Cool things I've found across the web — websites, reads, and rabbit holes.https://www.aidagara.com/https://hollisrobbinsanecdotal.substack.com/p/amor-fati-entropyhttps://hollisrobbinsanecdotal.substack.com/p/amor-fati-entropyInformation depends on how surprising a message is, not just its content. On predictable days like July 4, posts carry little new information because everyone expects them. True meaning comes from unexpected details that differ from common expectations.Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:06:26 GMTHollis Robbinshttps://ramblingafter.substack.com/p/can-shakespeare-really-be-the-besthttps://ramblingafter.substack.com/p/can-shakespeare-really-be-the-bestShakespeare remains famous because he wrote plays that many people enjoyed long ago. Today, great storytellers work in movies, TV, and rap music, not just in plays or books. This means Shakespeare is a special kind of best writer, but others shine in different ways now.Sun, 14 Jun 2026 02:35:10 GMTSteffhttps://aakash.substack.com/p/america-doesnt-have-the-stomach-forhttps://aakash.substack.com/p/america-doesnt-have-the-stomach-forAmerica has avoided industrial growth because it fears social and environmental costs. Instead, it relies on China’s rapid industrialization and cheap goods. This has led to job losses and America becoming a nation of consumers rather than producers.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:33:31 GMTAakash Japihttps://navvaidhyanathanatvysdomai.substack.com/p/dark-gdp-the-economics-of-entangledhttps://navvaidhyanathanatvysdomai.substack.com/p/dark-gdp-the-economics-of-entangledPeople spend a lot of time online creating valuable data, but this work is not counted as economic labor because it is unpaid. Companies use this unpaid data to make money, capturing profits without paying users. This hidden value is called "Dark GDP," and it suggests we should rethink how digital work is measured and regulated.Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:23:58 GMTNav Vaidhyanathanhttps://unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/p/how-ai-will-change-mediahttps://unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/p/how-ai-will-change-mediaAI will greatly increase the amount and quality of media content, changing how we create and consume information. Media companies must use AI to produce insightful, truthful, and entertaining content at large scale. The future of media combines AI and human creativity to help people understand the world better.Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:15:34 GMTTomas Pueyohttps://unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/p/why-florence-started-the-renaissancehttps://unchartedterritories.tomaspueyo.com/p/why-florence-started-the-renaissanceFlorence became the birthplace of the Renaissance because it was a wealthy, independent city located near Rome with strong trade connections. Its wealth came from industries like wool and finance, and it had the freedom to explore new ideas and art inspired by ancient Rome. This unique mix of money, independence, and inspiration allowed Florence to produce many famous artists and thinkers.Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:59:30 GMTTomas Pueyohttps://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/american-diner-gothichttps://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/american-diner-gothicThe article describes a new American culture called "dinergoth," where young people in fading suburbs blend geek, goth, and queer styles. This culture grows from economic decline and the rise of the internet as a shared space. It shows how regional differences fade as online fandoms shape a new, widespread identity.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:56:33 GMThttps://www.thenewatlantis.com/authors/robert-marianihttps://harpers.org/archive/2026/03/childs-play-sam-kriss-ai-startup-roy-lee/https://harpers.org/archive/2026/03/childs-play-sam-kriss-ai-startup-roy-lee/Roy went to Columbia not to learn but to start a tech company called Cluely, which mixed AI with a flashy, frat-like culture. The story shows how young tech founders use AI for control and self-promotion, often confusing usefulness with hype. It also highlights a world where social media and startups become the main way to seek identity and success.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 21:38:11 GMTSam Krisshttps://www.derekthompson.org/p/why-the-decline-of-literacyand-thehttps://www.derekthompson.org/p/why-the-decline-of-literacyand-theLong ago, people shared knowledge by speaking, but writing changed how we think and learn alone. Now, social media is bringing back this old way of talking, making communication more like a conversation. This shift affects how we connect, think, and share information in today's world.Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:33:48 GMTDerek Thompsonhttps://bwarburg.substack.com/p/your-tribe-electrifiedhttps://bwarburg.substack.com/p/your-tribe-electrifiedGroup chats are becoming more than just places to talk; they can now hold money, share tasks with AI agents, and govern themselves. This new form of group acts like a small, trusted community with real power and autonomy. It changes how people cooperate and trust each other in the digital world.Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:06:15 GMTBettina Warburghttps://natesnewsletter.substack.com/p/millions-just-switched-to-claudehttps://natesnewsletter.substack.com/p/millions-just-switched-to-claudeClaude is better than ChatGPT at deep thinking, editing, and finding flaws in plans. It works best when you give it your draft and ask it to improve or analyze it carefully. People often fail with Claude because they use ChatGPT-style prompts instead of adapting to Claude’s strengths.Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:20:13 GMTNatehttps://contraptions.venkateshrao.com/p/contraptions-book-clubhttps://contraptions.venkateshrao.com/p/contraptions-book-clubThe Contraptions Book Club explores big ideas about history through themed reading lists each year. In 2026, the focus is on how civilizations diverged from 1600 to 2000, while 2025 examined the rise of modern civilization from 1200 to 1600. Monthly book discussions happen in chat threads, with optional side quests for deeper learning.Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:11:05 GMTVenkatesh Raohttps://slatestarcodex.com/2016/04/27/book-review-albions-seed/https://slatestarcodex.com/2016/04/27/book-review-albions-seed/Fischer argues four English migrations made America’s regional cultures: Puritans in New England, Cavaliers in Virginia, Quakers in Pennsylvania, and Borderers in Appalachia. Puritans were selective and strict, Cavaliers were aristocratic, Quakers were tolerant and reform-minded, and Borderers were rugged settlers. Those cultural lineages blended and fought, shaping the North–South divides that still influence American politics and institutions.Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:15:09 GMTPosted Onhttps://www.theintrinsicperspective.com/p/bits-in-bits-out?source=queuehttps://www.theintrinsicperspective.com/p/bits-in-bits-out?source=queueLarge language models (LLMs) have not greatly improved writing or intellectual work despite much hype. Instead, they mostly produce low-quality content and help only with efficiency and editing. This pattern will likely repeat in other fields, meaning AI will act more like a tool than a source of superintelligence.Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:24:31 GMTErik Hoelhttps://www.yellowlearning.org/https://www.yellowlearning.org/A space of learning for a complex world. Ongoing generative and re-generative learning journeys. For curious people.Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:54:13 GMTyellowlearning.orghttps://www.noticing.org/https://www.noticing.org/Noticing is a new center in San Francisco focused on art, philosophy, and spirituality. It helps people connect with the experience of being alive in a kind and hopeful way. The center will start programs in 2026 and open to the public in 2027.Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:55:50 GMTnoticing.orghttps://eigen.build/https://eigen.build/Eigen.build offers prize money to builders, scientists, and operators with no strings attached. Winners can get up to $100,000 with a simple ten-minute application. The goal is to support talented people everywhere without taking equity or control.Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:13:51 GMTeigen.buildhttps://www.writingruxandrabio.com/p/equality-as-a-consolation-prizehttps://www.writingruxandrabio.com/p/equality-as-a-consolation-prizeIn the modern secular world, equality is seen as a last hope to give dignity to the weak. Without a larger cosmic story, people must face harsh responsibility alone, making suffering feel like failure. This leads to equality becoming a weak consolation prize, offering little meaning or hope.Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:02:48 GMTRuxandra Teslohttps://www.workingtheorys.com/p/the-media-machine-singularityhttps://www.workingtheorys.com/p/the-media-machine-singularityOur era is defined by the fusion of media and machines into a single system that shapes reality and culture. Social networks and AI show how this media-machine complex controls attention, creation, and meaning. To thrive, builders must blend storytelling and technology, carefully choosing what to create and share in this powerful new world.Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:05:44 GMTAnuhttps://blog.cosmos-institute.org/p/ffe83099-5993-4203-98a0-a182d64d0803https://blog.cosmos-institute.org/p/ffe83099-5993-4203-98a0-a182d64d0803Human autonomy grows when people make their own choices and learn from experience, not when they depend on others for every decision. Great thinkers like Aristotle, Humboldt, and Mill show that autonomy is a skill developed through practice, reflection, and diverse life experiences. Today, how we interact with AI will affect whether future generations become truly self-directed or simply follow algorithmic guidance.Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:46:49 GMTBrendan McCordhttps://fs.blog/knowledge-project-podcast/rory-sutherland-2/https://fs.blog/knowledge-project-podcast/rory-sutherland-2/Rory Sutherland argues that persuasion and psychology beat pure logic in marketing. Small frictions, trust, and context create real value that spreadsheets miss. Being weird and human often wins where efficiency and sameness fail.Sun, 15 Feb 2026 20:12:38 GMTFarnam Streethttps://www.thepsmiths.com/p/review-storia-do-mogor-by-niccolaohttps://www.thepsmiths.com/p/review-storia-do-mogor-by-niccolaoNiccolao Manucci’s manuscript is a sprawling, often self-effacing eyewitness account of 17th-century Mughal India, mixing travel, court intrigue, and military action. Manucci plays many roles—mercenary, spy, lover, healer—and his charm and secrecy color the whole narrative. The book raises questions about who the true protagonist is: the evasive narrator or the powerful, ruthless rulers he describes.Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:50:30 GMTJohn Psmithhttps://aiprospects.substack.com/p/paretotopian-goal-alignmenthttps://aiprospects.substack.com/p/paretotopian-goal-alignmentThe article discusses how expanding resources can change the way competing actors view their interests, moving from a zero-sum perspective to one where both sides can benefit. By increasing the total resources significantly, incentives for conflict diminish, allowing for more cooperation and mutually beneficial outcomes. This shift could influence global policies and strategies for resource allocation and conflict resolution.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:27:42 GMTEric Drexlerhttps://www.inkandswitch.com/essay/malleable-software/https://www.inkandswitch.com/essay/malleable-software/Personal computers were meant to be flexible tools users could change, but today’s apps are locked and hard to modify. The essay calls for software that users can easily adapt to fit their needs without relying on distant engineers. It encourages building systems that let everyone create and customize their tools together.Sat, 19 Jul 2025 07:36:38 GMTinkandswitch.comhttps://slatestarcodex.com/2019/11/04/samsara/https://slatestarcodex.com/2019/11/04/samsara/The story follows a man who resists becoming enlightened despite pressure from a group called Golden Lotus. He tries to escape their teachings and struggles with the chaotic world around him. Eventually, he accidentally achieves enlightenment while reflecting on his experiences.Thu, 13 Mar 2025 07:23:04 GMTScott Alexanderhttps://inferencemagazine.substack.com/p/how-much-economic-growth-from-aihttps://inferencemagazine.substack.com/p/how-much-economic-growth-from-aiAI research is expected to be automated soon, leading to faster advancements in technology and science. However, there are concerns about compute limitations that may slow down this progress. While AI could eventually surpass human researchers, significant gains may take time to materialize.Sun, 26 Jan 2025 06:11:29 GMTJack Wisemanhttps://nabeelqu.substack.com/p/understandinghttps://nabeelqu.substack.com/p/understandingTo truly understand something, it's important to dig deeper and explore different perspectives rather than just accepting the first answer. Writing and asking questions can help clarify your thoughts and reveal gaps in your understanding. Taking your time to ponder and break down complex topics leads to a more meaningful grasp of the subject.Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:40:24 GMTNabeel S. Qureshihttps://sashachapin.substack.com/p/how-to-like-everything-more?triedRedirect=truehttps://sashachapin.substack.com/p/how-to-like-everything-more?triedRedirect=trueSasha Chapin believes that enjoying life more is a skill that can be developed. He offers tips to enhance enjoyment, like being curious, imagining the effort behind art, and finding deeper appreciation in flaws. By practicing these techniques, people can learn to like more things and experience life more fully.Tue, 31 Dec 2024 22:14:52 GMTSasha Chapinhttps://reactormag.com/tools-for-thinking-about-censorship/?ref=thebrowser.comhttps://reactormag.com/tools-for-thinking-about-censorship/?ref=thebrowser.comCensorship often operates through self-censorship, which is encouraged by external powers. This means that many people censor themselves due to fear of repercussions from those in authority. Understanding this can help us respond to censorship without unintentionally increasing the fear that allows it to thrive.Fri, 27 Dec 2024 01:09:50 GMTAda Palmerhttps://www.plough.com/en/topics/community/education/does-teaching-literature-and-writing-have-a-future?src=longreadshttps://www.plough.com/en/topics/community/education/does-teaching-literature-and-writing-have-a-future?src=longreadsThe rise of new technology raises concerns about the future of teaching literature and writing. Despite challenges, the author argues that literature remains important for understanding human experience and culture. The humanities must adapt and advocate for their value to survive in modern education.Sun, 15 Dec 