Made You Think

Made You Think is a podcast by Nat Eliason, Neil Soni, and Adil Majid where the hosts and their guests examine ideas that, as the name suggests, make you think. Episodes will explore books, essays, podcasts, and anything else that warrants further discussion, teaches something useful, or at the very least, exercises our brain muscles.

118: Attention is All You Need: The World After Capital 07/16/2024

118: Attention is All You Need: The World After Capital “The amount of human attention in the world is finite. We have 24 hours in the day, some of which we need to spend paying attention to eating, sleeping and meeting our other needs. The attention during the remaining hours of most people in the world is taken up by having to earn an income and by consuming goods and services, leaving relatively little time for attention to be freely allocated. A hard limit on available attention also exists for humanity as a whole—as I argued earlier, we are headed for peak population, at which point we will no longer be increasing the total amount of potentially available attention by adding more people.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're covering The World After Capital by Albert Wenger. We'll explore the transition from the Industrial Age to the Knowledge Age, the new scarcity of attention, and the potential for widespread societal change. Join us in this futuristic discussion as we ponder how digital technologies are reshaping our world and the future of human civilization. We cover a wide range of topics including: The shift from capital to attention as a scarce resource How we're heading into a future that's non-linear Why "everyone needs to" is not a practical solution The role AI may play in replacing jobs and technological adaptation Do we agree with the author's proposed solutions? And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (4:47) (5:25) (29:47) (29:55) (44:43) (45:06) (53:15) (53:25) (1:01:12) (1:05:56) (1:08:25) (1:09:13) Books Mentioned: () (0:14) () () () (0:21) () (0:29) () () (0:35) () () (7:52) () (1:08:04) People Mentioned: (0:13) (0:35) () (18:00) (44:25) (58:21) (1:08:25) Show Topics: (0:00) In today’s episode, we’re diving into The World After Capital by Albert Wenger. We kick off the episode by reflecting on previous episodes and reads we’ve had with books that debates what is coming after the current industrial era. What’s next for human civilization? (3:57) One of the book's strengths is its historical framing. While Wenger presents the situation well, his solutions and theories about the future were hard to fully agree with. (8:34) Nat, Neil, and Adil explain how Wenger sets up the big picture. He argues that we’re on the cusp of a major historical shift where we can no longer predict the next step due to fundamental changes. In each era, a scarcity drives human behavior. Today, Wenger contends that the finite resource is attention. (10:55) Have we shifted the problem from capital to attention by untethering currency from a hard asset? Leading companies like Microsoft and Google are powerful not because of their capital but because they control our attention. (14:57) Attention vs. time. Wenger refers to the "job loop" where time is exchanged for money. With the internet, you can create things with no marginal cost, selling without a major time investment. (16:42) Aside from attention, what other contenders do we have as the next scarce resource? (19:21) The book's purpose is not just to observe shifting scarcity but to highlight how each shift has led to widespread violence. Wenger aims to minimize or avoid this violence. Has the violence already started, and how might it differ this time around? (24:52) How new inventions often replace old methods, and people adapt. AI could be the first technology in our lifetime to put many people out of work. Should we be worried? While we’re used to working with people in complex organizations, AI’s impact may take time to fully manifest, much like the gradual replacement of horses by cars. (32:01) Why learning how to work with AI tools can give you a future advantage. (33:49) The world population faces fertility problems and declining birth rates. If population decline is gradual, it’s manageable. But how will it play out? (38:01) Nat, Neil, and Adil point out one major disagreement they have with the author's idea of how to find meaning in your life. (40:30) The first of Wenger’s proposed solutions is mindfulness and meditation. (42:19) Wenger emphasizes information freedom with internet access for all, which is a good start. Decentralizing access ensures it can't be stopped or taken away. We also touch on the topic of universal basic income (UBI), (45:42) Do we just need to "get over" our right to privacy and scarcity thinking? We explain our disagreements with Wenger and how privacy may be incompatible with technological progress. (55:03) Transforming a place from dangerous to moderately safe is no easy feat. We examine El Salvador's turnaround under Bukele. (1:00:17) Discussing the significant changes over the span of 20 years. We also talk about cars made in China, noting how the perception of "Made in China" has evolved from being seen as cheap to being recognized for quality. (1:03:15) If a solution requires "everyone needs to," it’s likely not a practical solution. Effective solutions must work with current incentives and human behavior. We discuss the importance of having a fluid career identity and finding deeper meaning in life beyond a job. (1:07:32) That concludes this episode! Have you read The World After Capital? Let us know your thoughts! Next up, we will be reading Endurance by Alfred Lansing. , check out our , and give us a to stay in the loop on what's happening on the Made You Think podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/32167532

117: Winning and Losing Millions in Crypto Confidential 07/05/2024

117: Winning and Losing Millions in Crypto Confidential “I could hardly form the words. My mouth wasn’t working. My heart hammered in my ears and pins and needles burned my hands and feet. I squeezed my fists as hard as I could to get them to stop hurting as I stumbled into my office and fumbled through my laptop password, pulling up the message that had thrown me out of bed: “Nat, someone found a way to hack us. It sounds bad. All of our funds might be at risk.” This was the absolute worst-case scenario. The one I’d pushed to the back of my mind. The one I pretended was impossible so I could sleep at night. I’d always accepted the risk that I could lose all of my money. But if I lost a hundred million dollars of other people’s money…” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Today’s episode is extra special as we talk all things Crypto Confidential, a brand-new book by our very own co-host, Nathaniel Eliason. Join us as Nat shares the behind-the-scenes journey of writing and launching his book. Whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or just curious, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of crypto through Nat’s insightful storytelling. We cover a wide range of topics including: Nat's journey of writing Crypto Confidential Differences in promoting fiction vs. nonfiction How Nat learned from other successful book marketers Challenges of book promotion and strategy The creative process behind book cover design And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (1:56) (8:37) (8:56) (18:30) (50:55) (58:55) Books Mentioned: (22:24) (23:23) () (25:08) (26:49) () (28:33) () () (36:11) (36:26) () (38:48) (40:40) (41:00) () (41:40) () (42:32) (43:58) (44:09) (59:00) People Mentioned: (8:37) (22:21) (23:43) (26:50) (32:04) (32:17) (36:03) (38:32) (41:39) (43:47) Show Topics: (0:00) In today’s episode, we delve into Nat’s upcoming book, Crypto Confidential, set to release on July 9th. ! Nat discusses the book, the preparations for its launch, and the surprise of finding an early-released copy in a Toronto bookstore. (4:01) We explore the process of how bookstores order books, what it takes to keep them on the shelves, and the criteria for returning unsold copies. (7:40) Signed copies of books, and how authors get creative in distributing their signature across a wide number of publishings. (12:52) Nat shares how he balanced promoting Crypto Confidential to his existing audience while also attracting new readers. He reveals his strategy of getting pre-ordered copies into readers’ hands early to generate online testimonials by the release date, despite disagreement from his publishers. (19:38) We talk about how the promotion strategy may change after the book release. At what point do you take your foot off the gas? (24:16) The effectiveness of word-of-mouth marketing and why it’s such a powerful strategy. We compare the promotion of fiction and nonfiction books, noting that fiction is often less promoted by authors and more by publishers. How does promotional work differ between these genres? (27:33) Nat talks a bit about his upcoming science-fiction book, HUSK, and how he would change his promotion strategy the next time around. (31:10) How can authors maintain momentum and sustain genuine interest in the book? The difference between organic enthusiasm surrounding the book vs. prompted posts. (36:00) Insights from successful book marketers and the strategies that contributed to their success. Spoiler: It’s NOT about bombarding your email list. (38:29) The importance of incorporating valuable content into your books. Regardless of the niche, avoid creating “popcorn” books that lack substance. (43:44) Being committed for the long haul as an author, and how it can often take years and multiple books to see your success. (45:50) We dive deeper into the book and explore Nat’s motivation behind writing it. Plus, Nat emphasizes the importance of portraying both the lows and highs to engage readers emotionally throughout the narrative. (50:31) What was something that Nat had to cut from the final version of the book? He shares more about his experience with Olympus and how easy it is for people to get carried away while trading. (55:06) The story of Crypto Confidential began in early 2021 as Nat started to get more into crypto. He eventually found his writing sweet spot by focusing more on narration and less on detailed explanations, with the intermediary chapters providing essential, but non-critical, background information. (1:01:08) The cover of Crypto Confidential. What guidance was given in order to come up with the final cover of the book? (1:04:42) Nathaniel Eliason vs. Nat Eliason (1:07:17) That wraps up this episode! If you’d like to order a copy of Crypto Confidential, ! Make sure to leave a review and let us know your thoughts on the new book. This is a great read for anyone regardless of if you’re into the crypto world or not. Stay tuned for our next episode covering . If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/32023127

