Scott Alexander discusses the difficulty of recognizing concepts we might be missing, using examples from psychology and sociology to argue for keeping an open mind towards seemingly trivial ideas. Longer summary

Scott Alexander explores the concept of 'concept-shaped holes' - ideas or experiences that we might be missing without realizing it. He uses personal anecdotes and examples from fields like psychology and sociology to illustrate how we might think we understand something when we actually don't, or dismiss important ideas as trivial. The post discusses three main points: the difficulty in recognizing one's own emotional or relational limitations, the challenge of truly understanding concepts like 'atomization' or 'consumerism', and the importance of keeping an open mind towards seemingly meaningless fields of study. Scott argues for erring on the side of caution when dismissing ideas that many find profound, suggesting that what seems trivial might actually be beyond our current understanding. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander explores the difficulties of learning and explaining complex ideas, advocating for diverse approaches and collaborative learning despite internet criticism. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the challenges of understanding and communicating complex ideas, drawing parallels between learning social skills and grasping difficult concepts. He argues that for complex knowledge, multiple perspectives and approaches are often necessary, as different formulations may resonate better with different individuals. The post emphasizes the importance of community-based learning, questioning, and practical application in truly understanding complex ideas. Scott also critiques the internet's hostility towards this learning process, where attempts to understand or explain ideas are often mocked as 'reinventing the wheel' or showcased as examples of stupidity. He concludes that while authoritative lectures work for simple facts, collaborative truth-seeking is crucial for more complex subjects, despite the risks of criticism or accusations of arrogance. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines the trend of labeling various ideologies as 'religions', arguing that this approach is often overly broad and potentially misleading. Longer summary

This post discusses the tendency to label various ideologies and movements as 'religions'. Scott begins by listing examples of this trend, from environmentalism to Apple fandom. He then critiques this approach, arguing that the definition of 'religion' can be stretched to fit almost anything. However, he acknowledges that some movements do seem more 'religious' than others. Scott suggests that what we often call 'religion' might be better understood as 'culture' or 'community'. He explores the similarities between religions, cultures, and communities, noting that they all involve shared values, rules, heroes, and the potential for mind-killing. Ultimately, Scott argues that labeling these movements as 'religions' can be misleading and potentially harmful, as it carries connotations that may not be accurate or fair. Shorter summary

Scott celebrates the blog's first birthday, announces travel plans, and makes various requests and announcements related to the blog and community. Longer summary

This is a housekeeping post marking the blog's first anniversary. Scott announces his upcoming visit to the Bay Area, seeking information about rationalist community events during his stay. He thanks volunteers for helping with Ozy's thesis on romance novels. Scott also requests access to journal articles and announces the completion of the Less Wrong Survey, inviting readers to participate in a new survey about nootropics. Shorter summary