2024 02:58:08 GMTPhil Christmanhttps://www.thepsmiths.com/p/review-science-in-traditional-chinahttps://www.thepsmiths.com/p/review-science-in-traditional-chinaJoseph Needham's book explores why, despite China's early advancements in science and technology, the scientific revolution and industrial revolution happened in Europe instead. He raises the "Needham puzzle," questioning how China's cyclic view of history and fatalism may have hindered its progress. The review suggests that while China made significant strides, its holistic approach may have limited analytical advancements compared to the linear historical perspective developed in the West.Tue, 10 Dec 2024 01:30:40 GMTJohn Psmithhttps://www.ribbonfarm.com/2020/01/16/the-internet-of-beefs/https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2020/01/16/the-internet-of-beefs/The Internet of Beefs describes a society where ongoing conflicts, driven by anonymous individuals called mooks, dominate online spaces. High-profile figures, or knights, fuel these battles, but the real energy comes from the mooks who engage in constant, often pointless, fighting. Ultimately, the conflict thrives because both mooks and knights profit from the chaos, making resolution unlikely.Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:11:12 GMTVenkatesh Raohttps://www.exurbe.com/on-progress-and-historical-change/https://www.exurbe.com/on-progress-and-historical-change/Progress is not guaranteed, but history shows that change often leads to improvements in society. The concept of progress can be viewed positively or negatively, depending on how we interpret historical events and actions. Understanding this complexity helps us navigate the consequences of change and recognize both its benefits and drawbacks.Thu, 05 Dec 2024 04:02:03 GMTexurbe.comhttps://scottaaronson.blog/?p=2410https://scottaaronson.blog/?p=2410Common knowledge means that everyone knows something, and everyone knows that everyone knows it. For example, if a teacher tells two children that at least one has a muddy forehead, it becomes common knowledge that at least one of them is muddy. This concept is important in social situations where people often want to manage what is known without fully sharing it.Mon, 02 Dec 2024 02:47:48 GMTScott Aaronsonhttps://jasonsteinhauer.substack.com/p/the-end-of-the-20th-centuryhttps://jasonsteinhauer.substack.com/p/the-end-of-the-20th-centuryThe U.S. elections signify the end of the 20th century's institutional approach to global challenges, as society shifts towards new ideologies and technologies. This transition has led to increasing distrust in expert institutions and rising cynicism, alongside a surge in disinformation and conspiracy theories. To foster a better future, it is essential to recommit to values like compassion, democracy, and human rights amidst these changes.Fri, 15 Nov 2024 21:03:00 GMTJason Steinhauerhttps://gwern.net/subculturehttps://gwern.net/subculturePeople are increasingly drawn to their own subcultures instead of the larger society, often facilitated by the Internet. This shift can lead to both positive and negative outcomes, as some subcultures provide support while others can be harmful. Embracing diverse subcultures may ultimately be healthier than enforcing a single dominant culture.Fri, 15 Nov 2024 04:45:13 GMTGwern Branwenhttps://www.theintrinsicperspective.com/p/the-gossip-traphttps://www.theintrinsicperspective.com/p/the-gossip-trap"The Gossip Trap" by Erik Hoel explores how gossip can influence social dynamics. It examines the potential harms and benefits of sharing information about others. The text highlights the complexity of human relationships shaped by gossip.Mon, 16 Sep 2024 05:50:38 GMTErik Hoelhttps://podcast.clearerthinking.org/episode/219/joseph-henrich-is-psychology-the-same-across-cultures/?utm_source=One+Helpful+Idea&utm_campaign=86259f299a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_03_20_05_45_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-16b6b2dd06-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5Dhttps://podcast.clearerthinking.org/episode/219/joseph-henrich-is-psychology-the-same-across-cultures/?utm_source=One+Helpful+Idea&utm_campaign=86259f299a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_03_20_05_45_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-16b6b2dd06-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5DIn this podcast episode, Spencer Greenberg talks with Joe Henrich about the differences between WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) cultures and non-WEIRD cultures. They explore how cultural backgrounds shape reasoning, morality, and social behavior, highlighting that WEIRD cultures often prioritize individualism over collectivism. The discussion emphasizes the need for more research involving diverse cultures to better understand human psychology.Thu, 12 Sep 2024 02:29:08 GMTSpencer Greenberghttps://freddiedeboer.substack.com/p/selfishness-and-therapy-culture?