I heard this advice today. Just be yourself, as if that was sage wisdom that could solve all problems. The person this was told to, stared blankly. I remember being told this when I was young. Just be yourself. The problem is that I had no idea who I was! How can I be myself, when I have no idea who or what that is!
Perhaps myself is not all that great. Perhaps yourself has a few things to learn, overcome, or improve upon. Maybe it should be, be your best potential self instead!
Guy
The article discusses the phenomenon of “cognitive magic pills,” which are alluring solutions to problems often peddled on social media. It uses the example of cortisol being rebranded as the “stress hormone” to illustrate how these concepts gain credibility and lead people to believe in quick fixes for complex issues. The author encourages readers to be critical of such trends and to focus on understanding their own bodies and minds rather than seeking easy solutions.
The author explores the concept of art through the lens of form and function, using two tape measures as an analogy. They then delve into Charles Ross’s Star Axis project, which aims to capture the journey of the North Star, suggesting it as a powerful example of art capturing form and connecting humanity across time.
The author explores the idea of copying a human brain into an AI and questions the trustworthiness of such an AI, highlighting human biases and limitations. The piece argues that AI excels in repetitive tasks and factual recall but will never truly think like a human. It also delves into the author’s personal frustration with an AI agent, revealing that the frustration stemmed from their own inadequacy and unwillingness to plan, rather than the AI’s limitations. The author concludes by suggesting that AI’s “flaws” often reflect human tendencies and a lack of clarity in communication.
This article explores the practical necessity of a concept of God, regardless of personal belief in a literal deity. It argues that humans need a higher, fixed point of reference to establish values, prevent self-serving rationalizations, and guide their aspirations beyond immediate desires and worldly pursuits.