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Where we are in various cyclical theories of history
Overview of Cyclical Theories of HistoryCyclical theories of history posit that human societies, economies, and civilizations don’t progress linearly but instead follow repeating patterns of rise, peak, decline, and renewal. These ideas draw from philosophy, economics, sociology, and historiography, often emphasizing factors like demographics, technology, social cohesion, or generational dynamics. Unlike linear views (e.g., endless…
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Thought of the day
Internal states of mind are meant to be a basis for acting in external reality. This is why you should guard against delusion. When your internal model of reality doesn’t match up with external reality, you can’t act effectively, and bad things usually happen. This requires constant maintenance.
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How to make gerrymandering go away
Gerrymandering relies on two-party predictability Map-drawers (often state legislatures controlled by one party) can carve districts based on predictable voting patterns—Dem vs. GOP. This works because in a binary race, even a 51% edge guarantees total control of that seat. But… — Enter a viable third (or fourth) party: Now the math goes chaotic:…
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Absurdity Index
ABSURDITY INDEX (AIx) FRAMEWORK 1. Bureaucratic Absurdity (BA) • Red Tape Complexity: Average number of bureaucratic steps for a simple task (e.g., starting a business, getting a permit). • Contradictory Laws & Policies: Cases where laws contradict each other, making it impossible to comply fully. • Bureaucratic Response Time: How long it takes for official…
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Dual Mode Society
Crafting a society that can function effectively both in times of stability and during potential collapse aligns with historical lessons of resilience and adaptability. Rather than solely focusing on growth and complexity, we could build systems, communities, and ways of living that operate efficiently in times of abundance but also scale down seamlessly in times…
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The Meaning Crisis
Or The Meaning Opportunity. Since the breakdown of broad meaning creating institutions and their worldviews being imposed on us from outside, there is a vacuum of meaning in modern society. This is what Neitzche referred to in his pronouncement “God is dead”. The opportunity comes in with the lack of a imposed mytho-poetic narrative, individuals…
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Humans are hardwired for status hierarchies, but…
The prevalence of rebels against status hierarchies can be attributed to several psychological, social, and cultural factors. While humans may be hardwired for status hierarchies, rebellion against these structures is also a natural and frequent response. This tension between order and resistance has been a consistent theme throughout history. Several key factors account for why…
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How To Become Openminded
1. Self-Awareness: 2. Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: 3. Critical Thinking Exercises: 4. Perspective-Taking: 5. Contextual Thinking: 6. Integration Techniques: 7. Continuous Learning: 8. Feedback and Reflection: By incorporating these practices into daily life, individuals can develop cognitive polyphasia as a skill, enabling them to navigate complex belief systems with flexibility and understanding.
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Random Thoughts…
Ethics is the brake on pragmatism. Just because it’s the most effective and efficient way to do something doesn’t mean it’s the right way
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Random Acts of Eccentricity 