Tom Woods’s email discusses the controversial opinions of Vivek Ramaswamy regarding American culture’s prioritization of superficial achievements over intellectual pursuits. Woods argues that this cultural phenomenon hinders the production of top engineers and other STEM professionals, a point he believes is widely understood but rarely openly discussed. He uses examples from popular culture and personal anecdotes to support his claim, emphasizing the importance of confronting cultural mediocrity rather than avoiding uncomfortable truths. Woods connects this cultural critique to broader societal issues and promotes self-improvement, urging readers to strive for excellence. Finally, the email promotes Woods’s self-improvement program.