Better to admit you walked through the wrong door than spend your life in the wrong room.
The trick is accepting that you’re in the wrong room.
Better to admit you walked through the wrong door than spend your life in the wrong room.
The trick is accepting that you’re in the wrong room.
Don’t look for hope. Make it.
In the chaos of the world, the question, “Where is there hope?” betrays an unfortunately delinquency of our humanity, that we do not see ourselves as responsible agents. But we are. We are responsible. And we have agency. Don’t look
Don’t look for hope. Make it.
In the chaos of the world, the question, “Where is there hope?” betrays an unfortunately delinquency of our humanity, that we do not see ourselves as responsible agents. But we are. We are responsible. And we have agency. Don’t look
Respect one another’s delusions.
Even a rudimentary understanding of uncertainty, epistemology, phenomenology, or cognitive psychology, will lead one to the conclusion that we perceive and apprehend the truth, but we cannot “know” it. We all collapse nuance, complexity, and mystery into packets of understanding,
Respect one another’s delusions.
Even a rudimentary understanding of uncertainty, epistemology, phenomenology, or cognitive psychology, will lead one to the conclusion that we perceive and apprehend the truth, but we cannot “know” it. We all collapse nuance, complexity, and mystery into packets of understanding,
“If” by Rudyard Kipling
The following is one of my favorite poems, an ode to resilience and humility. I would humbly rewrite the last line: Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be wise beyond, bar none. If you can
“If” by Rudyard Kipling
The following is one of my favorite poems, an ode to resilience and humility. I would humbly rewrite the last line: Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be wise beyond, bar none. If you can
What you don’t change, you choose.
Victim or volition. These are our only options. One leads to happiness, meaning, purpose, resilience, empowerment, and responsibility. The other doesn’t lead at all.
What you don’t change, you choose.
Victim or volition. These are our only options. One leads to happiness, meaning, purpose, resilience, empowerment, and responsibility. The other doesn’t lead at all.
Humanity must awaken to wonder. Science is a way of sending us to sleep again.
This is a paraphrased rendition of a Ludwig Wittgenstein quote. Below is the full context of the quote: “On the contrary there is absolutely no reason to wonder at these things, because they are such everyday occurrences. If primitive men
Humanity must awaken to wonder. Science is a way of sending us to sleep again.
This is a paraphrased rendition of a Ludwig Wittgenstein quote. Below is the full context of the quote: “On the contrary there is absolutely no reason to wonder at these things, because they are such everyday occurrences. If primitive men
Parents do not develop their children. They develop with them.
“Parents who are faced with the development of a number of children must constantly live up to a challenge. They must develop with them. We distort the situation if we abstract it in such a way that we consider the
Parents do not develop their children. They develop with them.
“Parents who are faced with the development of a number of children must constantly live up to a challenge. They must develop with them. We distort the situation if we abstract it in such a way that we consider the
Don’t forget to always remember the future.
What happened then and what is happening now is not what will always be. This is the foundation of both healing and humility. Wholeness and peace are found in both.
Don’t forget to always remember the future.
What happened then and what is happening now is not what will always be. This is the foundation of both healing and humility. Wholeness and peace are found in both.
Argue as if you were right, but then listen as if you were wrong. -Adam Grant
And be sincerely open to changing your mind. This is the value of debate. (And debate is not harm, conflict, or abuse.)
Argue as if you were right, but then listen as if you were wrong. -Adam Grant
And be sincerely open to changing your mind. This is the value of debate. (And debate is not harm, conflict, or abuse.)
Tragedy moves quickly. Grief moves slowly.
This is why heroism is quick and healing takes time.
Tragedy moves quickly. Grief moves slowly.
This is why heroism is quick and healing takes time.
Don’t take sides. Offer solutions.
Taking sides is dumb. Taking sides voids the warranty on wisdom. “Taking” is also selfish. So don’t take sides. Instead, give. Give the chance of forward movement. Offer a solution. Work to navigate the possibilities with wisdom, and hope.
Don’t take sides. Offer solutions.
Taking sides is dumb. Taking sides voids the warranty on wisdom. “Taking” is also selfish. So don’t take sides. Instead, give. Give the chance of forward movement. Offer a solution. Work to navigate the possibilities with wisdom, and hope.
The more down to earth you are the less it hurts when you fall.
And you will fall. So, believe in humility and the fallability of people.
The more down to earth you are the less it hurts when you fall.
And you will fall. So, believe in humility and the fallability of people.
“The only way to tell this story is to try to tell it truthfully and to know that you will fail.”
This quote by David Remnick, from his article in The New Yorker, “In The Cities of Killing: The Hamas massacre, the assaults on Gaza, and what comes after,” published October 28, 2023, is a brilliant summation of the paradox of
“The only way to tell this story is to try to tell it truthfully and to know that you will fail.”