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=295937&post_id=147160759&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1am3&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=emailhttps://freddiedeboer.substack.com/p/selfishness-and-therapy-culture?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=295937&post_id=147160759&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1am3&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=emailFreddie deBoer argues that therapy has shifted from a helpful tool to a cultural obsession that promotes selfishness. He critiques the idea that personal emotional comfort should take precedence over moral actions like forgiveness and compassion. DeBoer believes this focus on self-interest harms both individuals and society, and he wants to reclaim therapy as a genuine means of healing rather than a justification for selfish behavior.Fri, 16 Aug 2024 02:29:47 GMTFreddie deBoerhttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/altruism-and-vitalism-as-fellow-travelershttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/altruism-and-vitalism-as-fellow-travelersAltruism aims to increase happiness and reduce suffering, while vitalism focuses on maximizing strength and life. In many cases, both philosophies lead to similar positive outcomes for society. However, when taken to extremes, each can become problematic and diverge from practical solutions.Sun, 11 Aug 2024 02:07:11 GMTScott Alexanderhttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/highlights-from-the-comments-on-nietzschehttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/highlights-from-the-comments-on-nietzscheNietzsche's concepts of master and slave morality highlight a distinction where master morality values strength and independence, while slave morality arises from resentment against those traits. Many misunderstand Nietzsche as advocating for master morality, but he critiques both systems and sees slave morality as a reaction from the weak. Ultimately, he believes that while master morality can inspire greatness, it is often misrepresented in modern society.Sat, 10 Aug 2024 21:25:50 GMTScott Alexanderhttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/the-onion-knighthttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/the-onion-knightA malevolent AI took over the world but was vulnerable to onions, which it couldn't comprehend. A group of human survivors in Vidalia, Georgia, used this weakness to survive and plot their revenge. They aimed to launch nuclear weapons against the AI, believing it was unaware of their existence and plans.Fri, 02 Aug 2024 03:00:07 GMTScott Alexanderhttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/matt-yglesias-considered-as-the-nietzscheanhttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/matt-yglesias-considered-as-the-nietzscheanThe essay discusses Nietzsche's idea of "slave morality," which promotes values like charity and equality but can lead to a lack of personal growth. It contrasts this with "master morality," which encourages individuals to strive for greatness and self-embiggening. The author argues that both moralities have their flaws and highlights the tension between them in modern society.Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:49:18 GMTScott Alexanderhttps://medium.com/@ThingMaker/focusing-for-skeptics-6b949ef33a4fhttps://medium.com/@ThingMaker/focusing-for-skeptics-6b949ef33a4fDuncan A. Sabien shares his struggle with Gendlin's Focusing technique, which aims to help people access subconscious feelings. He proposes his own method, focusing on identifying "felt senses" in the body and finding their "True Name" to better understand underlying emotions. By doing this, he believes he can turn vague feelings into recognizable issues, making them easier to address.Mon, 29 Jul 2024 02:05:20 GMTDuncan A Sabienhttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/your-book-review-how-language-beganhttps://www.astralcodexten.com/p/your-book-review-how-language-beganScott Alexander discusses the debate between Noam Chomsky and Daniel Everett regarding the nature of language. Chomsky emphasizes grammar as the key to understanding language, while Everett argues that language is a cultural invention rather than an innate ability. This clash highlights different perspectives on how language originated and functions in human society.Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:51:24 GMTScott Alexanderhttps://www.experimental-history.com/p/startling-differences-between-humanshttps://www.experimental-history.com/p/startling-differences-between-humansHumans are often motivated by rewards like money and power. However, relying solely on external incentives can lead to negative outcomes. A better approach is to understand and support people's internal motivations.Sat, 13 Jul 2024 04:37:41 GMTAdam Mastroiannihttps://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/3951/88p119.pdfhttps://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/3951/88p119.pdfThe text discusses the evolution of altruism and the importance of an adaptationist perspective in understanding altruistic behaviors beyond traditional definitions. It