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4 posts found
Sep 29, 2021
acx
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35 min 5,415 words 806 comments 151 likes podcast (38 min)
Scott Alexander reviews 'The Scout Mindset' by Julia Galef, a book on rationality that emphasizes seeking truth over defending beliefs and addresses both intellectual and emotional aspects of clear thinking. Longer summary
Scott Alexander reviews Julia Galef's book 'The Scout Mindset', which aims to teach people how to think more clearly and rationally. The book distinguishes between 'soldier mindset' (defending one's beliefs) and 'scout mindset' (seeking truth). It provides techniques for adopting a scout mindset, including probabilistic thinking and thought experiments. The book also addresses the emotional challenges of changing one's mind and uses examples of admirable people who have done so to normalize the practice. Scott notes that the book goes beyond just teaching rationality techniques and touches on personal growth and becoming a better person. Shorter summary
Nov 08, 2014
ssc
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21 min 3,111 words 117 comments
Scott reflects on turning thirty, using Byron's poem to explore the transition from youthful intensity and ambition to a more settled adult perspective. Longer summary
Scott reflects on aging as he turns thirty, using Byron's poem 'Growing Old' as a framework. He explores the transition from the raw experiences and ambitions of youth to the more settled, judgment-based perspective of adulthood. Scott discusses the intensity of childhood experiences, the formation of identity, and the eventual crystallization of ambitions into specific pursuits. He contrasts the optimizing mindset of youth with the more satisficing approach of adulthood, noting the benefits of finding a stable identity and perspective. Shorter summary
Aug 09, 2014
ssc
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5 min 700 words 169 comments
Scott discusses how countersignaling in social interactions works only when one has already established social competence, using personal experiences and dating advice as examples. Longer summary
Scott reflects on his evolution in social interactions, from a terrified teenager to a confident adult who uses self-deprecating humor. He explains that this change is possible due to his improved social skills and self-confidence. Scott then relates this to the concept of countersignaling, particularly in dating advice. He argues that 'being yourself' is a form of countersignaling that works only when you've already established a certain level of social competence. The post concludes that advice appropriate for socially adept individuals might be detrimental for beginners, highlighting the complexity of social signaling. Shorter summary
Apr 15, 2013
ssc
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18 min 2,651 words 46 comments
Scott Alexander reflects on 13 years of participating in Micras, a complex geopolitical role-playing game, discussing its impact on his life and the lessons learned about leadership and human behavior. Longer summary
Scott Alexander reflects on his 13-year involvement in a complex role-playing game called Micras, where participants simulate countries and cultures on a fictional planet. He discusses how this experience has shaped his real-life relationships, skills, and understanding of leadership and human behavior. Scott explains how the game's lack of rules mirrors real-world politics and social dynamics, providing valuable lessons in consensus-building and leadership. He also describes how creating fictional societies in Micras can be a deeply personal and introspective experience, reflecting one's values and evolving worldview. Shorter summary