This quote by David Remnick, from his article in The New Yorker, “In The Cities of Killing: The Hamas massacre, the assaults on Gaza, and what comes after,” published October 28, 2023, is a brilliant summation of the paradox of
I exist. And I know nothing.
Credit to Barbara Ehrenreich in her book Living with a Wild God. Some might see this as a slightly more despairing rendition of Cartesian reductionism. I see it as a great place to start, a liberating place to end, and
I exist. And I know nothing.
Credit to Barbara Ehrenreich in her book Living with a Wild God. Some might see this as a slightly more despairing rendition of Cartesian reductionism. I see it as a great place to start, a liberating place to end, and
We don’t write what we think. We write in order to think.
Though, I may have thought this before I wrote it. But that thought, I just thought while writing.
We don’t write what we think. We write in order to think.
Though, I may have thought this before I wrote it. But that thought, I just thought while writing.
Never manage dysfunctional people. Manage excellent people. Get rid of dysfunctional people.
This is commensurate with the principle “First who, then what.”
Never manage dysfunctional people. Manage excellent people. Get rid of dysfunctional people.
This is commensurate with the principle “First who, then what.”
We are never as close as we hope, and never as far as we fear.
Don’t fear. Always hope.
We are never as close as we hope, and never as far as we fear.
Don’t fear. Always hope.
War begins in the mind. Peace must begin there too.
“That since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” (Preamble of the UNESCO constitution, 1945)
War begins in the mind. Peace must begin there too.
“That since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed.” (Preamble of the UNESCO constitution, 1945)
Do not fear unanswered questions. Be concerned with unquestioned answers.
Epistemic humility is the enemy of dogmatic absolutism, the nemesis to arrogant certainty, and the great partner to curiosity.
Do not fear unanswered questions. Be concerned with unquestioned answers.
Epistemic humility is the enemy of dogmatic absolutism, the nemesis to arrogant certainty, and the great partner to curiosity.
The world cannot be free without it first being just.
Misunderstanding “freedom” to mean “license,” will create a slavish and tyrannical world. Justice must precede freedom and is in fact freedom’s source. Liberty is not and must not be absolute. Liberty is the result of a proper application of the
The world cannot be free without it first being just.
Misunderstanding “freedom” to mean “license,” will create a slavish and tyrannical world. Justice must precede freedom and is in fact freedom’s source. Liberty is not and must not be absolute. Liberty is the result of a proper application of the
Please keep your comments to the level of your ignorance.
A reminder to self. But mostly, a plea, because the Dunning-Kruger Effect is alive and well. “Well you know what I think…” Nope. Not interested. “If you ask my opinion…” Nope. Not asking.
Please keep your comments to the level of your ignorance.
A reminder to self. But mostly, a plea, because the Dunning-Kruger Effect is alive and well. “Well you know what I think…” Nope. Not interested. “If you ask my opinion…” Nope. Not asking.
The privileged reach for power. The oppressed reach for rights of equality.
To feel as if things are unfair, and that you and/or your group are being marginalized is a common human experience. Insecurity is a base human emotion, and our struggle for worth and value manifests itself in confrontation to that
The privileged reach for power. The oppressed reach for rights of equality.
To feel as if things are unfair, and that you and/or your group are being marginalized is a common human experience. Insecurity is a base human emotion, and our struggle for worth and value manifests itself in confrontation to that
Justice precedes freedom.
Establishing the right rules and laws, based upon values and worldviews that are true and good is the seedbed of freedom. Injustice seeks freedom before virtue. Many of our problems can be understood as arising from putting the freedom cart
Justice precedes freedom.
Establishing the right rules and laws, based upon values and worldviews that are true and good is the seedbed of freedom. Injustice seeks freedom before virtue. Many of our problems can be understood as arising from putting the freedom cart
is ≠ ought ≠ can ≠ will
Ontology is not morality. Morality is not ability. Ability is not commitment. Don’t get them confused. Neither neglect one for the other. Our world is built on all four.
is ≠ ought ≠ can ≠ will
Ontology is not morality. Morality is not ability. Ability is not commitment. Don’t get them confused. Neither neglect one for the other. Our world is built on all four.
Announcing! Via Media
To my vialogue & viamuse followers, You are invited to a major project that has been years in the making. The ideas and perspectives we have accumulated over the years from all the books and insights posted on this blog
Announcing! Via Media
To my vialogue & viamuse followers, You are invited to a major project that has been years in the making. The ideas and perspectives we have accumulated over the years from all the books and insights posted on this blog
Hope is not for later. Hope is for here and now.
The shadow side of our imagination is that future thinking can blind us to current states of existence. We often distract ourselves with despair or optimism when what we need is an ever-present hope that exists in the here and
Hope is not for later. Hope is for here and now.
