While Surfing the Web
In a nutshell, what I'd want you to know about AI, my criticisms of unfettered capitalism, and the frustrations I've had teaching gifted kids:
We once trained an AI to maximize its score in a virtual boat- race game, but instead of navigating the course as quickly as possible, the AI taught itself to exploit a flaw in the game by driving in circles and racking up bonus points while also crashing into walls and setting itself on fire.
Source: a Wall Street Journal article.
A piece on art and de-growth. I respect the hell out of de-growthers, but I don't think the message will ever break through. It's just a classic coordination problem.
Mathematics
This video calls itself Calculus at a Fifth Grade Level. I don't know if it achieves that, at least not in a way that would stick with the kids, but I am greatly impressed with it and think it deserves more views.
Reddit
A post on Magic in the Roman Empire.
I answer whether political ideology is a good source of meaning. The answer won't surprise you.
Aphorisms and Shorts
Learning how to set up boundaries with those you help is altruism's better part.
I think it is reasonable to spend most of time thinking about what will, with over 99% certainty be what happens in my life. If you follow the news, on the other hand, you are spending your time thinking about people and experiences that are less than 1% extremes, whether mental illness, violent tendencies, wealth, looks or luck. It's an absolute waste of time that sneaks up on you and confuses your perspective on the one life you (with over 99% certainty) are to live.
You see, I have a social disorder, which allows me to think for myself.
Let me tell you the story of our times: America has been broken since the 70s. Reagan simply put some very expensive lipstick on the pig. Neither side can just undo some simple thing X and have things revert to something good.
My fellow Americans love a good story, love a good image, but will neglect the supporting realities . . . till the end.
A piece on art and de-growth. I respect the hell out of de-growthers, but I don't think the message will ever break through. It's just a classic coordination problem.
Mathematics
This video calls itself Calculus at a Fifth Grade Level. I don't know if it achieves that, at least not in a way that would stick with the kids, but I am greatly impressed with it and think it deserves more views.
A post on Magic in the Roman Empire.
I answer whether political ideology is a good source of meaning. The answer won't surprise you.
Aphorisms and Shorts
Learning how to set up boundaries with those you help is altruism's better part.
I think it is reasonable to spend most of time thinking about what will, with over 99% certainty be what happens in my life. If you follow the news, on the other hand, you are spending your time thinking about people and experiences that are less than 1% extremes, whether mental illness, violent tendencies, wealth, looks or luck. It's an absolute waste of time that sneaks up on you and confuses your perspective on the one life you (with over 99% certainty) are to live.
You see, I have a social disorder, which allows me to think for myself.
Let me tell you the story of our times: America has been broken since the 70s. Reagan simply put some very expensive lipstick on the pig. Neither side can just undo some simple thing X and have things revert to something good.
My fellow Americans love a good story, love a good image, but will neglect the supporting realities . . . till the end.