116: What Was It All For? WWI by Martin Gilbert 06/26/2024

116: What Was It All For? WWI by Martin Gilbert “If the war was to be over by Christmas, as many believed, or at the latest by Easter 1915, tens of thousands of soldiers might be killed or wounded before the guns fell silent. Every army believed that it could crush its opponents within a few months.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Join us as we dive into The First World War by Martin Gilbert. We'll explore the intricate details of WW1, from the seemingly pointless triggers to the significant aftermath that reshaped the world. We'll also touch on intriguing historical anecdotes, like Germany's return in WW2, and the far-reaching consequences of redrawing borders. History lovers, buckle up for this one! We cover a wide range of topics including: Technological advancements from cavalry to tanks and planes How WW1 redrew the map and ended empires The concept of 'war guilt' and its impact America's pivotal role and the intercepted telegram The seemingly unnecessary triggers of the first World War And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (2:32) (10:57) (16:48) (34:42) (41:21) (1:13:34) (1:26:26) Books Mentioned: (3:13) (43:46) (1:24:57) (1:38:21) (1:39:40) (1:39:47) People Mentioned: (3:59) (24:47) (41:03) (1:37:32) (1:38:47) Show Topics: (0:00) Today, we’re covering The First World War by Martin Gilbert. While the book offers a detailed play-by-play of WW1, it wasn't the most enjoyable read. However, we gained significant insights into the war. (4:53) The war’s triggers and conflicts felt somewhat pointless. Despite this, WW1 felt more significant than WW2 as it redrew maps and ended four empires. Unlike WW2's clear-cut good vs. evil narrative, WW1 began with cavalry and ended with advanced technology like planes, tanks, gas, and submarines. (8:02) Numerous underlying tensions grew and eventually exploded in unpredictable ways. One of the triggers was Germany’s insecurity about its geographical position. We delve into the circumstances that led to the start of the war. (11:10) A major theme was the widespread belief that the war would end quickly, without long-term consequences. We discuss what wars were like before WW1, typically regional with smaller armies and less impact on civilian populations. (13:57) What was the aftermath of the war like? You might belong to a different town or region, but it may not have affected your daily life much. (18:00) Nat, Neil, and Adil talk about the multiple empires that collapsed during this time. (20:10) War guilt was a new concept, unlike previous wars where the winning side simply negotiated their gains. The sheer number of deaths and the devastation of this war was shocking. (25:35) How did the Ottoman Empire get involved and what was their involvement in the war? (27:05) The Germans came back much stronger in WWII, despite being devastated in WWI. They put up a bigger fight just 20 years later. It leads us to wonder, from where did they find the resources? (31:38) How the war marked a complete era shift. Would communism have had as much impact in the 20th century without WWI? Would the Soviet Union have emerged? (34:42) We take a look at a map of empires before WW1 and how the territories looked before then, which leads into our first tangent of this episode! (37:52) Though Mexico wasn't involved in the war, Germany sent them a telegram promising several U.S. states in exchange for support. The British intercepted this message and informed the U.S. (40:34) America's entry into the war truly tipped the scales and accelerated the conflict. They joined gradually, but their involvement turned the tide. We discuss the telegram that prompted America's entry into WWI. (43:58) We were surprised by the advanced use of submarines in WWI. It's fascinating to consider how much the world has changed, especially thinking about the Ottoman Empire, which lasted over 600 years. (47:49) WWI was the first time oil played a significant role, and the Ottoman Empire had some of the largest oil reserves. Had they survived, they could have controlled one of the 20th century's most crucial resources. From the four dissolved empires, 40 new countries emerged. (50:12) While book wasn't the most entertaining and it felt repetitive, its importance lies in how it made people rethink the norms and rules of engagement. If a major war broke out next year, for example, there would likely be a similar period of figuring out new ground rules. (57:15) The Russian Revolution. Two generations of European leaders were responsible for the deaths of tens of millions of people. With two major world wars only 20 years apart, the loss of life was staggering. (1:02:11) In the last 6 months of the war, everyone believed they were losing. The Germans were preparing to surrender, and the British doubted they would make it. After the war, the US never ratified the Treaty of Versailles and chose not to get involved in the aftermath. (1:06:31) The redrawing of borders after the war marked the end of colonialism, profoundly impacting various parts of the world. Much of the end of colonialism stemmed from the end of WW1 and the dissolution of empires. The poorly executed division of territories led to cascading conflicts in the aftermath. (1:11:25) The Hapsburg empire isn't extensively covered in the book, yet it was a very old empire, with its dynasty dating back to the 11th century. The exact beginnings are unclear since it follows a family rather than a defined state, making the timeline a bit blurry. (1:13:34) We talk about the Marshall Plan. Would the Marshall Plan be effective in a kingdom-era setup? Plus, we talk about the idea of 'collective insanity' and how it can be seen as a form of self-governance, where a group loses its rationality as opposed to just an individual. (1:20:25) There were many overarching themes of the book and the war as a whole: From the end of the old European system to the transition from kingdoms to states. (1:24:01) Geographical positioning and how that plays a huge impact where you sit on the map. Much of the war is a downstream of geography. Some European countries were at a disadvantage based off of where they are on the map. (1:30:25) How lives changed drastically because of the war. One day you’re working your normal job and the next you’re on the front lines of the war. (1:35:59) Neil and Adil give their final thoughts on the book, Gilbert’s writing style, and what they took away from reading the book. (1:38:47) That wraps up this episode! Stay tuned for our next episode where we'll be reading by Alfred Lansing. Make sure to pick up a copy of the book and head on over to to see what's next. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/31799947

115: Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman 05/15/2024

115: Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman "The tragedy of this world is that no one is happy, whether stuck in a time of pain or of joy. The tragedy of this world is that everyone is alone. For a life in the past cannot be shared with the present. Each person who gets stuck in time gets stuck alone.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we explore the concept of time through the lens of one of the most imaginative books of our time, Einstein's Dreams. The novel portrays Albert Einstein as a young scientist grappling with his dreams as he works on his theory of relativity. This episode promises to spark deep reflection, ignite your curiosity, and challenge your perception of time. We cover a wide range of topics including: The hidden costs of immortality Contemplating a world where every day is a fresh start Why it’s easy to forget to appreciate the things you have How death ultimately gives our life meaning Our most obnoxious literary opinions And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (4:32) Books Mentioned: (1:33) () () (12:59) () () (13:01) () (22:41) () (30:30) () () (32:11) (34:50) (34:51) (34:53) (37:34) () () () (37:58) () () (43:45) () () People Mentioned: (18:31) (23:29) (32:23) (44:29) Show Topics: (0:00) In today’s episode, we're covering Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman. Adil shares his experience going through the book for the 3rd time, noting its unique approach devoid of traditional characters yet filled with intense emotional resonance across the theme of 'time'. (2:43) The stories challenge the way we think about time, with each chapter introducing a unique time variable that initially appears distinct on the surface. However, beneath the surface, these chapters resonate with aspects of our own reality. We list off a few chapters that were top of mind for us. (6:10) Death is what gives life meaning. We explore this concept by diving into one of the short stories where nobody dies. If you know that time is infinite, how would you spend that time? (8:45) Which chapter(s) of Einstein's Dreams did we connect with the most? (11:16) We discuss the concept of sleep training, contemplating the ideal scenario where babies would sleep according to their natural rhythms. However, balancing the baby's freedom to sleep spontaneously with the demands of a structured work and life schedule can be a struggle. (12:32) Nat, Neil, and Adil ponder the scenario if everyone were to just live one day. You wouldn't know seasons, and all you'll ever know is what the current day brings. (16:08) Connections between Einstein’s Dreams and a previous read on the podcast, . (17:51) Despite not having main characters (aside from Einstein and Besso), this book still manages to drive a lot of emotions. We admire Lightman's ability to write in a soft, empathetic way, while painting the picture for readers very effectively. (19:59) Were these short stories from the book thoughts that Einstein may have had in real life as he worked towards his theories on time and relativity? (23:45) We touch on a story from the book where every day is truly a fresh start, and there is no knowledge of the past or future. (26:45) Doing everything as if it’s for the first time will give you excitement, but it’s also meaningful to act as if you’re doing something for the very last time. (28:25) Einstein's theory of general relativity, and how at the time of this theory, it was still unknown in the world of physics that the world is constantly expanding rather than fixed. (30:27) Though it may not be the longest book, it still hits hard. Nat, Neil, and Adil share their appreciation for Einstein's Dreams being impactful despite the length. It's one of those books that can make you feel a different way each time you read it. (36:47) Shoutout to Jack for the book recommendation on Musashi! If you have any book recommendations that you’d like us to pick up for the show, you can . (38:55) You can get away with a lot in books, but what about a 35,000 word speech? We talk about John Galt's mighty speech in . So long as you give the readers a reason to finish the book and recommend it to others, you can really do what you want within the pages. (44:17) That concludes this thought-provoking episode! Next up, we're tackling Martin Gilbert's . Make sure to give our new and shoot us a . If you have any recs, please send them our way! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/31329487

114: Book vs. Big Screen: 3 Body Problem on Netflix 05/06/2024

114: Book vs. Big Screen: 3 Body Problem on Netflix "But if science tells you that something’s impossible, and it happens anyway, it means one of two things. Either the science is wrong, or it’s a scam.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Today, we're exploring the 3 Body Problem TV series on Netflix, inspired by Cixin Liu's acclaimed novel. Listen in as we discuss Season 1's adaptation from book to screen, analyzing character shifts, narrative changes, and the portrayal of scientific concepts. If you enjoyed The Three-Body Problem book series or consider yourself a sci-fi fanatic, this one is for you! We cover a wide range of topics including: What narrative changes and expansions were made for the TV adaptation The show's production costs compared to Game of Thrones How the creators translated the scientific aspects from the book series Our main praises and critiques of the show Book or series - is there a clear winner? And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:39) (1:08) (14:28) (15:50) (40:35) (41:15) Books Mentioned: (0:39) () () (14:28) (28:40) (28:46) (30:06) People Mentioned: (26:09) (28:35) (30:40) (42:01) Show Topics: (0:31) Welcome to our first TV show episode! Today, we’re covering the TV series based on one of our previous reads, The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu. on the book if you haven't already! We dive into our overall thoughts on Season 1 and how it measured up to the book. (4:09) *Spoiler alert!* If you haven’t watched the show or read the book series, we suggest you do that first before continuing this episode. We talk a bit about the depth, or lack of depth, of the characters in the book and TV series. (6:55) Neil talks about the pivotal scene in Episode 5 that changed his mind about the show, and how the shows portrayal of something can be completely different than what you had pictured in your head. (9:38) From character shifts to the order of events, how did the show differ from the book series? (13:48) How the creators of the show had a unique challenge of keeping the intriguing scientific elements from the book series in the show while maintaining a pace that keeps the viewers interested. (15:43) The cost per episode in 3BP was higher than the final season of Game of Thrones. Which aspects of the show and scenes may have taken up the largest pieces of the budget? (21:24) We talk about the relationships between the heroes of the books and how they're all close friends. It sets you up to think there might be a happy ending... but is there? (25:36) Nat, Neil, and Adil share their thoughts on a character addition that wasn't in the books. (28:45) From Blood Meridian to The First World War, many books have some grotesque elements to it. It's interesting to see how authors capture the emotions and events from something that actually happened and put them into a book. (32:55) Our thoughts on the scene where the universe blinks, and how it was shown in the movie vs. in the book. (34:50) We list off one major criticism of the show, as well as many things that we felt the producers did a great job on. (39:03) How effective was the show in portraying scientific aspects from the book? We share our final thoughts 3BP Season 1. (42:10) That concludes this episode! Make sure to check out our episode on and check out the if you haven’t already. We highly recommend it! Next up is by Alan Lightman. Pick up a copy of the book and read along with us! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/31165962