The shadow side of our imagination is that future thinking can blind us to current states of existence. We often distract ourselves with despair or optimism when what we need is an ever-present hope that exists in the here and
The future is not an extrapolation. But it is a derivative.
All futures are derivative of past and current events. This is distinct and different from “history never repeats itself, but it does rhyme,” which is still a determinative view of history. Being a derivative means that the future can only
The future is not an extrapolation. But it is a derivative.
All futures are derivative of past and current events. This is distinct and different from “history never repeats itself, but it does rhyme,” which is still a determinative view of history. Being a derivative means that the future can only
Monocausotaxophilia
An erroneous cognitive bias that loves single causal explanations. Coined by neuroscientist Ernst Pöppel, originally as a joke.
Monocausotaxophilia
An erroneous cognitive bias that loves single causal explanations. Coined by neuroscientist Ernst Pöppel, originally as a joke.
Phenomenology is both an experience and an interpretation.
More important than the categories of “subjective” or “objective”, phenomenology is the dynamic triad of having an experience, which is itself an interpretation of an experience, and the construction of meaning by engaging with both the experience and the interpretation.
Phenomenology is both an experience and an interpretation.
More important than the categories of “subjective” or “objective”, phenomenology is the dynamic triad of having an experience, which is itself an interpretation of an experience, and the construction of meaning by engaging with both the experience and the interpretation.
Accountability is communality.
To hold someone to account is to recognize their participation and influence with a community. To identify behaviors that are destructive to the group, confronting them for the purpose of redemption and transformation is an act of love, both for
Accountability is communality.
To hold someone to account is to recognize their participation and influence with a community. To identify behaviors that are destructive to the group, confronting them for the purpose of redemption and transformation is an act of love, both for
Forgiveness is a f*ing miracle.
With apologies for the profanity. The following quote was worth excerpting for posterity as a prime example of the shared worldview between the secular and spiritual; a moving elucidation of the religious practice of forgiveness as a discipline in response
Forgiveness is a f*ing miracle.
With apologies for the profanity. The following quote was worth excerpting for posterity as a prime example of the shared worldview between the secular and spiritual; a moving elucidation of the religious practice of forgiveness as a discipline in response
Nudge thyself.
We short-change ourselves when we too often focus on the big goal to attain rather than the incremental, pedestrian steps (pun intended) that help us attain our goals. First, those “everyday” little pushes can, in and of themselves, be tremendously
Nudge thyself.
We short-change ourselves when we too often focus on the big goal to attain rather than the incremental, pedestrian steps (pun intended) that help us attain our goals. First, those “everyday” little pushes can, in and of themselves, be tremendously
Education is what remains when you’ve forgotten everything you were taught.
There are a variety of iterations on this aphorism to describe the value of understanding beyond knowledge, insight beyond wisdom.
Education is what remains when you’ve forgotten everything you were taught.
There are a variety of iterations on this aphorism to describe the value of understanding beyond knowledge, insight beyond wisdom.
“Anyone claiming to know the future is really just trying to own it.”
Margaret Heffernan, from the program The Myth of Inevitability, BBC audio, October 11, 2019. (The entire commentary is worth listening to in full.) If we let Silicon Valley hijack our future, we gain the comfort of certainty, but lose our
“Anyone claiming to know the future is really just trying to own it.”
Margaret Heffernan, from the program The Myth of Inevitability, BBC audio, October 11, 2019. (The entire commentary is worth listening to in full.) If we let Silicon Valley hijack our future, we gain the comfort of certainty, but lose our
Music is grooming at a distance.
Primates pick debris out of each others’ fur to provide social cohesion. Humans just play, sing, and dance.
Music is grooming at a distance.
Primates pick debris out of each others’ fur to provide social cohesion. Humans just play, sing, and dance.
Your brain is in your head. Your mind is in your body.
Whatever we understand the “mind” to be, it is not in the brain, it is in our entire body. We process multitudes of stimuli through our emotions in every sensor of our being. One could argue that our mind is
Your brain is in your head. Your mind is in your body.
Whatever we understand the “mind” to be, it is not in the brain, it is in our entire body. We process multitudes of stimuli through our emotions in every sensor of our being. One could argue that our mind is
“Dark places are either burials or planting places. You decide.”
I love the simple wisdom of profound people. This quote by Eric Adams’ mother emerges from the traditions of resilience and hope, traditions we would do well to hold on to tightly.
“Dark places are either burials or planting places. You decide.”
I love the simple wisdom of profound people. This quote by Eric Adams’ mother emerges from the traditions of resilience and hope, traditions we would do well to hold on to tightly.
My fear is not equal to their intention.
Commensurate with the Fundamental Attribution Error (a.k.a. “Correspondence Bias”), we often equate what we fear with another person’s intent. This is the very way we believe the worst, because our negative beliefs of others are rooted in our greatest fears.
My fear is not equal to their intention.
