Deciphering How the Brain Codes Our Thoughts By: Stanislas Dehaene Published: 2014 Read: 2016 Summary: A theoretical exploration of what goes on in the brain as conscious and non-conscious processes unfold. Exploring questions such as when do we become aware
Cutting Consciousness Down to Size By: Tor Norretranders Published: 1991 Read: 2017 Summary: Drawing on physics, information theory, communication theory and evolutionary psychology, the central point of this book is that consciousness represents only a very small fraction of our
Discovering the Intelligence of Every Living Thing By: Frank T. Vertosick Jr. Published: 2002 Read: 2017 Summary: Intelligence is loosely defined as the general ability to store past experiences and use that knowledge to solve future problems. The central idea
The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life or The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don’t Make Sense By: Rory Sutherland Published: 2019 Read: 2020 Summary Science and logic are useful. They provide rational
Stories By: Ted Chiang Published: 2019 Read: 2020 Summary This collection of short stories is a highly satisfying blend of intelligent imagination, speculation and empathy. Most of the stories explore the social, every day implications of a variety of more
On: Philosophy, Progress and Wisdom Episode: N/A Date: June 22, 2020 Background: Philosopher and author. Key Subjects: Progress. In science. Mechanism: seeking consensus truths (“tying up loose ends”). Finite search: once truths are established (and not challenged), the search ends
On: A Time to Build Episode: N/A Date: March 2, 2020 Background: Author and political scientist. Key Subjects: Institutions. Structures aimed at achieving a common purpose … Emerge out of cohesive communities with shared goals. … by working together. Often
On: Revolt of the Public Episode: N/A Date: May 25, 2020 Background: Author and former CIA analyst. Key Takeaways: More information = more uncertainty. Previous sources of false sense of certainty lose credibility (institutions, people). More complexity = easier to
On: Exponentials, Economics, and Ecology Transmission Series Ep. 6 Episode: 32 Date: May 12, 2020 Evolutionary biologist. Review of 5 Transmission Essays. Chris Kempes and Geoffrey West on understanding cities to respond to pandemics Eric Maskin on mechanism design for
On: Embracing Complexity for Systemic Interventions Transmission Series Ep. 5 Episode: 31 Date: May 5, 2020 Evolutionary biologist. Review of 5 Transmission Essays. John Krakauer and Michelle Carlson on COVID and Spiraling Frailty Syndrome Stefani Crabtree on What History Can