113: Too Much of a Good Thing: Bad Therapy 04/11/2024

113: Too Much of a Good Thing: Bad Therapy "We’ve never had a generation more focused on its feelings and, frankly, not one more tyrannized by their feelings.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Today, we're delving into Abigail Shrier's , a thought-provoking book which highlights the impact of therapy on individuals, especially younger generations. Join us as we explore the nuances of therapy, its incentives, and its effects. We cover a wide range of topics including: Challenges of parenting in a therapy-centric culture Unintended consequences of therapeutic incentives The fine line between taking thoughts too seriously vs. dismissing them Why boundary-setting is crucial as a parent Implications of having an external locus of control And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (15:37) (23:21) (46:55) (54:01) (57:47) (1:25:31) Books Mentioned: (07:09) () (40:44) (1:08:32) () People Mentioned: Show Topics: (0:00) In today’s episode, we’re covering Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier, who discusses the impact of therapy on individuals, particularly younger generations, and questions the efficacy and motives behind widespread therapeutic practices. (1:57) We provide an overview of the book, examining the sense of loneliness and sadness prevalent in today's youth. It poses the question of whether therapy-related interventions are actually a part of the problem rather than the solution. (5:32) How incentives in therapy can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Shrier highlights that therapists often prefer patients with milder mental health issues, as these sessions can be more relaxed. This raises questions about the subjective nature of screening and diagnostic tools in mental health care. (10:15) The distinction between chronic and acute treatment, noting how the medical industry often favors chronic cases for their profitability. We touch on various types of therapy, noting that the results of physical therapy, for example, are much more tangible than talk therapy. (12:42) Nat, Neil, and Adil talk a bit about their personal experiences with therapy. (15:55) Why going to the gym and being physically active can improve well-being, and how it offers a sense of control and measurable progress in various aspects of life. (21:12) Shrier emphasizes the lack of agency children have in deciding to continue or end therapy. We also discuss how dwelling on problems, or forced rumination, can exacerbate issues, especially in the context of depression and anxiety. (25:19) We discuss how therapy can often lead us to give undue weight to passing thoughts, turning them into more significant concerns than they should have been. (29:33) It can be a challenge for parents to know when to seek therapy for children or teens. The author suggests exploring all alternatives before turning to therapy. We also dive into the theme of internal vs. external locus of control, where the fear of making mistakes can lead to seeking external validation. (34:25) Are doctors too quick to prescribe medications in non-serious cases? (39:51) Where is the balance between taking every thought and emotion seriously vs. dismissing them? We discuss generational differences, stoic parenting, the importance of discussing feelings with a trusted friend or partner, and the impact on children who feel unheard. (45:30) Similar to therapy and mental health, public sentiments on various topics can evolve over time. Nat, Neil, and Adil draw parallels with the changing views on vaccines, from widespread acceptance to increased skepticism post-Covid. We also touch on the topic of birth control, highlighting the lack of female perspectives in these discussions often dominated by male doctors. (53:26) Happiness, when constantly pursued, can often evade us. Instead, we explore the concept of finding contentment and balance in life, recognizing that happiness is not always the ultimate objective. (56:50) When we attribute our life circumstances solely to external factors, it can lead us to feel powerless. (1:02:37) We explore the notion of discipline and touch upon various parenting styles, including gentle parenting. (1:06:05) Differences in the cultural dynamics of Zen X and Millennial parents. Each generation has its parenting narrative. It's about finding the balance between micromanaging and giving your child space, allowing kids to explore within set boundaries. (1:09:14) We discuss the dynamics of the nuclear family and how it affects the level of involvement from extended family members. (1:14:11) Differences in parenting style based on immigration status, and how punishment was carried out between different generations of parents. (1:18:37) There's an internal pressure to be a flawless parent, often fueled by therapy that revisits childhood experiences. This cycle of rumination can lead to hyper-vigilance in parenting. (1:24:08) Social media's impact on how we view and express ourselves on different issues. (1:28:56) The level of risk in your humor often reflects the closeness of your relationships. However, we must be careful as words can always be misconstrued. (1:31: 37) Can empathy actually have negative consequences? Nat, Neil, and Adil share their final thoughts and takeaways from the book. (1:36:48) That wraps up this episode! If you were intrigued by today's discussion, check out Next up on the show, we'll be covering . Also, be sure to ! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/30791038

112: Thou Mayest: East of Eden by John Steinbeck 04/02/2024

112: Thou Mayest: East of Eden by John Steinbeck “I believe that there is one story in the world, and only one. . . . Humans are caught—in their lives, in their thoughts, in their hungers and ambitions, in their avarice and cruelty, and in their kindness and generosity too—in a net of good and evil. . . . There is no other story. A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips of his life, will have left only the hard, clean questions: Was it good or was it evil? Have I done well—or ill?” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, Nat, Neil and Adil dive into John Steinbeck's masterpiece, East of Eden. Following the lives of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, this novel ultimately reflects on the timeless struggle between darkness and light within the human soul. We cover a wide range of topics including: The timeless battle between good and evil Why having a fixed worldview can lead to hurt Parallels between East of Eden and the story of Cain and Abel A glimpse into what life was like at the start of the Great War How parents' actions impact their children's lives And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (1:02:47) (1:03:21) (1:03:46) (1:07:21) (1:10:41) Books Mentioned: () (0:02) () (0:59) (4:23) () () () (6:32) () () (7:52) () () (1:06:46) (1:32:12) (1:33:20) (1:47:43) (1:57:59) (2:00:04) People Mentioned: (1:29:34) (1:58:30) Show Topics: (0:00) Today, we're diving into John Steinbeck's East of Eden, a novel that stood as a pinnacle in Steinbeck's illustrious career. We kick off the episode by exploring Steinbeck's candidness as shown in his accompanying journal. (2:57) Nat, Neil, and Adil share their experience reading the book for the second time, each finding deeper connections to its major themes and characters this time around. (6:27) We draw parallels between East of Eden and The Three-Body Problem contrasting their narrative styles. While East of Eden is emotionally impactful with rich characters, The Three-Body Problem unfolds in a flatter, more plot-driven world. Check out our if you haven't already! (9:31) Discussing Steinbeck's immersive writing style, we explore how he vividly paints the environments and characters of the book, making us feel as though they are living within its pages. (13:43) We delve into the characters of the novel, particularly Cathy, and how she shaped the narrative. Cathy doesn't always see the good, and often fails to take reponsibility for the things that happen to her. (16:04) The book follows two main families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons. There is a major parallel of "two sons" as Adam has two sons, Steinbeck has two sons, and Cain and Abel are two sons. (21:06) It wasn't the plot that drew us into the book, but rather the characters, and how they demonstrate the lessons taught in the novel. One of those lessons is the power of choice, and how you must take responsibility for your choices. (26:31) Listen in as we read an excerpt from Chapter 34 on the topic of good vs. evil, and how humans are caught in their lives, thoughts, ambitions. “Have I done well or ill?” (34:07) Adam has two sons, Aron and Caleb. Though theoretically, could Caleb be Charles’ son? We talk about the similarities between Charles and Caleb, and Adam and Aron. (37:38) Examining the allegory of Cain and Abel within the novel, we discuss how Steinbeck portrays the struggle between good and evil. Steinbeck presents a compelling argument for the power of choice, demonstrating that no matter how many times you choose evil, you always have the power to choose good. It's your reponsibility to make that choice. (41:08) Nat, Neil, and Adil reflect on pivotal moments in the story, such as Cathy's final act of redemption and Caleb's sacrificial gesture for his father. (49:51) Lee's character, and how relatable he is. It's often the ones that are selflessly giving of themselves that are living the richest lives. (53:31) There are many little instances of heartbreak throughout the book. East of Eden shows the clear impact that parents have on their kids, demonstrating that their actions have consequnces. (55:47) We talk about Adam and Charles' father, Cyrus, his interesting character, and more about the parallels in the book between the families and generations. (1:02:46) The movie based off of East of Eden that came out in the 1950s and our thoughts on the Three-Body Problem TV series. (1:06:38) Books that turn into shows or movies can be very hit or miss. Neil gives an example of a show based on a book that didn’t live up to his expectation. (1:10:14) How much input does an author have over a movie or TV series based on their book? We talk about the Harry Potter movie series, and how the wardrobe, casting, and scenery evolved throughout the series. (1:14:12) East of Eden serves not only as a compelling narrative, but also as a historical reflection of its time. From the impact of World War II to discussions on ice factories, Steinbeck weaves societal issues into the fabric of the story. (1:19:07) Because we polluted the land and water so much, milk pasteurization became very common. (1:22:18) Squatters rights, bankruptcy laws, and seeking asylum at the border. How does social media affect the visibility and knowledge on these topics? (1:25:37) When you have a very fixed view on what the world should look like, it opens the door for that to be shattered down the line. Steinbeck made the point that you really should be more realistic about how you see the world. (1:33:11) Steinbeck had a novel that flew under the radar around the time of WW2 where people had to distribute unauthorized copies throughout Europe. Plus, was Steinbeck an asset to the CIA during his time in Europe? (1:36:32) It's possible that Cathy's character was based on Steinbeck's ex-wife, which adds more power and meaning behind the family dynamic in the story. (1:39:54) Within the novel are moments of clarity, both sad and joyful. It reminds us that we all have those moments where it feels like we’re waking up from something. (1:43:05) We read an excerpt about Steinbeck’s ex-wife who was the mother to his two boys. Was Cathy's character based on her, and could that be why we see so many parallels between the book and Steinbeck's life? (1:50:53) Nat, Neil, and Adil read off some of their favorite lines from the book! Do you have any favorite Steinbeck lines? Send them to us! (1:59:58) That wraps up this episode! Next on the Made You Think Podcast, we'll be reading by Abigail Shrier. Also, make sure to check out our new instagram page- ! Give us a follow to stay up-to-date with what's to come on the show. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/30633693

111: Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth 03/20/2024

111: Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth "All the facts of science aren't enough to understand the world's meaning. For this, you must step outside the world." Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're adventuring into the world of Logicomix, a graphic novel that takes us on a journey through the intricate life of mathematician Bertrand Russell. From the quest for precision that borders on madness to the historical events Russell was embroiled in, we'll explore the complexities of logic, philosophy, and mathematics. We cover a wide range of topics including: Why seeking precision in understanding the world can drive one mad Bertrand Russell's historical involvements and achievements The rapid progress of aviation and technology How mathematics, logic, and philosophy remain connected Discovering the lives and contributions of various mathematicians And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (1:06) (12:33) (13:04) (30:48) (32:06) (57:59) (1:03:50) (1:13:49) Books Mentioned: (0:03) () (0:21) (0:22) (6:10) (6:11) (7:12) () () (12:01) () () (36:16) (36:16) (1:00:45) (1:01:01) (1:01:23) (1:02:46) (1:08:17) (1:09:40) People Mentioned: (0:01) (6:51) (14:46) (20:49) (53:03) Show Topics: (0:00) We kick off the episode by sharing John Steinbeck's journal writing process for East of Eden, his collaborative relationship with his publisher, and how he landed on the title. (5:25) Though we are not talking about East of Eden today (but...stay tuned for that episode up next!), we're covering Logicomix, a graphic novel by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papadimitriou. (8:16) We give an overview of the book and how it shares different intricacies and stories from Bertrand Russell's life. From his parents being in a throuple to schizophrenia running in his family, we try to decipher which parts were real vs. fabricated. (10:36) Why you shouldn't necessarily look for precision and formal rules about how the world works. We tie this idea into Taoism which we’ve seen commonly in a few of our other recent reads. In short, no system can fully explain itself. You need to step outside of it. (13:42) Is it possible to build a perfect map of everything that mathematics entails? We talk about the connection between logic, philosophy, and mathematics. (20:25) There were several mathematicians in the book. How many of them are you familiar with? (23:36) Russell's involvement in a variety of historical events from the Cuban Missile Crisis to JFK's assassination, as he was not convinced that Oswald was guilty of the crime. (28:34) If you've been up-to-date with the news lately, you may be just as interested in the Kate Middleton conspiracies as we are. Tangent time! (31:38) Russell was sat in the House of Lords, a chamber of UK Parliament which is generally not up for election. Plus, we brainstorm some ideas of who would be considered Bertrand Russell’s equivalent in the US. (36:48) We dive in to some different historical events and wars. The Ottoman Empire, World War 1 and 2, the Persian Gulf War, and how warfare and aircraft carriers changed during these ages. (41:26) Aviation and its rapid improvements in technology in such a short span of time. (45:07) "Shouldn't we get back to the book?" Nat, Neil, and Adil discuss some of the main concepts from the book, including the pursuit of truth in the world of mathematics. You're never going to fully understand reality, but for some, that's a hard truth that they don't want to accept. (49:44) What does it mean to know, and how can you be justified in knowing something? Remember, a belief can be true while at the same time not satisfying the conditions of logic. (56:05) Unlike the other mathematicians discussed in the book, Gödel constructed a proof to his theorem that hasn’t yet been disproven. Regardless of whether their desires for absolute truth was achieved or not, a lot of the findings are fundamentally useful in many other ways. (1:00:34) We talk about some of the books that we have coming up on the podcast, and throw around some ideas. Which book would you like to see us do an episode on? ! (1:05:04) Is it true that the more you think about how you’re feeling, the worse you feel? (1:10:07) Nat, Neil, and Adil share some more of their upcoming reads they're excited about, and different war books, including Martin Gilbert's books on WW1 and WW2. (1:13:24) Political ETFs that you can buy into. $NANC and $KRUZ, anyone? (1:17:22) That concludes this episode! Next up on Made You Think, we have the long awaited episode covering by John Steinbeck. Make sure to grab a copy of the book and read along with us before the next episode. Check out our to stay updated on what's to come. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/30467368