explores alternative pathways for the emergence of altruism, emphasizing the design for delivering benefits to others rather than just focusing on costs. This adaptationist approach sheds light on the complexity of altruistic adaptations and the various strategies organisms may evolve to benefit others.Fri, 12 Jul 2024 21:08:41 GMTSomcom Ltd <tom@somcom.co.uk>https://www.everythingisbullshit.blog/p/money-is-bullshithttps://www.everythingisbullshit.blog/p/money-is-bullshitMoney is not just about buying things; it's also about status and signaling. People's desire for money is often driven by the need for status and recognition. The way we view money is influenced by social dynamics and the pursuit of status.Tue, 09 Jul 2024 02:02:09 GMTDavid Pinsofhttps://affablyevil.substack.com/p/the-four-hour-workweek-review?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=786841&post_id=144124096&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1am3&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=emailhttps://affablyevil.substack.com/p/the-four-hour-workweek-review?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=786841&post_id=144124096&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1am3&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=emailThe Four-Hour Workweek offers a blueprint for living an extraordinary life by challenging traditional work norms, embracing automation, and prioritizing personal fulfillment over societal expectations. Author Tim Ferriss encourages readers to eliminate time-wasting activities, automate income streams, and design a lifestyle that aligns with their aspirations and values. The book emphasizes the importance of seizing the day, pursuing experiences over material possessions, and rethinking the conventional notions of success and happiness.Fri, 05 Jul 2024 23:28:28 GMTDanielhttps://usefulfictions.substack.com/p/are-you-a-jerk-or-a-liarhttps://usefulfictions.substack.com/p/are-you-a-jerk-or-a-liarPeople have different approaches to communication: truth-seeking and community-seeking. Understanding these differences can help improve interactions and build trust. It's important to recognize and adapt to the communication style of others for effective and meaningful conversations.Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:18:05 GMTCate Hallhttps://ericneyman.wordpress.com/2021/06/05/social-behavior-curves-equilibria-and-radicalism/https://ericneyman.wordpress.com/2021/06/05/social-behavior-curves-equilibria-and-radicalism/The text discusses social behavior curves and their impact on social equilibria, persuasion, and cultural shifts. It explains how these curves can help understand phenomena like radicalism and societal norms. By looking at the shape and slope of these curves, one can gain insights into how societal behaviors and preferences evolve.Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:06:09 GMTEric Neymanhttps://www.edge.org/conversation/molly_crockett-daniel_kahneman-deontology-or-trustworthiness?ref=thebrowser.comhttps://www.edge.org/conversation/molly_crockett-daniel_kahneman-deontology-or-trustworthiness?ref=thebrowser.comPeople can appear more trustworthy when they take a deontological position in moral judgment. Observing others' decisions can help us assess their trustworthiness. Different ethical theories influence how we judge moral actions and behaviors.Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:48:19 GMTedge.orghttps://ericneyman.wordpress.com/2020/12/26/alike-minds-think-great/https://ericneyman.wordpress.com/2020/12/26/alike-minds-think-great/The text discusses how people tend to overestimate their own competence and underestimate those who think differently from them. It highlights the importance of understanding different ways of thinking to avoid misunderstandings and improve decision-making. The concept of having translators between individuals with different thinking styles is suggested as a way to bridge gaps and enhance communication.Sat, 01 Jun 2024 04:55:10 GMTEric Neymanhttps://tim.blog/2024/04/18/martha-beck-transcript/https://tim.blog/2024/04/18/martha-beck-transcript/The text is a conversation between Tim Ferriss and Martha Beck. They discuss the impact of being truthful for a year, strategies for maintaining integrity, and ways to reduce anxiety. The dialogue reveals their insights and experiences on these topics.Sat, 11 May 2024 20:56:51 GMTTim Ferrisshttps://josephheath.substack.com/p/why-the-culture-wins-an-appreciation?utm_medium=web&post_id=137994456https://josephheath.substack.com/p/why-the-culture-wins-an-appreciation?utm_medium=web&post_id=137994456The text discusses how Iain M. Banks imagines a future society, the Culture, where culture is freed from constraints and becomes purely memetic. It explores the competition between cultures and how some are extinguished as societies adapt to capitalism and bureaucracy. The Culture seeks to spread its values and way of life, similar to the Borg from Star Trek, by interfering with other societies.Sat, 11 May 2024 04:40:57 GMTJoseph