Commensurate with the Fundamental Attribution Error (a.k.a. “Correspondence Bias”), we often equate what we fear with another person’s intent. This is the very way we believe the worst, because our negative beliefs of others are rooted in our greatest fears.
Every vitriolic hater was once a cooing child looking for love.
Every. Single. One.
Every vitriolic hater was once a cooing child looking for love.
Every. Single. One.
Don’t fight, flee, freeze, or faint. Flock.
Coined in 1915 by Walter B. Cannon, the term “fight or flight” (also called “the acute stress response”) describes the physiological changes that happen when there is a perceived threat. When the physiological system is too overwhelmed it may begin
Don’t fight, flee, freeze, or faint. Flock.
Coined in 1915 by Walter B. Cannon, the term “fight or flight” (also called “the acute stress response”) describes the physiological changes that happen when there is a perceived threat. When the physiological system is too overwhelmed it may begin
“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”
– Aldous Huxley, Complete Essays, Vol. II: 1926-1929. But could they? Or, perhaps, could we?
“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”
– Aldous Huxley, Complete Essays, Vol. II: 1926-1929. But could they? Or, perhaps, could we?
Embrace the power of affirmative thinking.
Most people know the popular phrase, “the power of positive thinking.” This is wrong. Positivism is neither powerful, nor true. Positive thinking is actually a coping mechanism that emerges out of hurt. Positive thinking is avoidance of the truth. Ironically,
Embrace the power of affirmative thinking.
Most people know the popular phrase, “the power of positive thinking.” This is wrong. Positivism is neither powerful, nor true. Positive thinking is actually a coping mechanism that emerges out of hurt. Positive thinking is avoidance of the truth. Ironically,
Guilt is personal. Shame is communal.
Guilt is a function of evaluating an individual’s actions. Shame is a function of societal contempt. It is more about the parameters of belonging established by the community. Guilt is good. When one recognizes a fault, one can then be
Guilt is personal. Shame is communal.
Guilt is a function of evaluating an individual’s actions. Shame is a function of societal contempt. It is more about the parameters of belonging established by the community. Guilt is good. When one recognizes a fault, one can then be
Acting out emotions is not the same as working through them.
Acting out is to be victim to the emotions. Working through them is to be master of your emotions. The former is to succumb. The latter is to be responsible. And responsibility is the pathway towards wholeness.
Acting out emotions is not the same as working through them.
Acting out is to be victim to the emotions. Working through them is to be master of your emotions. The former is to succumb. The latter is to be responsible. And responsibility is the pathway towards wholeness.
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who divide the world into two kinds, and those who don’t.
I’m still deciding which one I want to be.
There are two kinds of people in this world. Those who divide the world into two kinds, and those who don’t.
I’m still deciding which one I want to be.
Trust those who are humble in their knowledge. Be wary of those who are certain.
Trust me. I know what I’m talking about. Actually, I’m not so sure.
Trust those who are humble in their knowledge. Be wary of those who are certain.
Trust me. I know what I’m talking about. Actually, I’m not so sure.
There are two things: to know and to believe one knows.
Amazing how quotes evolve. I first read a version of this quote in The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II, which states: It is a type of science originally advocated 2,400 years ago by the
There are two things: to know and to believe one knows.
Amazing how quotes evolve. I first read a version of this quote in The China Study by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell II, which states: It is a type of science originally advocated 2,400 years ago by the
The greatest obstacle of discovery is not ignorance—it is the illusion of knowledge.
From Daniel J. Boorstin, The 6 O’Clock Scholar, The Washington Post, January 29, 1984. Ah, another vote for epistemological agnosticism.
The greatest obstacle of discovery is not ignorance—it is the illusion of knowledge.
From Daniel J. Boorstin, The 6 O’Clock Scholar, The Washington Post, January 29, 1984. Ah, another vote for epistemological agnosticism.
Institutions are fragile because their leaders are cowardly.
Always, always, always look to the character and behavior of the people charged with leadership, not the integrity of the “entity” of the institution.
Institutions are fragile because their leaders are cowardly.
Always, always, always look to the character and behavior of the people charged with leadership, not the integrity of the “entity” of the institution.
Our problem is independentism, not individualism.
I think we are confused. I propose this clarification, a distinction with a difference. When people talk about the culture of “individualism” or that America is “individualistic” what they really mean is that the culture is “independentist.” Individualism is about
Our problem is independentism, not individualism.
I think we are confused. I propose this clarification, a distinction with a difference. When people talk about the culture of “individualism” or that America is “individualistic” what they really mean is that the culture is “independentist.” Individualism is about
That which secures us binds us. That which liberates us unmoors us.
Anchors create boundaries. The absence of boundaries create ambivalence. Do you want security and freedom? Well, that creates nonsense. But hey, that’s life.
That which secures us binds us. That which liberates us unmoors us.