110: Fear of Oozification 02/24/2024

110: Fear of Oozification "Oozification is the process of recursively replacing systems based on numerous larger building blocks, governed by many rules, with ones based on fewer, smaller building blocks, governed by fewer rules, thereby increasing the number of evolutionary possibilities and lowering the number of evolutionary certainties." Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're discussing Fear of Oozification, an article by Venkatesh Rao. Get ready to explore the concept of ooziness in technology, learn the signs of oozification, and uncover why the ooze should (or should not) be feared. We cover a wide range of topics including: How oozification applies in technology, nature, and more The contrast between progressification and oozification Challenges in preserving our knowledge over time Humans' natural fear of unpredictability and uncertainty Why authority and trust may be victims of oozification And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:32) () (7:32) (30:44) (31:27) (35:57) (45:24) (49:05) (51:48) (51:51) Books Mentioned: (1:42) () () (1:44) () (1:48) () (1:52) (2:01) (23:30) () () (38:22) (58:14) (58:30) (58:55) People Mentioned: (32:06) Show Topics: (0:00) Welcome back to Made You Think! We kick off this episode by sharing our reading progress for the upcoming books on the podcast as well as anything else we’re reading (or re-reading) outside of it. (5:32) Nat notes his experience with re-reading The Three-Body Problem series, the different pacing of each of the books, and other minor details that stuck out while going through it a second time. (6:43) Today, we're covering Fear of Oozification, an article by Venkatesh Rao. Nat, Neil, and Adil dive into the author's definition of oozification, and more specifically, how it applies within certain technologies such as the computer and phone. (10:52) What makes something more or less oozy? We think of the ooziness of nature where we frequently envision stable environments such as a forest or meadow. However, when a major change or catastrophe takes place, the landscape has to evolve and its trajectory changes. (14:36) Progressification vs oozification: In contrast to oozing, you can make steady and predictable progress within technology, for example. (16:50) We share our main takeaways from the article, debate what the author's view on oozification is, and how the author got his argument across. (23:18) How oozification will happen regardless of the natural linear progression that we're on in the world of technology. As we progress and create new technologies, each new piece of tech will ooze in its own way. (26:27) Naturally, we fear the unpredictability of the future. What is it about oozification that we are more fearful of than just the unpredictability of the future? Plus, the new era of the internet vs. how things used to be in the world of blogging and social media. (31:43) Decentering and simplifying. We talk a bit about an individual health blog written in just plain text. Check it out if you're curious! (37:39) Trust and authority, and how that links in with oozification. Nowadays, it's nearly easier to verify truth and accuracy in individuals rather than in large accredited institutions. (41:06) When something is oozed so far away from the fundamental state that we won’t know how to recreate the original anymore. Plus, what really is the best way to transmit human knowledge? (46:07) How memories have traditionally been stored through photographs, both digital and physical, and what the future of storing our memories and artifacts may eventually look like. (51:37) We chat a bit about some of Rao's other articles, discuss the contrast in the way that technology and government oozifies, and provide our final thoughts of the article. (55:46) In true Made You Think fashion, we ask ChatGPT for its take on the article! (57:45) That wraps up this episode! Next up, we'll be reading followed by . Make sure to grab a copy of those books and read along with us. Head on over to our to see what's next, listen to previous episodes, and send any book suggestions our way! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/30090743

109: The Pursuit of Intelligence: Flowers for Algernon 02/13/2024

109: The Pursuit of Intelligence: Flowers for Algernon “I don’t know what’s worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you’ve always wanted to be, and feel alone.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! Today, we're delving into Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. Join us as we take you through the journey of an intellectually disabled man who undergoes a procedure with the hopes of increasing his mental abilities. We'll unpack several themes that resonate deeply with the human experience, and seek to get our questions answered on what it truly means to be intelligent. We cover a wide range of topics including: The relationship between intelligence and loneliness Whether the experiment actually made Charlie worse off Influence of social norms and media on individual beliefs and behaviors The existence (or lack of) internal dialogues How handicapped people are often viewed and treated And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:01) (0:56) (2:41) (3:54) (4:16) (5:17) (14:41) (42:01) (43:45) (53:49) (1:14:04) Books Mentioned: () () () (30:45) (30:46) () () (31:36) () (48:02) () (1:13:42) (1:18:12) () (1:21:02) People Mentioned: (5:53) (53:24) (58:49) (1:15:02) (1:17:15) Show Topics: (0:00) We open the show by talking about new hardware innovations on the horizon from Apple’s Vision Pro to the pocket-sized Rabbit. (3:23) As it's become increasingly easier to make software, what will this mean for SaaS companies and the future of software? (6:18) Today we’re talking about Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. The book takes us on the journey of a severely handicapped man who enters into an experiment in order to increase his intelligence. There will be spoilers so if you're planning on reading the book, we suggest you do that before listening to this episode! (12:28) Through Charlie's progression and regression, we get a glimpse into his levels of intelligence, awareness, and loneliness. He finds himself lonelier the more intelligent he becomes because as he gains more awareness, he learns that some people aren't truly his friends. (13:21) There seems to be a human desire to improve no matter what. Nat, Neil, and Adil debate whether Charlie was better or worse off in the end than he was at the start of his journey. (18:35) We discuss some of the other characters in the story and what their relationship with Charlie is like. Notably, Alice is one of the only people who saw him as a person throughout his whole life, even before he gained his intelligence. (22:00) Charlie's family life and how the author wrote each of their closures with Charlie, or lack thereof. (25:12) Despite Alice being a very positive figure in Charlie’s life, you could make the argument that he didn't treat her very well. Regardless, Alice kept her hope and optimism in every situation. (28:18) Though the book is classified as science fiction, it also poses instances of moral philosophy. Showcased by the author were examples of how people with mental or physical disabilities are treated by others, both obviously and subtly. (32:52) One of the symbols in the story was a window that Charlie would watch the world through. It was a way for him to interpret his disconnection from society. Throughout the story, Charlie makes progress once he acknowledges himself and his past rather than running and hiding from it. (36:54) The progression of Charlie's intelligence vs. his emotional intelligence and how they changed at different rates. Plus, we talk about the role of the researchers and how he treated them. (40:02) Nat, Neil, and Adil talk about their interpretation of one of the earlier scenes in the book. In the background was some type of educational tape played for Charlie, but it could have also been symbolized to be his internal monologue. (41:40) Does everyone have an internal dialogue? We dig into a tangent of internal dialogue and why it may be that not everyone has one. (50:13) We break down the different versions of Charlie throughout his life and how his character changed throughout the story. (53:20) Recalling the Texas shooter from the 1960's who was found to have a brain tumor. This brings up many moral dilemmas as to whether someone like him should be allowed to walk after having the brain tumor removed. (56:02) Similarly, what is the tipping point for something small to snowball into a very dangerous idea? We continue with a discussion on the role of social norms and social media. You can live very close proximally to someone but be engaged in completely different social worlds. It's all about who you choose to follow and what types of content you engage with. (1:03:03) Where should the line be drawn in giving punishments to someone who has some type of illness in their brain, such as a brain tumor or lead poisoning? Let us know what you think! (1:09:13) Adil shares his experience with re-reading the book as well as ChatGPT's take on Charlie's sessions with his psychiatrist. (1:13:36) We talk about the author’s writing career, including one of the other pieces that he has written. In fact, Apple TV came out with a based on one of his books! (1:18:46) That wraps up this episode! We've got an exciting lineup for our next few episodes, beginning with Venkatesh Rao's essay, . Down the line, we'll also be covering and re-reading . Stay tuned and read along with us. You will not want to miss these! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/29943663

108: To Strive or Not to Strive: Straw Dogs 02/08/2024

108: To Strive or Not to Strive: Straw Dogs “If you believe that humans are animals, there can be no such thing as the history of humanity, only the lives of particular humans. If we speak of the history of the species at all, it is only to signify the unknowable sum of these lives. As with other animals, some lives are happy, others wretched. None has a meaning that lies beyond itself.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! This week, we’re diving into discussion on Straw Dogs by John Gray. From questioning moral structures to pondering the collective soul, we'll journey through the philosophical landscape of Straw Dogs, examining technology, lifespans, and the very essence of humanism. We cover a wide range of topics including: Connections between Straw Dogs and Taoism Whether becoming more moral as a society is possible Individualistic vs collectivistic ways of thinking Gray's critique on the idea that humans are special over animals Technology, striving, and human progress And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (2:45) (25:50) (52:28) (52:31) (52:36) (52:41) Books Mentioned: (2:41) () (7:47) () (27:18) (29:14) () () (36:22) () (36:36) (39:03) (43:11) () () (45:24) () () (55:33) (59:00) (1:02:08) People Mentioned: (2:40) (25:46) (32:50) () (43:12) Show Topics: (0:00) In today’s episode, we’re covering Straw Dogs by John Gray. We kick off the episode by sharing our overall impressions of the book and connect it to one of our previous reads, Novacene. (3:23) How would we summarize this book? Nat, Neil, and Adil share their interpretation of the book in their own words, comparing and contrasting their summaries. (8:19) We discuss the disparity between our aspirations for progress and the reality of human nature, exploring how societal foundations have shifted. (12:35) Examining John Gray's argument, we delve into the book's six sections, analyzing its reflections on human nature, morality, and the essence of progress. (14:55) Are we evolutionarily any different from other animal species? We share the example of a hive of white ants, and their contributions to the collective vs. the individual. (18:19) Measuring happiness and progress are both tricky. Plus, is it more harmful than beneficial to have faith in humanity and progress? (23:11) We pull out some of our key quotes from the book about technology, evolution, and the collective. Technology is not a human-only thing, and over time, new technologies will continue to emerge. (29:55) Differences between Robert Persig’s and John Gray's ideas. We look at whether our views on life can change and how science fits into all of this. (36:12) Gray appears anti-striving, with ideals that we shouldn't try to control life or we'll end up disappointed in the end. (41:30) To strive or not to strive? We talk about the evolution of technology, it's accessibility in today's age, and the hard work that has happened in order for tech to progress. (46:48) Black holes and string theory and dark matter. Oh my! We chat about some cool scientific theories and how they affect our understanding of the world. (50:59) Lots of sci-fi books are being made into tv shows and hitting the major streaming services. Nat, Neil, and Adil list a few that they're excited about. (59:42) Don’t judge a book by the Goodreads reviews! If you’re intrigued to pick up a copy of Straw Dogs, you can . We give our final thoughts on the book and discuss some other books that John Gray has written. (1:05:22) That wraps up this episode! Next up, we’ll be reading . Make sure to check it out and read along with us before the next episode. Plus, Made You Think’s got a new website! Head on over to see the new format, view by topics and series, and leave us a book suggestion! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/29757793

107: What is Quality: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance 01/19/2024

