Sketches
When abstract thinking falls short
Abstract thinking is a trap that creates an illusion of knowledge. It is better to avoid generalization and use storytelling with takeaways instead of more abstract discussion.
Sketches
Sketches
Do you need an alarm clock?
An alarm clock enforces a somewhat unnatural behavior. It's an instrument of management and improvement, not authenticity and enjoyment. Rephrasing Joe Hudson, you need to manage someone only if they won't do the desired action by themselves without your intervention. That begs the question: do you
Sketches
On addictions
I'm exploring a lifestyle free of addictive substances. Addiction happens when something evolutionary good but scarce becomes too readily available. Addictions are brain hacks when we game the mind to get pleasure without effort. Examples: * Sugar. Sweet things in nature evolutionally were good because they were calorie-rich fast
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An essay is a single idea
Focus your essay on a single idea that is supported by your story. I was writing an essay about the benefits of ownership. I started with an abstract list of benefits and tried to remember stories that drove my point home. The points were weak. The stories were dry. The
Sketches
Form and Essense
Human civilization is an interplay between form and meaning. People forget why the form was created and what its meaning is. They like to take that form as it is. However, without the meaning, the form is dead. If you don't understand the meaning of things, you just
Sketches
Start right before you get eaten by the bear
Very often, I delete the first paragraph when I write. It takes me a bit to warm up. Usually, the good stuff starts to come out after a few contextual sentences that establish a starting point for my mind to think and develop the story. But, more often than not,
Sketches
Deep Leverage
I called ten companies to repair an issue with my house's HVAC unit. Most of them connect to some form of "coordinator" who collects the order and sends your info to the operations person who schedules your visit. At no point you talk to an actual
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Sometimes we need to say "Yes"
To make friends as an adult, we need to start accepting invitations. Today I made my first step.
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Look at the people
When deciding which company to join or what city to live in, look at the people, not physical objects.