Anchors create boundaries. The absence of boundaries create ambivalence. Do you want security and freedom? Well, that creates nonsense. But hey, that’s life.
Self-confidence is the absence of a need for self-affirmation.
It is the ability to live into the world without pride, ego, arrogance, or conceit. In other words, self-confidence is not the presence of certain attributes but rather the absence of certain vices.
Self-confidence is the absence of a need for self-affirmation.
It is the ability to live into the world without pride, ego, arrogance, or conceit. In other words, self-confidence is not the presence of certain attributes but rather the absence of certain vices.
Focus is not just an ability to concentrate but the discipline to eliminate.
While some aspect of focus has to do with one’s cognitive skill, a lot of focus has to do with the emotional will to say “no” to all the things that are not valuable to nor commensurate with one’s goals.
Focus is not just an ability to concentrate but the discipline to eliminate.
While some aspect of focus has to do with one’s cognitive skill, a lot of focus has to do with the emotional will to say “no” to all the things that are not valuable to nor commensurate with one’s goals.
When you sink to their level, you sync to their level.
So, be mindful of who you follow. Be careful who you call “enemy.” In both ways you will become like them.
When you sink to their level, you sync to their level.
So, be mindful of who you follow. Be careful who you call “enemy.” In both ways you will become like them.
“Statistics are human beings with the tears dried off.”
The greater the suffering, the less we care. The bigger the problem, the smaller our resolve. This paradox is a tragedy of our human psychology. The principle–never dehumanize–is challenging when there’s just so many. But humanize we must. See the
“Statistics are human beings with the tears dried off.”
The greater the suffering, the less we care. The bigger the problem, the smaller our resolve. This paradox is a tragedy of our human psychology. The principle–never dehumanize–is challenging when there’s just so many. But humanize we must. See the
Coherence, not agreement.
Confirmation bias is strong. We accept information that affirms our beliefs, and we reject that which does not. This psychological frailty is at the heart of so much fracturing in our society, and indeed in our own psyches. Debates, tweets,
Coherence, not agreement.
Confirmation bias is strong. We accept information that affirms our beliefs, and we reject that which does not. This psychological frailty is at the heart of so much fracturing in our society, and indeed in our own psyches. Debates, tweets,
Never dehumanize. Never.
Always call out a person’s actions. Never call a person a derogatory name. Always condemn injustice. Never diminish a person’s value. Always keep people accountable. Never shame them. Always speak the truth about a person’s behavior. Never falsify a person’s
Never dehumanize. Never.
Always call out a person’s actions. Never call a person a derogatory name. Always condemn injustice. Never diminish a person’s value. Always keep people accountable. Never shame them. Always speak the truth about a person’s behavior. Never falsify a person’s
News is phenomenology, not information.
It is a mistake to think that we get informed from the “news.” No doubt, some information comes through the news, but “news” as a human endeavor is more about our experiences, the happenings that directly relate and affect my
News is phenomenology, not information.
It is a mistake to think that we get informed from the “news.” No doubt, some information comes through the news, but “news” as a human endeavor is more about our experiences, the happenings that directly relate and affect my
Politics is about values and policies, not about facts.
The physics of CO2 in the atmosphere is not “democrat” or “republican.” The biological diversity of humanity is not “conservative” or “liberal.” A virus is neither “left” nor “right.” As such, none of these items can be “political.” Anyone equating
Politics is about values and policies, not about facts.
The physics of CO2 in the atmosphere is not “democrat” or “republican.” The biological diversity of humanity is not “conservative” or “liberal.” A virus is neither “left” nor “right.” As such, none of these items can be “political.” Anyone equating
Don’t confuse price with cost.
The process of economic capitalism exists by the principle of selling something for more than it costs, and paying a price that is believed to be close to or less than its worth. And this is the problem. Capitalism operates
Don’t confuse price with cost.
The process of economic capitalism exists by the principle of selling something for more than it costs, and paying a price that is believed to be close to or less than its worth. And this is the problem. Capitalism operates
Think dictionaries, not vocabularies.
The great cultural challenge has always been and will always be the evolution of meaning attributed to the words we use. We misunderstand each other frequently because we use the same words, but we don’t use the same meanings and
Think dictionaries, not vocabularies.
The great cultural challenge has always been and will always be the evolution of meaning attributed to the words we use. We misunderstand each other frequently because we use the same words, but we don’t use the same meanings and
Build an “antilibrary” for a better…everything.
An “antilibrary” is the number of books on your shelf that you haven’t read. They are a constant reminder of the vast quantity of one’s ignorance. With the right attitude towards this reality, an antilibrary can be a daily reminder
Build an “antilibrary” for a better…everything.