107: What is Quality: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance “Quality...you know what it is, yet you don’t know what it is. But that’s self-contradictory. But some things are better than others, that is, they have more quality. But when you try to say what the quality is, apart from the things that have it, it all goes poof! There’s nothing to talk about. But if you can’t say what Quality is, how do you know what it is, or how do you know that it even exists? If no one knows what it is, then for all practical purposes it doesn’t exist at all. But for all practical purposes it really does exist.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're discussing Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig. Join us as we ride through the intersections of philosophy, a father and son motorcycle trip across America, and the pursuit of Quality. We cover a wide range of topics including: Different learning styles and the value of hands-on experience Exploring the elusive concept of Quality Reflections on the narrative and philosophy of the book Overcoming gumption traps and staying enthusiastic How the journey is just as important as the destination And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:46) (1:07) (6:30) (30:24) (58:01) Books Mentioned: (15:40) (30:49) (31:39) (40:50) () () (47:37) () () (47:58) () () (57:29) () () People Mentioned: (13:07) (30:32) (31:22) (58:00) (58:37) Show Topics: (0:00) We open the episode with our take on podcast analytics. Though people can choose where they want to listen, it’s hard to get a sense of overall listening numbers across platforms as a whole. (2:49) Today's episode is centered around . Neil connects his college experience to the book, describing the contrast between theoretical vs. applied learning. (5:35) Different learning styles, emphasizing hands-on experience, and the importance of practical understanding over theory. (9:43) Why is it that not every great athlete can go on to become a great coach? It all comes down to being able to apply and share your knowledge in a given setting. (12:59) Sharing our thoughts on how the story was written, the narrative of the motorcycle trip, and how the sequel compares to this story. (18:43)The author opens the door to a variety of ideas such as learning to be in the present moment and how to focus on one thing at a time. Though Pirsig is intuitive across several domains, we find that he struggles to put these concepts into words. (23:12) While on a trip with his son and another couple, the author reflects on flashbacks in his life, including the treatment of his past insanity. Through fixing the bike and traveling across the country, he learns many valuable lessons and philosophies along the way. (28:23) We briefly discuss the sequel where Pirsig highlights William James Sidis, known for his incredibly high IQ and profound ideas on the origin of life. (32:43) Comparing bike riding to a full-body meditation. Each limb has a specific task to operate the bike, and you have to be focused on the road in front of you, truly bringing yourself to the present moment. (34:10) Nat, Neil, and Adil ponder the concept of Quality, its connection to science, spirituality, and the importance of peace of mind. Quality is all about applying yourself and your senses in the present moment, and being one with what you are doing. (40:54) Nat shares his perspective on the book's cognitive challenges and the reconciliation of theory and practice within the book. (45:18) One unique factor about this book is that it doesn’t necessarily mean to give you a conclusive solution at the end. It’s all about enjoying the journey, and being okay with the fact that you may not have arrived anywhere by the end of the book. (48:53) Appreciating the book's humor, comical dialogues, and character depth, with a desire for more insight into the minds of the minor characters. (52:05) It can be very difficult to get started on any project, especially when you think of the whole scope of what you're about to do. If you can start with just one part, it becomes more manageable. We relate this idea to the book writing process. (1:04:37) What are gumption traps, and how can you avoid falling into them? Plus, we give some examples of common gumption traps that you may fall into that diminish your enthusiasm. (1:11:47) That concludes this episode! If this episode intrigued you, make sure to pick up a copy of . Next up, we'll be reading by John Gray. Plus, we have an exciting announcement coming soon. Stay tuned for future episodes to stay in the know! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/29844203

106: Building Blocks of Civilization: How the World Really Works 01/10/2024

106: Building Blocks of Civilization: How the World Really Works “Modern economies will always be tied to massive material flows, whether those of ammonia-based fertilizers to feed the still-growing global population; plastics, steel, and cement needed for new tools, machines, structures, and infrastructures; or new inputs required to produce solar cells, wind turbines, electric cars, and storage batteries. And until all energies used to extract and process these materials come from renewable conversions, modern civilization will remain fundamentally dependent on the fossil fuels used in the production of these indispensable materials. No AI, no apps, and no electronic messages will change that.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're delving into the intricate layers of How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil. From dissecting the dynamics of energy to unraveling the building blocks of our material world, this episode takes us on a journey through the realms of numbers, magnitudes, and the underpinnings that shape our daily existence. Get ready to expand your mind and question the fabric of the world around us! We cover a wide range of topics including: The four foundational products of civilization Why our food and nutrition isn't the same anymore Intricate steps and nuances in global energy creation What may be on the horizon for crypto this year How much diesel is embedded into the production of a tomato? And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:03) (1:28) (16:12) (18:52) (27:48) (29:47) (31:29) (38:01) (38:53) (52:04) (57:00) (1:00:19) (1:02:17) (1:12:40) Books Mentioned: (7:18) () () (7:32) () (20:44) () (54:02) (1:05:20) (1:06:01) (1:06:02) (1:06:24) People Mentioned: (18:51) (48:40) (54:37) (1:06:10) (1:08:35) Show Topics: (0:00) The news is out - Nat’s new book is available for preorder! We open the episode by talking about crypto, AI coins, and how BTC and ETH have established themselves in the world of crypto. (6:53) In today's episode, we're discussing How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil. We draw some similarities from some previous reads in the podcast such as and another great from Smil, . (10:20) Adil highlights some of the key points from the book, including the four fundamental products—ammonia, cement, plastic, and steel—that shape our modern world, shedding light on challenges in essential industries. (14:19) Because we're so disembodied with how things are built and how people are fed, we’re able to indulge in things as a society that are not necessarily realistic in terms of decarbonization. (19:34) Discussing nutrition deficiencies, we explore the disconnect between the food we eat and its nutritional value, raising questions about our reliance on technology over essential fields like soil science and food production. (22:31) The impact of fertilization, nutrition deficiencies, and current farming practices. Nat, Neil, and Adil discuss alternatives for a healthier, more sustainable future. (28:13) While more and more attention goes into technology rather than food science and soil science, we have seen an increased interest in nuclear energy. For many decades, we’ve been so highly focused on software rather than hardware. Are we due for a shift? (31:21) We delve into a discussion on carbon capture, Bitcoin mining's energy-efficient possibilities, and cost-effective energy production. (37:58) The life cycle of oil, Department of Energy's investments into different forms of energy, and the efficiency of gasoline vs. electric. (42:01) In the book, Smil dives into the crude oil consumption per pound of different things you eat throughout its entire life cycle. From chicken to tomatoes, and seafood, too. (48:22 Is meat actually destroying the environment? It all depends on what you're replacing it with. (53:57) Discussing Bill Gates' environmental ideals, we explore his support for climate-friendly technology and its potential to compete with fossil fuels (57:14) Is there room for more crypto exchange platforms, and what else is on the horizon for this year in crypto? (1:02:48) Similarly, what is the future when it comes to the world of energy and our country’s investment into it? Technology is often the cause of all problems in science fiction settings, whereas more positive sci-fi could help paint a better picture around technology and its future. (1:05:59) Down the line for Made You Think, we'll have episodes on and . Make sure to grab a copy of those books before these episodes come out and read along with us! (1:13:17) The led to the accidental release of two nuclear bombs. The incident raised concerns about the safety of nuclear weapons and the potential catastrophic consequences of accidents involving such powerful devices. (1:17:14) That wraps up this episode, thanks for listening! Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, leave a comment or review, and preorder your copy of . If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/29434748

105: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying 11/27/2023

105: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying “Perhaps the deepest reason why we are afraid of death is because we do not know who we are. We believe in a personal, unique, and separate identity — but if we dare to examine it, we find that this identity depends entirely on an endless collection of things to prop it up: our name, our "biography," our partners, family, home, job, friends, credit cards… It is on their fragile and transient support that we rely for our security. So when they are all taken away, will we have any idea of who we really are?" Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're diving into The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche. We'll navigate the realms of meditation, telepathy, and the essence of a peaceful death. Come join us in this mind-opening episode that transcends the ordinary and challenges our perceptions of life, death, and everything in between! We cover a wide range of topics including: How to find more meaning from your meditation Telepathy, shared hallucinations, and the uncharted territories of the brain and body The role our egos play in spiritual practices Reincarnation and the continuous nature of consciousness The sacredness of birth and dying And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (4:22) (4:23) (5:00) (19:10) (23:06) (41:37) (1:00:12) (1:17:04) Books Mentioned: (1:26) () (4:54) () () (16:44) () () (27:28) () () (38:34) (39:09) () () (53:17) () () People Mentioned: (20:54) (33:17) Show Topics: (1:02) In today's episode, we're talking about The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying in which Rinpoche explores the concepts of life, death, and rebirth. We open up the show talking about meditation, microdosing, and how to incorporate meditation into your day. (6:07) Finding meaning from meditation, the role it plays in rehearsing death, and finding profound meaning in the experience. (7:59) Is death just a middle step in our journey as opposed to the end? We talk about the author's beliefs regarding reincarnation and the idea that while our energy never dies, it has the capability of taking another form. (11:41) Attachments, the terror of losing your identity when you die, and why believing in reincarnation offers a valuable perspective. (16:51) The author’s definition of “attachments” would most likely be broader than you’d expect. It not only encompasses your material possessions, but anything that contributes to what you see as your identity. (20:09) We talk about different phenomenons that happen in your body once you pass, plus some interesting stories in the book, such as remembering information from a past life. (24:57) Telepathy: Is it realistic? Everything can seem magical or nonsensical until you can gather some sort of argument or case or explanation for it. Hundreds of years ago we may have thought the idea of electricity was a hoax, but today, it exists. (28:15) There are so many things about our brain and body that we have yet to understand. Plus, we discuss the potential effects of electromagnetic pollution on our bodies. (33:02) The first step in working your way up to telepathy or cross-mind communication is knowing your own mind and body first. (34:23) How mindfulness can help you pull yourself back into the present moment. We often worry about the future or something not going to plan. When you remember that all things are impermanent, it makes it easier to accept things as they are right now. (40:09) Ego and its role in spiritual practices. (42:55) Shared hallucinations in sleep paralysis and altered states of consciousness induced by psychedelics. (47:53) Nat shares a story of when he took psilocybin, and how that posed questions of whether we are connected to consciousness, especially for those who we are directly related to. (52:21) Where are we in the journey of knowing everything? There’s no good way to measure this, as it can often feel that the more we learn, the less we actually know. (56:09) In today's age, we have the capability to broadcast our thoughts and opinions on social media to a large audience. Once you say it, it can’t be taken back. How will we see social media shaping the relationship between parents and their children? (1:00:36) “Peaceful death is really an essential human right, more essential perhaps even than the right to vote or the right to justice; it is a right on which, all religious traditions tell us, a great deal depends for the well-being and spiritual future of the dying person.” What someone needs for a peaceful death, and how they may be more aware than you think. (1:04:05) Neil shares his experience of how he felt reading the book in relation to his dad's passing. We have a discussion on the key differences between a home-environment and the hospital, and when you might opt for one over the other. (1:10:51) When you’re in the process of dying, it's not uncommon to change the way you view the world. Knowing your time is limited, you may find yourself to be more vulnerable with your loved ones and more deeply appreciating the moments you spend. (1:14:21) Comparing birth and death as unique, sacred experiences, and the potential impact of hospital settings on these significant life events. (1:20:56) We examine the theme of the mind outlasting the body, contrasting it with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. (1:25:39) When it comes to death and rebirth, many traditions talk about a similar experience of viewing your entire life in detail. Where did these ideas originate from? (1:29:10) That concludes this episode! Make sure to pick up a copy of to learn more about Tibetan Buddhist wisdom. Stay tuned for our next episode in which we will be reading ! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/28816388

