"That's it! I'm turning off my phone so I can concentrate!" The finger hovers over the off button. "But what if someone needs to ring me to save their life? Or what if someone close to me dies, I would want to know right away." "Ok I'll just put it on silent" A few moments … Continue reading Sneaky phones →

The paradox of knowledge states that the more you learn the more you realize you can only hope to know a tiny sliver of the universe's knowledge. It's very humbling and makes any declarations of super intelligence look like red flags for overconfidence.

You know what would be a good rom com? A couple who have been together for years having to go through some serious hardship. Like one of them gets cancer. We'll cure them in the end but they have to go through the shit first. Then we'll see the values of loyalty, persistence, and communication. … Continue reading Different kinda rom com →

Some books come with strategies, tactics, and habits. As soon as you read them you feel a pressure to memorize and action them all to fix yourself. Then other books have one simple message that you are good enough just the way you are and it does so in such a way that it pierces … Continue reading Mind v heart books →

I wonder if they invented computer chips that can be placed in brains - would parents implant them in their children? Would employees sign over their mental faculties to employers? Would people sell brain space to media conglomerates?

Everyone is excited about AI's potential right now but I think it's going to be fascinating when you can adjust the realism settings like a teenager playing FIFA and finding 'beginner' too easy so they move up to 'professional'. Would a man prefer his AI girlfriend's dad give him a hard time about dating his … Continue reading AI realism →

One wise professor once said to the class: There are two types of people in this world: hoovers and radiators. Some people suck the life out of you and some people radiate good vibes. Spot the hoovers early and steer clear of them. Also try and find as many radiators as possible.

Martha Beck clued me into this and I think it's really powerful. Instead of getting angry at yourself for being anxious or stressed about getting stressed, try being compassionate for the stress. As a scientist would take into account a chimpanzee's mates, tribe dynamics, and lack of food. You can do the same for you. … Continue reading Compassion for anxiety →

I think the term snowflake generation has an insulting conatation to it. I imagine people use it to imply fragility and not uniqueness. And I think the best way to counter this negativity is to liken them to heroin addicts. Imagine getting hooked on heroin at the vulnerable age of 12 and having an everlasting … Continue reading Snowflake generation →

I think instinct can be a great judge of the emotional depth you can plunge with a certain person. It's in the abstract 'vibes' you're receiving from them. But to try and point out some behaviours. Do they keep all conversations superficial? Do they make fun of you a lot? Are they quick with a … Continue reading Depth vibes →