An “antilibrary” is the number of books on your shelf that you haven’t read. They are a constant reminder of the vast quantity of one’s ignorance. With the right attitude towards this reality, an antilibrary can be a daily reminder
“A rabbi whose community does not disagree with him is no rabbi. A rabbi who fears his community is no man.”
Rabbi Israel Salanter (18910-1883)
“A rabbi whose community does not disagree with him is no rabbi. A rabbi who fears his community is no man.”
Rabbi Israel Salanter (18910-1883)
Philosophize to be free.
It is a fundamental principle that we all live by particular ways of thinking that are un- or sub-conscious. As such, they shackle us, creating boundaries outside of which we cannot imagine. To be free is to think carefully about
Philosophize to be free.
It is a fundamental principle that we all live by particular ways of thinking that are un- or sub-conscious. As such, they shackle us, creating boundaries outside of which we cannot imagine. To be free is to think carefully about
“Ultimate truth, if there is such a thing, demands the concert of many voices.”
C.G. Jung, from the Foreword in The Origins and History of Consciousness In a world perennially fraught with epistemic crises, everyone needs to pick up their instrument and play. And, like a good band, or orchestra, the harmony of your
“Ultimate truth, if there is such a thing, demands the concert of many voices.”
C.G. Jung, from the Foreword in The Origins and History of Consciousness In a world perennially fraught with epistemic crises, everyone needs to pick up their instrument and play. And, like a good band, or orchestra, the harmony of your
Everything will be okay in the end. If things are not okay, it’s not the end.
Checkmate, pessimists.
Everything will be okay in the end. If things are not okay, it’s not the end.
Checkmate, pessimists.
The opposite of war is not peace, but understanding.
Inspired by Einstein’s quote: Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. Albert Einstein
The opposite of war is not peace, but understanding.
Inspired by Einstein’s quote: Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. Albert Einstein
“The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless.”
This quote by Steven Weinberg in his book The First Three Minutes speaks to the scientific endeavor and its conflict with human yearning. It also explains why people may disdain the search for understanding and comprehension, for meaning and purpose
“The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems pointless.”
This quote by Steven Weinberg in his book The First Three Minutes speaks to the scientific endeavor and its conflict with human yearning. It also explains why people may disdain the search for understanding and comprehension, for meaning and purpose
Technology is amoral, but it is not unbiased.
There’s a lot of confusing and unhelpful prognostication around what kind of future “technology” will usher in; a glorious utopia or a devastating existential threat. The question itself is faulty because it is predicated upon the assumption that “technology” has
Technology is amoral, but it is not unbiased.
There’s a lot of confusing and unhelpful prognostication around what kind of future “technology” will usher in; a glorious utopia or a devastating existential threat. The question itself is faulty because it is predicated upon the assumption that “technology” has
Studying history is an epistemic antiseptic.
An antiseptic prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. An antiseptic aids in promoting the health of the greater organism. An “epistemic antiseptic” prevents the growth of deleterious ideas, beliefs, and stereotypes that are detrimental to the greater human organism. An
Studying history is an epistemic antiseptic.
An antiseptic prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. An antiseptic aids in promoting the health of the greater organism. An “epistemic antiseptic” prevents the growth of deleterious ideas, beliefs, and stereotypes that are detrimental to the greater human organism. An
Language is a “dictionary of faded metaphors.”
With regard to mental relations every langauge is a dictionary of faded metaphors (Jean Paul, 1804) Language is a technology, and all technologies have limitations. Language is especially limiting as there can be no words to encapsulate the real-world experience
Language is a “dictionary of faded metaphors.”
With regard to mental relations every langauge is a dictionary of faded metaphors (Jean Paul, 1804) Language is a technology, and all technologies have limitations. Language is especially limiting as there can be no words to encapsulate the real-world experience
News is not information.
News does contain information, but there’s a reason we have two different words. News emerges out of journalism, and journalism is about narrative, and narrative exists to satiate humanity’s penchant for a dramatic story that makes sense. Why do you
News is not information.
News does contain information, but there’s a reason we have two different words. News emerges out of journalism, and journalism is about narrative, and narrative exists to satiate humanity’s penchant for a dramatic story that makes sense. Why do you
Writing is an art. Publishing is a business.
In virtually every endeavor there exists these two elements, the joy of human creativity, and the economics of human behavior (business). Which one you intend to pursue will determine what strategies you deploy and what outcome(s) you achieve. How you
Writing is an art. Publishing is a business.
In virtually every endeavor there exists these two elements, the joy of human creativity, and the economics of human behavior (business). Which one you intend to pursue will determine what strategies you deploy and what outcome(s) you achieve. How you
Emotions are expensive.
Binging. Splurging. Compensating. To hell with it. Wanna save money? Put your frontal cortex in charge of your budget, not your amygdala.
Emotions are expensive.
Binging. Splurging. Compensating. To hell with it. Wanna save money? Put your frontal cortex in charge of your budget, not your amygdala.