104: Are We Destined to Be Pets? Novacene by James Lovelock 11/15/2023

104: Are We Destined to Be Pets? Novacene by James Lovelock “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're diving into Novacene by James Lovelock, a book which challenges the very essence of human intelligence. Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that delves into the realms of evolution, deep oceans, and the enigmatic dance between humanity and artificial intelligence. We cover a wide range of topics including: Gaia hypothesis and its connections to the book Intelligence beyond the human-centric view How the evolution of organisms has affected global temperatures The uncovered mysteries of the deep ocean Will AI be a friend or foe to humans? And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow Nat, Neil, and Adil on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (1:53) (23:52) (25:05) (27:26) (27:26) (35:54) (39:32) (49:01) (49:42) (55:16) (1:02:16) Books Mentioned: (0:03) () () (0:46) () () (13:35) () (13:37) (19:14) (21:12) () (22:35) () (36:24) () () (37:41) () People Mentioned: (1:54) (13:36) (36:24) Show Topics: (1:46) Buckle up for this episode as we discuss Novacene, authored by the originator of the Gaia Theory, James Lovelock. The book probes into humanity's role in the world and speculates on a future where machines might supersede us. (4:34) Lovelock wrote this book with the help of his assistant when he was 99 years old. We talk about what exactly the Gaia Theory is and the end of the age of Anthropocene. (9:50) We go deeper into sharing our thoughts on the Gaia Theory and how the evolution of organisms have affected the regulation of the global temperature. (13:10) How much do we actually know about the deepest parts of the ocean? Plus, learn about the author’s involvement with designing instruments for NASA. (16:40) Nat, Neil, and Adil make connections from Novacene to The Three-Body Problem. Historically, we've looked for life on other planets the way we would measure life on earth, but are extraterrestrial species carbon-based like we are? (19:04) Our idea of time here on Earth is based on our life and our own orbit around the sun, but another civilization could view time in a completely different way. (24:21) Addressing AI predictions, military applications, and the challenges of AI intervention, including experiences with self-driving cars. (32:08) Is our technology watching us? (35:28) The limitations of language as an information interface and the intuitive nature of processing multiple inputs. Speaking, for example, is completely linear. However, when you have multiple inputs, you're able to be more intuitive. (39:18) We talk about exploring intelligence beyond the human-centric view, considering the collective intelligence of species like bees. (42:05) It’s powerful the progress that has been made with ChatGPT, but there still remains the question of whether or not it will be a linear process to AGI (). (46:02) The intersection of crypto mining, Bitcoin, and futuristic energy societies, along with the possibility of harnessing CO2 for creation. (52:24) Earth is a rare, one-of-a-kind planet. How the universe had to align for habitability on earth, and the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. (58:29) Would AI have the potential for parallel processing capabilities? (1:00:35) Nat and Neil share their final thoughts on Novacene and Lovelock's charming writing style. If you were intrigued by our discussions in this episode, make sure you ! (1:01:59) That concludes this episode! Stay tuned for our next episode on the by Sogyal Rinpoche. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/28662638

103: Beyond the River of Doubt: Into the Amazon 11/01/2023

103: Beyond the River of Doubt: Into the Amazon “But at a purely personal level, Rondon embodied the best of both modern and old-fashioned virtues. He was intensely and genuinely patriotic, adhered to traditional codes of honor, bravery, and chivalry, and repeatedly demonstrated a moral rectitude that, enhanced a character both ascetic and abstemious, impressed those who regularly came into contact with him." Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're picking up the conversation on our favorite Brazilian explorer, Cândido Rondon, with Into the Amazon. Rohter's book dives into the untold stories of Rondon and Roosevelt, shining a spotlight on the uncharted territories, unique challenges, and extraordinary legacies left behind in the heart of the Amazon. We cover a wide range of topics including: Rondon's unique approach to exploration Animal and plant life within the Amazon How Rondon navigated each obstacle from sickness to river crossings Technology's impact on different generations The relationship between tech and human intelligence And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (2:10) (4:55) (10:58) (18:14) (22:46) (24:19) (1:07:42) (1:25:35) Books Mentioned: (0:13) () () (0:15) () () () () (5:00) (45:02) () () (45:40) () (1:29:02) (1:31:53) (1:32:30) (1:32:47) (1:33:45) (1:35:10) () () (1:37:10) People Mentioned: (1:55) (4:55) Show Topics: (0:00) Today, we're venturing into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, as we discuss Into the Amazon by Larry Rohter. Though not a direct sequel, it spins off of a previous episode on , and gives us more insight into the life of Cândido Rondon. (1:57) In the era of great explorers, Rondon's discoveries were often overshadowed by the Europeans. Though he is very well-respected in Brazil, his accomplishments aren't as widely known in the US. (6:18) We talk a bit about Paul Rosolie and his preservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest, as well as why the forest felt empty in terms of wildlife throughout their exploration. (8:41) Rondon's peaceful demeanor and rationalist approach. He had a high tolerance and respect for the native tribes that he came across, and in return, they embraced him and his crew. (12:12) In addition to being an explorer, Rondon was a soldier. We also talk about Brazil's infrastructure advancements and how Rondon viewed the natives as Brazilian, whereas the Brazilian government hardly saw them as part of their people. (15:48) The friendship between Cândido Rondon and Theodore Roosevelt, and Roosevelt's profound respect for Rondon. We witness how Roosevelt's initial perception of Rondon transformed during their shared journeys, shedding light on Roosevelt's character and open-mindedness. (20:43) The rich history of Rondon's story is preserved through detailed diaries and journals kept by the explorers. The survival of these records is nothing short of miraculous when you consider the conditions they were in on their journey. (22:21) Meta's new AI features where you can talk to different personalities, based on the topics that you're interested in. (25:35) Rondon had opoprtunities to go down many paths in his life. He had developed several unique skills very early on in his childhood, yet exploring the Amazon is ultimately what he chose to pursue. (30:48) There were several elements to Rondon that uncovered as we read Into the Amazon that we may not have realized while reading The River of Doubt. Very military-like, Rondon created order for their day and took leadership on their expedition. (35:17) We share some badass Rondon stories that stuck out to us, including how he navigated a seemingly improbable river crossing with all of the cargo of his crew. (39:30) When times got tough and supplies ran low, Rondon always stuck to the mission. (42:31) Deforestation and its long-term consequences. Plant life is so dense in the Amazon; if it ever gets cleared out, it'd be near impossible to bring it back to what it once was. (47:13) The effects of global shipping traffic and it's pollution into the atmosphere. (50:32) The later years of Rondon was more of a focus in this book vs. The River of Doubt. We discuss his family life, which included a wife and 7 children. They communicated via telegrams throughout his many missions and projects where he was forced to be away from home. (57:40) Einstein had heard so much about Rondon during his time in Brazil that he submitted a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for him without even meeting him. (1:00:34) Your body always tells you what you need. If Rondon is sick? Just give him some pineapple! (1:01:31) Though Rondon is framed as a tough explorer, he was also an intellectual. He documented a lot of the indigenous languages and transcribed it based on his interactions with the tribes. (1:04:45) Tangent time: Which celebrities could potentially run for office, and who is big enough to have their names still referrenced after their passing? (1:07:39) Our thoughts on the movie Idiocracy and theories on the relationship between technology and intelligence levels. Will our generation always be the most technological competent generation? (1:15:09) How technology has shaped generations differently, especially Gen Z and Millenials. (1:20:33) We throw it back to when we were younger, talking about different devices that were around then and how they compare to the more modern, current models. (1:23:08) The development of Apple, and how they were able to shift so elegantly from the iPod to bigger and better devices. (1:29:01) We throw out some ideas of books to cover in future episodes. Which ones stuck out to you? Let us know! (1:40:48) That wraps up this episode! Make sure to pick up a copy of Into the Amazon if you liked this episode. Stay tuned as we will be reading The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying and Novacene in the next few episodes. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/28491836

102: From Fighter Jets to Rocket Ships: The Right Stuff 09/19/2023

102: From Fighter Jets to Rocket Ships: The Right Stuff “The idea was to prove at every foot of the way up that you were one of the elected and anointed ones who had the right stuff and could move higher and higher and even—ultimately, God willing, one day—that you might be able to join that special few at the very top, that elite who had the capacity to bring tears to men's eyes, the very Brotherhood of the Right Stuff itself." Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're covering The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe. Through vivid storytelling, Wolfe shares the world of the fearless pilots and astronauts who possessed the elusive "right stuff". The book provides an intimate look at their lives, the challenges they faced, and the profound impact they had on the history of space exploration. We cover a wide range of topics including: The evolution of the aerospace industry and its rapid growth How fighter pilots became pioneers in space exploration Compelling stories of astronauts and their intense training regimens The battle between NASA and the Air Force in the quest for space What it truly means to have 'The Right Stuff' And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (3:53) (4:31) (12:01) (14:50) (15:31) (22:01) (34:39) Books Mentioned: (1:55) (2:17) (2:30) () (32:43) () (40:39) () People Mentioned: (0:48) (10:49) (24:37) (45:242) Show Topics: (0:00) In today's episode, we're discussing The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe. The book not only boasts a charismatic writing style, but also draws intriguing connections to a previous book we covered, ? (3:40) We delve into the book's narrative flow, which initially spotlights fighter pilots and their rigorous training before transitioning into the captivating realm of the U.S. space program. From the early stages to the groundbreaking Project Mercury, the book highlights the personalities behind those who ventured into the unknown. (6:07) How astronaut requirements shifted from an open-door policy to a more selective process. Plus, we talk about the advancement in computing technology that made these audacious projects possible. (10:44) What once seemed impossible in the world of space exploration became possible in a short amount of time. There was also a shift from manual to automatic controls as the technology became more advanced. (12:57) What does it mean if you possess "The Right Stuff"? As we explore its application in the world of aviation, we draw parallels to other fields, such as sports. (15:24) Buckle up for some mindblowing facts and statistics on several high-speed aircrafts, including the SR71, Concorde, and X15. (19:12) Ever wondered what it feels like to approach the speed of sound in the transonic zone? There are many complexities when it comes to operating a high-speed aircraft like the Concorde. (22:40) How political dynamics influenced the approaches taken by NASA and the Air Force, from rocket models to plane models for space exploration. (29:13) The quest for space exploration has been marked by trial and error. (31:20) While there are very few remaining opportunities for land exploration on Earth, there is exciting potential for migration to other planets. (35:52) It can take between 7-14 months to reach Mars, not to mention the many dangers you may be facing along the way. (40:30) We talk about the connection between how you breathe and weight loss, as well as the importance of consistent airflow in your work and sleep environments. (43:40) Did you know The Right Stuff is also a ? Make sure to check it out, especially if you are intrigued with this episode! (45:13) The training regimens for many of these missions were so intense that when the astonauts were actually on the flight, they were seemingly desensitized to the whole experience. (48:55) There was often tension between fighter pilots and test pilots, as well as discussions on whether becoming an astronaut would be harmful to a pilot's military career. (55:55) That wraps up this episode! Our next episode features Cândido Rondon, who you may remember from our episode on . Stay tuned for that one! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/28087613

