Scott Alexander argues that 'I'm sorry you feel that way' is a valid and useful phrase in certain situations, despite widespread criticism. Longer summary

Scott Alexander defends the phrase 'I'm sorry you feel that way', often criticized as a fake apology. He argues that in situations where someone is upset by an appropriate action, this phrase is a good middle ground between changing one's mind and being dismissive. Scott suggests that the hostility towards this phrase stems from 'therapy culture', which overfits social norms to benefit oneself in any given situation. He concludes that 'I'm sorry you feel that way' can be a polite and compassionate response when someone is upset by an action you continue to endorse. Shorter summary

A critical review of Rutger Bregman's 'Humankind', analyzing its argument that human nature is fundamentally good, while highlighting both flaws and valuable insights in the book. Longer summary

This review critiques Rutger Bregman's book 'Humankind', which argues that human nature is fundamentally good. The reviewer analyzes Bregman's arguments, pointing out logical inconsistencies and cherry-picked data, while also acknowledging some valuable insights. The book covers topics such as human behavior during crises, the nature of empathy and power, and alternative approaches to management and democracy. The review concludes that while Bregman's thesis has flaws, his core message about trusting and respecting others more has merit. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander critiques feminist discourse around 'nice guys', arguing it can be unfair and counterproductive, potentially driving lonely men towards anti-feminist ideologies. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses the concept of 'nice guys' and how they are portrayed in feminist discourse. He argues that the criticism of 'nice guys' by some feminists is often unfair and counterproductive, potentially driving lonely men towards more extreme anti-feminist ideologies. The post examines the origins of this discourse, its effects on men struggling with loneliness, and suggests a more empathetic approach to addressing these issues. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander discusses a study suggesting communication skills training for doctors may be ineffective, and shares personal observations on the nuances of doctor-patient communication. Longer summary

Scott Alexander discusses a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association that suggests intensive communication skills training for doctors may not improve patient outcomes and could even have negative effects. He relates this to his own experiences in medical training, sharing an anecdote about an attending physician with excellent communication skills who used an unconventional approach when delivering a cancer diagnosis. The post critiques the effectiveness of formal communication skills training in medicine and suggests that some aspects of effective doctor-patient communication may be difficult or impossible to teach. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines the limitations of empathy training in medical education and shares his experiences learning to express empathy effectively as a doctor. Longer summary

Scott Alexander reflects on the teaching of empathy in medical school and its application in real-world doctor-patient interactions. He describes the awkward role-playing exercises used to teach empathy, which often result in stilted, scripted responses rather than genuine human connection. Scott explains that this approach is driven by the need for standardized, legally defensible assessment methods. He then shares personal experiences as a new doctor, highlighting the challenges of expressing empathy appropriately in emotional situations. The post concludes with insights on how Scott has learned to better navigate these interactions, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the patient's needs rather than demonstrating one's own empathy. Shorter summary