Our individual actions matter collectively.
There persists an argument in the debate over global problems how our individual actions can truly make a difference. In short, they don’t, so the argument goes. What is really needed is collective action, which communicates that my individual actions
Our individual actions matter collectively.
There persists an argument in the debate over global problems how our individual actions can truly make a difference. In short, they don’t, so the argument goes. What is really needed is collective action, which communicates that my individual actions
Code, Laws, Norms, Markets | Larry Lessig’s Theory of Regulation
These are the forces / constraints that regulate individuals in a society. Code: What is technologically possible. Laws: What is legally permissible. Norms: What is morally acceptable. Markets: What is financially profitable.
Code, Laws, Norms, Markets | Larry Lessig’s Theory of Regulation
These are the forces / constraints that regulate individuals in a society. Code: What is technologically possible. Laws: What is legally permissible. Norms: What is morally acceptable. Markets: What is financially profitable.
Your argument needs a ligament.
We are emotional beings who leverage emotion as a force. We naturally make arguments that are full of muscle, but they frequently lack coherence or effect. And so, just like a muscle needs to connect to something structural or it
Your argument needs a ligament.
We are emotional beings who leverage emotion as a force. We naturally make arguments that are full of muscle, but they frequently lack coherence or effect. And so, just like a muscle needs to connect to something structural or it
Smart organizations analyze the way. Healthy organizations find a way.
Smart organizations are technically advanced, analytical, attuned to metrics, and are economically savvy. They know markets, trends, media, and their product really well. Smart organizations are “experts.” Healthy organizations are comprised of disciplined people committed to the organization’s core vision
Smart organizations analyze the way. Healthy organizations find a way.
Smart organizations are technically advanced, analytical, attuned to metrics, and are economically savvy. They know markets, trends, media, and their product really well. Smart organizations are “experts.” Healthy organizations are comprised of disciplined people committed to the organization’s core vision
Don’t just ask for feedback. Notice it.
Many companies and organizations have a feedback system by which people provide direct and actionable information that can be used to better the organization. The problem is that this system of feedback can atrophy one’s skill at being aware, of
Don’t just ask for feedback. Notice it.
Many companies and organizations have a feedback system by which people provide direct and actionable information that can be used to better the organization. The problem is that this system of feedback can atrophy one’s skill at being aware, of
The question is the answer.
Seeking certainty, absolutism, and clarity requires the question to be the answer. How do you know when you’ve sold your soul to the power structures of politics, finance, or religion (or all three)? You don’t. But as soon as you
The question is the answer.
Seeking certainty, absolutism, and clarity requires the question to be the answer. How do you know when you’ve sold your soul to the power structures of politics, finance, or religion (or all three)? You don’t. But as soon as you
Religion is an ontological cartography.
Credit to Robert P. Jones for the phrase “ontological cartography” in his book, The End of White Christian America. Ontology: a branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being or existence. Cartography: the science or practice of drawing maps,
Religion is an ontological cartography.
Credit to Robert P. Jones for the phrase “ontological cartography” in his book, The End of White Christian America. Ontology: a branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being or existence. Cartography: the science or practice of drawing maps,
Justice delayed is justice denied.
The sword comes to the world for the delay of judgment, and for the perversion of judgment, and because of those who teach the Torah not in accordance with the accepted law. – Pirkei Avot 5:8, 3rd c., C.E. To
Justice delayed is justice denied.
The sword comes to the world for the delay of judgment, and for the perversion of judgment, and because of those who teach the Torah not in accordance with the accepted law. – Pirkei Avot 5:8, 3rd c., C.E. To
To perform philosophy is to liberate one’s self from one’s philosophy.
It is those who do not consider deeply the philosophies by which one lives who are most bound by them. One cannot see the world clearly without seeing clearly the way one sees. To simply state what is without stating
To perform philosophy is to liberate one’s self from one’s philosophy.
It is those who do not consider deeply the philosophies by which one lives who are most bound by them. One cannot see the world clearly without seeing clearly the way one sees. To simply state what is without stating
Our brains are not able to keep up with our minds.
The speed at which our technological and philosophical innovations are transforming our selves and our environments is happening faster than the speed at which our biology can augment and adjust itself to the new environments. In other words, our brains
Our brains are not able to keep up with our minds.
The speed at which our technological and philosophical innovations are transforming our selves and our environments is happening faster than the speed at which our biology can augment and adjust itself to the new environments. In other words, our brains
Nullius in verba.
“Take no one’s word for it,” or “On the word of no one.” The Royal Society’s motto ‘Nullius in verba’ is taken to mean ‘take nobody’s word for it’. It is an expression of the determination of Fellows to withstand
Nullius in verba.