101: Everything Is One: The Upanishads 09/06/2023

101: Everything Is One: The Upanishads “He who sees all beings in his Self and his Self in all beings, he never suffers; because when he sees all creatures within his true Self, then jealousy, grief and hatred vanish.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're covering The Upanishads, a collection of ancient Indian texts which explore the philosophical and spiritual teachings of Hinduism. These texts delve into the nature of reality and the self while emphasizing the importance of meditation, self-realization, and the pursuit of knowledge to achieve enlightenment. We cover a wide range of topics including: Consciousness and the interconnectedness of all beings Parallels between The Upanishads and the philosophies of Plato How cities differ in their homelessness approach Rationalism vs. intuition Our thoughts on the Twitter/X rebrand And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (9:00) (9:08) (9:19) (15:39) (16:18) (18:46) (20:13) (34:00) (35:11) (44:38) (1:09:47) Books Mentioned: (0:25) (1:14) (4:00) (4:46) (8:01) (trilogy) (9:26) (9:46) (38:04) (38:59) () () (39:03) () () (45:21) (50:34) (1:10:57) () People Mentioned: (1:03) (44:32) (50:26) Show Topics: [1:24] In today's episode, we’re discussing The Upanishads, widely considered as some of the most important and influential works in the history of Indian philosophy and spirituality. [5:30] We dive into discussion about consciousness, souls, and whether everyone is a part of the same entity. The book suggests that there is a right path to follow, but doesn't necessarily give concrete details about what is good vs. bad. [8:58] There are several upcoming sci-fi movies coming out based on books that we’re fans of. Which ones are you most excited to see? [11:12] Old texts are like a game of telephone: While the message may only change slightly each time its told, it can add up to a large percent over a period of time. We also talk about Plato’s early texts and how they poke at the ideas of Christianity, even before Christ. [16:04] Soma is a ritual drink referenced in many ancient Hindu texts as well as in The Upanishads, thought to possibly contain mushrooms or other psychedelic properties. [18:15] Calling an infinite being by a finite name. In Islam, there are 99 names for God so to capture all properties of God. [20:09] We talk about some of the main parallels between the book and the philosophies of Plato as well as the longevity of large ancient empires (ex: Persian Empire). How did news spread among such a wide area without the communication tools we have today? [26:02] The contrast of ancient artifacts you can find in European cities vs. US cities. Plus, a little tangent on the birthplace of Teddy Roosevelt! [27:47] How cities differ in their homelessness approach. [34:26] What is Georgism and how would it look if it were applied in the US? [36:32] ChatGPT’s gives it's interpretation of Made You Think. We also reflect on books similar to The Upanishads that we have done in previous episodes. [40:48] Rationalism vs. intuition. We pose the question of whether the ideas from this book were independently developed or whether they sprout from other teachings. It may simply depend on what lens you’re looking at it from. [45:18] Society's move to secularism and what may have repulsed people away from religion. [49:02] The world is full of mystery. Even someone with a rationalist approach would have to take a step back and recognize there are some things we just don't know. [51:32] Our opinions on the Twitter/X rebrand and how the algorithm can change based on who you're following. The impact of replies in amplifying your tweet. [57:27] What are the first tweets we see when we open the Twitter app? [1:01:31] The progression of spacecrafts and the advancement of automation systems. India's recent achievement of landing on the moon. [1:06:23] We conclude the episode with a talk on cod, Alaskan salmon, and the chicken farming industry. [1:11:55] That’s it for this episode! Join us next time as we dive into by Tom Wolfe. Make sure to pick up a copy if you want to read along! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/27952713

100: The Creative Act (Kinda) 08/09/2023

100: The Creative Act (Kinda) “A river of material flows through us. When we share our works and our ideas, they are replenished. If we block the flow by holding them all inside, the river cannot run and new ideas are slow to appear. In the abundant mindset, the river never runs dry. Ideas are always coming through. And an artist is free to release them with the faith that more will arrive. If we live in a mindset of scarcity, we hoard great ideas.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In true Made You Think fashion, our 100th episode is full of tangents. This week, we read The Creative Act by Rick Rubin which emphasizes the importance of being genuine and vulnerable in the creative process, showing that your own struggles and authenticity can result in meaningful and powerful creative work. We cover a wide range of topics including: Giving life to the ideas in your imagination Publishing cadences of different successful book series Rick Rubin's backstory in the music industry How media's incentives have shifted from accuracy to clicks Tactics to unblock your creativity And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:43) (1:03) (13:32) (19:52) (26:58) (28:35) (38:22) (44:36) Books Mentioned: (11:35) () (12:08) () (26:07) (32:54) (40:33) () (41:44) (1:01:51) () People Mentioned: (4:51) (5:10) (5:19) (6:36) (18:08) (23:17) (26:01) (31:11) Show Topics: (0:00) Welcome to Episode 100- We want to say a big thank you to all of our listeners! Whether you were around for our first episode in 2017 or joined us sometime afterwards, we appreciate you listening to our show. (1:01) Nat talks about how he manages his current content schedule from articles and newsletters to podcasts and short form videos. (4:48) Today, we’re discussing The Creative Act. Think of it as a 'mindset' book rather than a tactical book, and how you can go into reading this book to get the most value out of it. (9:15) This is a great book to read early in your career as it addresses common mental roadblocks you may face within the creative process. Oftentimes, what you output may not be the same as what you initially planned in your mind, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. (14:10) Getting out of your own way is a large part of creativity. The importance of mixing it up and giving attention to even the most simplistic ideas you may have. (19:35) We share a little bit about Rick Rubin’s backstory and how he came to work with so many famous musicians. As the founder of Def Jam, he has worked with several talented musical acts including Johnny Cash, the Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, and more. (23:43) Why you should keep the scope of your work smaller, and how that helps you to recognize your work as a moment in time rather than something that has to define you forever. (29:06) How book and TV series often rely on the momentum from their viewers and readers for the continued success of their future releases, though that momentum can be difficult to drum up. (32:51) Some authors take long breaks between each of their books while others churn them out right after another. It goes to show that the creative process looks different for everybody. (36:17) A lot of the news outlets serve the purpose of entertaining rather than informing. When compared to WWE, it's something that we know is a sham or is fabricated, but it's still amusing to watch. (42:52) Dangerous positive feedback loops between the media, people seeking their names in the news, and those consuming it. Media’s incentives aren’t necessarily to get things right but to get more clicks and views. (49:29) Despite some leadership issues within the past decade in America, we've stayed afloat. How long can we stay this way? (56:02) The power of the US dollar and inflation rates in the US vs. other countries. (59:54) That wraps up this episode. Thanks again to our listeners for hitting the 100th episode milestone with us! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/27707445

99: Roosevelt’s Last Adventure: The River of Doubt 07/13/2023

99: Roosevelt’s Last Adventure: The River of Doubt “The ordinary traveler, who never goes off the beaten route and who on this beaten route is carried by others, without himself doing anything or risking anything, does not need to show much more initiative and intelligence than an express package." Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're discussing The River of Doubt by Candace Millard, a story that follows the expedition of Theodore Roosevelt as he explores the Amazon river in Brazil. Though faced with many hardships along the way, Roosevelt finds purpose in this monumental journey after losing the 1912 election. We cover a wide range of topics including: The explorer spirit and the drive to explore the unknown Theories of how long humans have been in the Americas How the crew was able to form relationships with uncontacted tribes The progression of travel methods in comparison to the early 1900s What were in the cards for Roosevelt and Rondon after they returned And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (22:35) (27:41) (29:00) (31:19) (36:42) (52:32) (55:34) (56:40) (1:02:27) (1:17:44) (1:19:05) (1:21:04) Books Mentioned: (6:26) (31:22) (32:57) (1:19:47) People Mentioned: (13:54) (25:48) (31:20) (58:03) (1:12:34) Show Topics: (1:09) In this episode, we're talking about The River of Doubt. After losing the 1912 election, Roosevelt traveled to Brazil to explore the Amazon river, which was largely unknown at that time. (4:17) The explorer spirit and the urge to explore something that people haven't seen before. While there's not much else for us to discover for the first time on earth, there are still many unique things to go see that only few have. (8:52) Roosevelt and the crew seemed to underestimate what they were getting into, and though underprepared, it ended up being an overall success. (14:21) We talk a bit more about Rondon and his backstory, as well as what life looked like for him after the expedition. He had contact with tribes that were otherwise cut off from the rest of the world. (18:26) The relationships with the tribes they came across and how the tribe leaders had to mutually agree before a course of action was taken on Roosevelt's crew. At the time, it was not known that the tribe they had contacted were cannabalists. (22:37) There's a theory that the Amazon is man-made or at least man-influenced. While there’s evidence of humans in the Amazon from at least 13,000 years ago, how long have humans really been in the Americas? (27:50) Seafaring canoes and the possibility of natives reaching new land via canoe tens of thousands of years ago. It's also a mystery how many journeys have failed throughout time, as there is likely no record of their expedition at all. (31:29) The drive to explore is in our DNA. Do we feel that need for evolutionary purposes? (37:40) We talk about the description of the surgery on Roosevelt’s leg during the journey and the backstory behind it. (42:07) Sickness and the prevalence of malaria during the trip. We give some stats on the fatalities of malaria, and the lethality is less than we expected. (44:19) Roosevelt brought his son, Kermit. Though Kermit didn’t want to go, he went so he can watch out for his dad. Back in this time, going on a trip for months or even years meant you wouldn't have any contact with people back home for that whole span. (48:55) Stories of Roosevelt when he was visited by ambassadors in the White House, and other humorous presidential stories. (52:32) There have been several amazing stories and documentaries describing the journies of different adventurists and mountain climbers. It goes to show just how important pacing yourself is and knowing how to pack the appropriate supplies. (1:00:51) Why the crew hardly saw any wild life during their time in the Amazon. Though you're surrounded by them, they're extremely hidden. (1:05:58) Rondon's leadership along the way and how he managed to keep order, despite one of the crew members causing trouble. (1:14:19) When we think about Roosevelt's journey and compare it to today, we see how far we've come. We can now reach the other side of the world at much quicker speeds and have the potential of seeing more growth in this area during our lifetime, too. (1:19:53) Stay tuned for our next episode... Episode 100 of Made You Think! What has been your favorite episode so far? Let us know! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/27457365