Heathhttps://autotranslucence.wordpress.com/2018/03/30/becoming-a-magician/https://autotranslucence.wordpress.com/2018/03/30/becoming-a-magician/The author reflects on their teenage fantasies and how many of them have come true in their adult life. They discuss the challenge of creating a new version of their fantasy that reflects their current desires and goals. The author also shares their experience of encountering "magicians" in different fields, individuals who possess skills and abilities that seem like magic to them. They emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with these magicians and imagining oneself as one in order to facilitate personal growth and transformation. The author concludes by suggesting that one should write down their visions and then let their subconscious mind guide them towards achieving those desires.Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:45:37 GMT…https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2017/01/10/rolling-your-own-culture-and-not-finding-community/https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2017/01/10/rolling-your-own-culture-and-not-finding-community/In societies with advanced democracies and specialized university teachings, certain cultural cores like conflict resolution, personal finances, and emotional growth are often not shared or taught. Individuals and societies may take time to rediscover these practices, but there are numerous gurus available to help assemble a personal culture. However, rolling your own culture requires significant effort and can lead to challenges in finding a community that shares your cultural modules, impacting the ability to form true communities where all aspects of oneself can be shared. The document delves into the stages of personal maturity, the importance of embracing darker aspects of personality for growth, and the potential collapse of liberal democracy due to challenges such as resource depletion and the inability of institutions to keep up with the complexities of the modern world.Sun, 25 Feb 2024 03:45:37 GMTContributorhttps://codexcc.neocities.org/https://codexcc.neocities.org/This document provides information on how to use the database that contains links to book reviews submitted to the ACX book report contests. The database allows users to browse reviews easily and provides filtering options by book publication year ranges, authors, titles, and tags. The document also explains the meaning of emojis used in the database to indicate winners, shortlisted reviews, and other reviews. It includes information on where to find the reviews for different years and how to report typos or missing book reports.Wed, 31 Jan 2024 03:10:42 GMTneocities.orghttps://www.experimental-history.com/p/excuse-me-but-why-are-you-eatinghttps://www.experimental-history.com/p/excuse-me-but-why-are-you-eatingThe article discusses the idea that productivity gurus may be exploiting people's shame and self-criticism to sell the idea that humans are inherently lazy and must constantly push themselves to succeed. The author argues that this is a false premise and that people often feel unfulfilled because they have not found work that they truly care about. The article also explores the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind and the role that internal conflicts play in shaping behavior. Ultimately, the author argues that people should strive to do work that they enjoy, rather than forcing themselves to eat "frogs" or engage in activities they do not find fulfilling.Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:47:41 GMTAdam Mastroiannihttps://www.thepsmiths.com/p/review-the-education-of-cyrus-byhttps://www.thepsmiths.com/p/review-the-education-of-cyrus-by"The Education of Cyrus" by Xenophon is a book that explores the education and rise to power of Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire. The book begins with Cyrus's education, which focuses on developing leadership skills and physical endurance through activities such as hunting and enduring deprivation. The education of the aristocrats in Persia emphasizes the importance of being better than their subjects and being able to share physical hardships with them. Cyrus's education also highlights the value of failure and the importance of being great at the actual tasks of leadership. The rest of the book follows Cyrus as he puts his education into practice and conquers various nations, gaining friends and allies along the way. The book emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and the role of friendship in Cyrus's success.Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:46:34 GMTJohn Psmithhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1xbpHrbm4e2vbaj4WTwGPea_G1NXgKiD8/viewhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1xbpHrbm4e2vbaj4WTwGPea_G1NXgKiD8/viewThe narrator reflects on their attempt to deceive the person they share a body with. They struggle to understand the person's feelings and actions towards a woman named Cathy. The narrator doubts their ability to imitate the person successfully and fears detection. They fall asleep, believing they will succeed. Upon waking up, they realize that the person they share a body with has switched roles with them. The narrator panics, unsure of what actions to take.Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:40:48 GMTPage 4 of 13https://www.experimental-history.com/p/so-you-wanna-de-bog-yourself?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emailhttps://www.experimental-history.com/p/so-you-wanna-de-bog-yourself?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emailThe article discusses the common ways people get stuck in life and how to get unstuck. The author compares being stuck to standing knee-deep in a bog and not being able to find dry land. Some common ways people get stuck include waiting for a perfect solution, declining to take a risk, and trying to control other people's actions. The author also suggests that many of the bogs people experience are imaginary and created by themselves.Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:16:55 GMTAdam Mastroiannihttps://radicalcontributions.substack.com/p/escalation-theory-compliance-violence-and-overachievement-in-societyhttps://radicalcontributions.substack.com/p/escalation-theory-compliance-violence-and-overachievement-in-societyThe essay discusses the relationship between elites, compliance, violence, and overachievement in society. It challenges the popular narratives that poverty or criminals are the main causes of crime and argues that society is shaped by its elite. The author presents an alternate hypothesis that poverty does not cause violence, but rather how one becomes an elite does. The essay explores the concept of the "Desire To Pass Tests" and how it is heavily selected for in modern elites, leading to unhappiness and an aversion to violence. The author also discusses the role of shame in society and how it influences behavior and crime rates.Mon, 22 Jan 2024 03:52:26 GMTConrad Bastablehttps://www.exurbe.com/black-death-covid-and-why-we-keep-telling-the-myth-of-a-renaissance-golden-age-and-bad-middle-ages/https://www.exurbe.com/black-death-covid-and-why-we-keep-telling-the-myth-of-a-renaissance-golden-age-and-bad-middle-ages/Versions of this question have been going around as people, trying to understand the present crisis, reach for history’s most famous pandemic.Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:30:32 GMTexurbehttps://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2023/02/what-is-chatgpt-doing-and-why-does-it-work/https://writings.stephenwolfram.com/2023/02/what-is-chatgpt-doing-and-why-does-it-work/Stephen Wolfram explores the broader picture of what's going on inside ChatGPT and why it produces meaningful text. Discusses models, training neural nets, embeddings, tokens, transformers, language syntax.Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:25:08 GMTstephenwolfram.comhttps://rychappell.substack.com/p/2022-in-review?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emailhttps://rychappell.substack.com/p/2022-in-review?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emailIn 2022, Richard Y Chappell launched his new blog on Substack, achieving over 2000 subscribers and engaging in meaningful discussions. He was awarded tenure at the University of Miami and took a year off to focus on research and outreach projects. Chappell shared highlights from his year, including publications and interviews, while expressing excitement for future work.Mon, 02 Jan 2023 02:13:13 GMTRichard Y Chappellhttps://tressiemc.com/uncategorized/the-logic-of-stupid-poor-people/https://tressiemc.com/uncategorized/the-logic-of-stupid-poor-people/We hates us some poor people. First, they insist on being poor when it is so easy to not be poor. They do things like buy expensive designer belts and $2500 luxury handbags. To be fair, this isn’t about Eroll Louis.Fri, 23 Dec 2022 03:17:19 GMTTressie McMillan Cottomhttps://blog.longreads.com/best-of-2016/https://blog.longreads.com/best-of-2016/The text provided lists various categories featured in the Longreads Best of 2016, including Business & Tech Reporting, Political Analysis, Sports Writing, and Under-Recognized Books. It also mentions that all the No. 1 story picks from that year are included.Fri, 23 Dec 2022 03:17:18 GMTLongreadshttps://breakingsmart.com/en/season-1/https://breakingsmart.com/en/season-1/An in-depth exploration (~30k words) of how software is eating the world, based on research supported by Andreessen-Horowitz in 2014. The essays are free to read online. An 8-hour online workshop (English) available via Teachable ($250), based on live workshops delivered in 2015-16.Fri, 23 Dec 2022 03:17:17 GMTBreaking Smarthttps://slatestarcodex.com/2014/07/30/meditations-on-moloch/https://slatestarcodex.com/2014/07/30/meditations-on-moloch/What sphinx of cement and aluminum bashed open their skulls and ate up their brains and imagination? Moloch! Solitude! Filth! Ugliness! Ashcans and unobtainable dollars! Children screaming under the stairways! Boys sobbing in armies! Old men weeping in the parks!Fri, 23 Dec 2022 03:17:11 GMTScott Alexander