“Take no one’s word for it,” or “On the word of no one.” The Royal Society’s motto ‘Nullius in verba’ is taken to mean ‘take nobody’s word for it’. It is an expression of the determination of Fellows to withstand
The soul reaching towards infinity…
Even when reading is impossible, the presence of books acquired by passionate devotion to them produces such an ecstasy that the buying of more books than one can peradventure read is nothing less than the soul reaching towards infinity, and
The soul reaching towards infinity…
Even when reading is impossible, the presence of books acquired by passionate devotion to them produces such an ecstasy that the buying of more books than one can peradventure read is nothing less than the soul reaching towards infinity, and
I am Being. Misunderstood.
The entire struggle of my life, therefore, has been striving to understand. Becoming.
I am Being. Misunderstood.
The entire struggle of my life, therefore, has been striving to understand. Becoming.
All models are wrong. Some are useful.
Attributed to the British statistician George E. P. Box who also said, Remember that all models are wrong; the practical question is how wrong do they have to be to not be useful.
All models are wrong. Some are useful.
Attributed to the British statistician George E. P. Box who also said, Remember that all models are wrong; the practical question is how wrong do they have to be to not be useful.
Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. Traditions are the living faith of the dead.
Perhaps put another way, traditionalism is the activities and practices separate from the historical community, and traditions are the activities and practices that connect one with the historical community. Either way, it’s always been about family. Never about piety.
Traditionalism is the dead faith of the living. Traditions are the living faith of the dead.
Perhaps put another way, traditionalism is the activities and practices separate from the historical community, and traditions are the activities and practices that connect one with the historical community. Either way, it’s always been about family. Never about piety.
Handle an illusion, shyly.
We are often faced with the challenge of choosing between two goals that we cannot often achieve simultaneously; making a point, or making a difference. Both of those are attempting to transform a mind from some sort of illusion, some
Handle an illusion, shyly.
We are often faced with the challenge of choosing between two goals that we cannot often achieve simultaneously; making a point, or making a difference. Both of those are attempting to transform a mind from some sort of illusion, some
Blame is an abdication of responsibility.
We must first distinguish between “blame” and a rational analysis of causality. Once you’ve done that, if you hear someone use blame as the rational analysis, you’re listening to someone who has given up power; the power to change, make a difference, or
Blame is an abdication of responsibility.
We must first distinguish between “blame” and a rational analysis of causality. Once you’ve done that, if you hear someone use blame as the rational analysis, you’re listening to someone who has given up power; the power to change, make a difference, or
The best questions emerge, not from ignorance, but from deep understanding.
There is, of course, merit in asking questions to gain knowledge, a first step. But the more you understand, the more profound, complex, and challenging your questions become. Life is perplexing, confusing, complicated, and full of paradoxes. Questions about those
The best questions emerge, not from ignorance, but from deep understanding.
There is, of course, merit in asking questions to gain knowledge, a first step. But the more you understand, the more profound, complex, and challenging your questions become. Life is perplexing, confusing, complicated, and full of paradoxes. Questions about those
The opposite of stupid is not smart but study.
Most people think that “stupid” and “smart” are intrinsic characteristics, perhaps immutable, “just the way” some people are. This is false. We all know plenty of “stupid” people who are keen in very smart ways, and plenty of “smart” people
The opposite of stupid is not smart but study.
Most people think that “stupid” and “smart” are intrinsic characteristics, perhaps immutable, “just the way” some people are. This is false. We all know plenty of “stupid” people who are keen in very smart ways, and plenty of “smart” people
The days are gods.
(Old English translation of the Latin) Sunday: “day of the sun” (L. “day of Solis”)Monday: “day of the moon” (L. “day of Luna”)Tuesday: “day of Tiw” (a Germanic god of war and sky; L. “day of Mars”Wednesday: “day of Odin/Woden”
The days are gods.
(Old English translation of the Latin) Sunday: “day of the sun” (L. “day of Solis”)Monday: “day of the moon” (L. “day of Luna”)Tuesday: “day of Tiw” (a Germanic god of war and sky; L. “day of Mars”Wednesday: “day of Odin/Woden”
Rationality is a moral duty.
Inspired by hearing Charlie Munger describe his paternal grandfather’s attitude in life, that you have a moral responsibility to make yourself as unignorant and as unstupid as you possibly can. Besides family, it may be your most important moral obligation.
Rationality is a moral duty.
Inspired by hearing Charlie Munger describe his paternal grandfather’s attitude in life, that you have a moral responsibility to make yourself as unignorant and as unstupid as you possibly can. Besides family, it may be your most important moral obligation.
“The whole trick in life is to get so that your own brain doesn’t mislead you.”
Quote by Charlie Munger. If I could reword it, “The whole trick in life is to not be misled by your own brain.”
“The whole trick in life is to get so that your own brain doesn’t mislead you.”
Quote by Charlie Munger. If I could reword it, “The whole trick in life is to not be misled by your own brain.”
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