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Sort by Controversial / Scissor Statements

Author: SlateStarCodex
Sort by Controversial

This short story helped me understand the current media and social media climate better than anything else I’ve read.

Related Reading: Different Worlds

The “Cigarettes Are Bad” of Our Generation

Source: Reddit Discussion

A fascinating discussion about what current habits or technologies might turn out to be harmful in hindsight. Top responses include:

We Shouldn’t Always Feel Comfortable: Why ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Matters

URL: Education Week Blog Post

A good education should, inherently, cause us discomfort. Part of the ‘enlightening experience’ built into the definition of the word ‘education’ itself is shining light into the darkness of our own ignorance. When has that ever felt good?

Change is difficult, but it’s all around us and it is not slowing down. If anything, people make the argument that the rate of change is actually speeding up

A person’s success in life can be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have. - Tim Ferriss(?)

On Cultures That Build

URL: Scholars Stage Blog Post

Key Insights

On American Social Life:

In the 21st century, the main question in American social life is not ‘how do we make that happen?’ but ‘how do we get management to take our side?’ This is a learned response, and a culture which has internalized it will not be a culture that ‘builds.’

On Chinese Governance:

Even now both the Party and the state bureaucracies that canvas the Chinese hinterland are highly decentralized; these government and Party units are given a great deal of room for experimentation and in many realms are practically independent from outside control.

Essential Reading List

Technology and Society

Personal Development

Society and Culture

Practical Wisdom

First published on January 1, 2024