Daily Blog
My commitment to write a daily blog since January 7th, 2018
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Day 333 – Charlotte’s Window
The author describes their ongoing struggle to clean their garage, which has become a daunting task due to its overwhelming scope. They realize that their lack of motivation stems from task paralysis and decide to tackle the problem by focusing on small, manageable tasks, such as cleaning a single shelf, to build momentum.
Day 332 – We Need to Talk More
A recent study indicates a decline in daily conversations, particularly among those under 25. This trend is concerning because conversation is crucial for cognitive processing, reality calibration, emotional regulation, relationship building, identity formation, and the development of collective intelligence. Consuming language through media is not a substitute for active conversational engagement.
Day 331 – Are You in Control?
Humans have a unique ability to cope with uncertainty by creating an illusion of control, often attributing cause and effect to unrelated actions. This phenomenon, explored through examples like superstitions and personal anecdotes, suggests that while we may not have complete control over our environments, our brains are wired to find patterns and connections, even if they are not always accurate. This ability to fool ourselves into believing we have more control than we do can be beneficial, but it’s important to differentiate between actual impact and coincidental association.
Day 330 – Cognitive Magic Pills
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.
Day 329 – Art is Capturing the Form
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.
Day 328 – Would You Trust Your Brain?
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.
Day 327 – We Need God
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.
Day 326 – Small Things Do Not Automatically Compound
This article explores the idea that while small, consistent actions are powerful, they don’t automatically compound into significant results. It emphasizes that mindful repetition, reflection, and adjusting the process are crucial to ensure habits remain effective and aligned with their original purpose.
Day 325 – All Loops Require Supervision
The author shares two anecdotes—an AI system stuck in a loop and a sprinkler system with a hidden leak—to illustrate the critical need for supervision, even in automated processes. The core message is that automation reduces mental load but doesn’t absolve us of the responsibility to monitor systems and routines to ensure they continue to serve their intended purpose and don’t cause unforeseen harm.
Day 324 – Guilt Requires Action
This article explores the pervasive human experience of guilt, drawing parallels between psychological insights, religious practices, and anecdotal evidence. It highlights the importance of taking action—whether through restitution, apology, or confession—to alleviate the burden of guilt, citing examples like visitors returning stolen items to Petrified Forest National Park and personal reflections on unresolved past actions.
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