regards to “the truth”:  

¨THE GREAT ENEMY OF THE TRUTH IS VERY OFTEN NOT THE LIE — DELIBERATE, CONTRIVED AND DISHONEST — BUT THE MYTH — PERSISTENT, PERSUASIVE, AND UNREALISTIC.  TOO OFTEN WE HOLD FAST TO THE CLICHES OF OUR FOREBEARS. WE SUBJECT ALL FACTS TO A PREFABRICATED SET OF INTERPRETATIONS. WE ENJOY THE COMFORT OF OPINION WITHOUT THE DISCOMFORT OF THOUGHT.¨

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