98: What Your Food Ate 06/08/2023

98: What Your Food Ate “Across the board, dietary advice typically focuses on what and how much to eat, with remarkably little attention paid to how farming practices influence the nutritional quality of food and whether the “right foods” pack the nutrients they once had.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're discussing What Your Food Ate by David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé. Exploring the concept of "food chain reactions," the book unveils the hidden connections between our food choices and their environmental, social, and health impacts. Do you really know what you're eating? We cover a wide range of topics including: The revival of physical bookstores fueled by social media How the health of our soil essentially corresponds to our health Why nutritional diversity is so important The relationship between our diets and overall well-being What are our food cravings telling us? And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (1:04) s (2:55) (19:17) (33:04) (57:55) (58:19) (59:57) (1:09:26) Books Mentioned: (5:00) () (14:59) People Mentioned: (15:40) (15:48) (26:57) (28:21) (33:01) (1:01:34) (1:04:24) Show Topics: (1:35) The revival of Barnes and Noble along with the influence that 'Booktok' has had on physical book stores. (5:11) How different content performs on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube. Each platform serves a different purpose whether it's for entertainment or educational. (12:16) Today, we’re discussing What Your Food Ate by David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé! Our food is a lot less nutritionally dense than we realize because of way that the food we eat is grown. (14:55) The co-authors' first book talks about the importance of caring for the soil, as that's the base for everything we grow. The same food can have such different nutritional values depending on how it was grown or raised. (20:08) Why nutritional diversity is important and how eating as nutrient dense foods as possible is really important too. When it comes to food, it's best to aim for quality over quantity. (26:13) When we take a look at the foods we're eating, it makes sense that we may need supplements to give us our essential nutrients that may be otherwise lacking in our diet. (28:01) What does Europe do differently than the US in terms of growing their food? We also talk about glyphosate levels in the things that we eat. (33:35) We give a brief overview of how the government has subsidized farmers in the US, which plays a role in our food supply and what we eat. (38:44) Do our food cravings hint to us what we are deficient in? There have been studies done in infants where they chose foods that were beneficial to them when they were sick. (40:33) It's shown that diet makes a difference in your overall health. Examples: The British WW2 diet and how a study in Japan showed that diet made a difference in mortality rate for those with lung cancer. (44:45) How we source our food plays a role in our overall health. The nutritional density of the same food can vary just based on how it was raised. (50:39) We share some of our current eating habits from kimchi to sauerkraut, and what we will be having less of. (53:20) So, what solutions do we have and are we trending in the right direction when it comes to the food industry? (59:29) Regenerative farming - can this be seen on a larger scale? Neil talks about the mission of . (1:06:28) Nutrients in animals have changed over time due to their diet and breeding, and it has an effect on the nutrients we receive from them, too. (1:10:53) That concludes this episode! Catch us next time where we will be discussing . As episode 100 approaches us, we're excited to hear your suggestions on what we should do for that episode! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/27085230

97: Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip 05/30/2023

97: Country Driving: A Chinese Road Trip “The Chinese people had invented the compass, paper, the printing press, gunpowder, the seismograph, the crossbow, and the umbrella; they had sailed to Africa in the fifteenth century; they had constructed the Great Wall; over the past decade they had built their economy at a rate never before seen in the developing world. They could return a rental car with exactly three-eighths of a tank of gas, but filling it was apparently beyond the realm of cultural possibility.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're covering Country Driving, a captivating memoir by Peter Hessler that explores the transformation of China through the lens of its rapidly changing roadways and the people who navigate them. We cover a wide range of topics including: The modernization of Chinese infrastructure Negotiation culture in China Exceptionalism and believing your culture is superior The most popular automobiles in America How conditions for laborers have gotten so bad And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:32) (2:48) (42:35) (46:05) Books Mentioned: (0:11) () (5:42) () (21:52) (28:57) (36:15) () People Mentioned: (0:39) (2:48) (21:51) Show Topics: (0:00) There are some books that can arguably be just a blog post, but we feel this is not the case for Country Driving. (3:35) Country Driving gives insight to what 'Made in China’ means, as we often don't consider the human labor side of the items we own. (6:59) While there are large amounts of ambition and hustle in Chinese culture, is it sustainable and truly for the good of the individual, or is it simply for their own survival? (9:16) “In China, much of life involves skirting regulations, and one of the basic truths is that forgiveness comes easier than permission.” The central government in China and how enforcement happens moreso on the group level. We also discuss whether people throughout the world are innately the same and how our culture plays a role in how we act under certain circumstances. (15:33) Negotation culture in China and the patience it takes to draw decisions out until the last possible second. Nearly everything is a negotiation in China, whereas in America, there isn't a whole lot of negotiation. (20:56) Invasion of the Mongols headed by Genghis Khan. As different groups arrived to China, they eventually got absorbed into the current culture. (24:26) One of China’s strengths is the ability to absorb outside cultures. As new figures came into power, they adopted the previous regimes. We also talk about what exceptionalism means in America. (28:00) During China's modernization projects, many workers would be working for just a few instant noodle packets per day. As states become more technologically adept, they continue to mistreat people and extract money from them while also being able to discard the evidence. (33:41) Is it right or wrong to invade a country that’s aggressively using slave labor to harness its natural resources? Though it’s nation building, it also is an invasion on human rights. (39:31) The driving laws and norms in China are different than in the US- From their communication through honking to the lanes they use for turning. (43:11) Why cities in China have their hands tied when it comes to financing. (48:13) That concludes this episode, thanks for listening! If this episode intrigued you, make sure to pick up a copy of and stay tuned for our next episode. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/26989230

96: Crony Beliefs by Kevin Simler 05/22/2023

96: Crony Beliefs by Kevin Simler "First, it's important to remember that merit beliefs aren't necessarily true, nor are crony beliefs necessarily false. What distinguishes the two concepts is how we're rewarded for them: via effective actions or via social impressions. The best we can say is that merit beliefs are more likely to be true." Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! This week, we're talking about Kevin Simler's popular Essay: Crony Beliefs. Our beliefs are essentially divided into merit beliefs and crony beliefs. We talk about the many reasons we hold our beliefs, whether it's for accuracy, showing off, or blending in. We cover a wide range of topics including: Key distinctions between Meritocracy and Cronyism The different agendas that we accomplish through our belief system Autonomy and individual decision making in the US vs. other countries How crony beliefs show up in the medical field, diet culture, and more What does it take to overturn a belief? And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:15) (2:10) (2:26) (3:39) (6:53) (7:53) Books Mentioned: (9:39) () (40:13) (54:03) (1:03:27) () People Mentioned: (2:10) (5:26) (7:53) (11:06) (1:06:28) Show Topics: (0:00) According to Listen Notes, ! We open the show by talking about podcast stats and the main challenge podcasts face that makes it hard for the show to grow. (4:42) Differences between podcasts put out by independent creators vs. content distribution companies. (8:33) Today, we're discussing by Kevin Simler. He talks about using beliefs as tools or ‘employees’. You have beliefs that you believe in for true reasons, but there are also crony beliefs which you may hold for social or political benefit. (13:52) We have agendas that we accomplish through our beliefs as they fulfill different reward systems. With Cronyism, we're less concerned about the accuracy of our belief so long as we make the right impression on others. (20:37) Crony beliefs thrive in areas of ambiguity. However, it's important to note that merit beliefs aren’t always true in the same way that crony beliefs aren’t always false. The distinction comes from how we’re rewarded for our belief and why you believe in it. (24:12) Conspicuousness and standing out so you can be visible to others. It can be hard to tell when someone is sharing something out of the human desire to share and add value, or whether it’s for self-justification purposes. (28:24) There are collections of ideas or rules where as a whole, we feel that we all need to agree on it. We go into the example of traffic laws. Conflicts arise when some groups think an idea has to be mandated whereas some people feel that it's okay ‘as long as it’s not hurting anyone’. (32:06) How something as simple as a traffic light can mean something different in different places in the world. Is it to be obeyed 100% or just for guidance in preventing accidents? (40:08) The US prides itself on democracy, but the individual decision making and autonomy is lower than it is in many other cultures. (47:03) Crony beliefs in the medical field. Many times, it feels riskier to change a belief than to keep going with the current one you have. (49:21) From the outside, it’s difficult to discern what a crony belief is. When it comes time to challenge or change a crony belief, if often would take a large event. Small, gradual changes wouldn't push the dial enough. (54:26) The best way to see if you believe something: Are you willing to test it? (58:01) The word 'crony' has a negative connotation, but they’re not always bad beliefs to have. We talk about why life wouldn’t be better if we only had meritocratic beliefs. (1:05:24) Could there be a level between crony and merit beliefs? There are many beliefs that are aspirational and positive, but not necessarily true. (1:09:01) We discuss the level of overlap between Kevin Simler's essay on crony beliefs and his book, The Elephant in the Brain. The book is all about the hidden motives that we have, and how we have thoughts that we don't want to acknowledge, yet they drive our behavior. (1:16:45) Harry Potter, Fast and Furious, and Lord of the Rings. Why it's easier to gain traction from remakes and sequels than a whole new story altogether. (1:20:43) That wraps up this episode! Next up, we'll be reading Country Driving by Peter Hessler. Make sure to pick up a copy of the book if you want to read along with us before the next episode. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/26884023

95: The Secret to Happiness: The Courage to Be Disliked 05/08/2023

95: The Secret to Happiness: The Courage to Be Disliked “Your unhappiness cannot be blamed on your past or your environment. And it isn’t that you lack competence. You just lack courage. One might say you are lacking in the courage to be happy.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! This week, we're diving into The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. This book is full of wisdom, challenging you to free yourself from the expectations placed on you by others so you can achieve happiness. We cover a wide range of topics including: Pledging loyalty to yourself How "Insta-therapy" can be simultaneously hurtful and helpful When not to give unsolicited advice Are all problems interpersonal problems? Having the courage to follow through on your ideas And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (29:40) (29:48) (38:40) (40:36) Books Mentioned: (3:17) () (10:19) (21:55) () (22:03) (46:47) () (55:57) () (56:54) People Mentioned: (5:38) (10:03) (10:18) (46:26) (55:55) Show Topics: 2:10) On today's episode, we're discussing The Courage to Be Disliked. Written by two Japanese authors, the book is a conversation between a German philosopher and a young man teaching that the past doesn’t control you, as you have ownership over your life and your actions. (7:16) Insta-therapy; social media posts all about therapy and unpacking trauma. While it can be helpful and informational, there can be some downside to it, too. When it comes to therapy, there's a difference between unpacking your life and taking action on it. (12:29) The book talks about lifestyles and how it's something that we can choose at any point in our life. (15:17) Everything you experience is in context of other people. Separation of tasks: Don’t try to do somebody’s tasks for them. "A parent suffering over the relationship with his or her child will tend to think, 'My child is my life.' In other words, the parent is taking on the child’s task as his or her own, and is no longer able to think about anything but the child. When at last the parent notices it, the ‘I’ is already gone from his or her life. However, no matter how much of the burden of the child’s task one carries, the child is still an independent individual." (23:23) Unsolicited feedback. You can usually tell if someone’s feedback is sincere or if it's for their own benefit. (29:54) Vegan diet vs. standard American diet, and how elimination diets are a way to see how your body reacts and what you’re sensitive to. (34:15) Once we took lead out of gasoline, violent crime rates and other factors went down tremendously. The "Spoonie" community. (40:46) When you identify with a group, you may tend to believe in all related ideas or beliefs in order to stay a part of that group, even if the ideas are questionable. (42:54) The way the book frames ambition and how you shouldn’t be seeking recognition. By being ambitious, you can contribute to more people. (45:27) Nat, Neil, and Adil discuss the title of the book and their interpretations of it. It’s impossible to get everyone like you. If you aren’t disliked, you’re restricting your behavior to receive a more favorable outcome, but are you really free? (51:34) Pledging loyalty to yourself and recognizing that you can't please everybody. (54:14) When you think you can’t do something, it’s often because you lack the courage to follow through on it. You can't fail if you don't start, and that can prevent you from taking action. (56:34) That wraps up this episode! Next up, we'll be covering by Peter Hessler so make sure to pick up a copy and read along with us before our next episode. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/26759469

94: Sunset for Humanity: The Three-Body Problem 04/24/2023

94: Sunset for Humanity: The Three-Body Problem “It was impossible to expect a moral awakening from humankind itself, just like it was impossible to expect humans to lift off the earth by pulling up on their own hair. To achieve moral awakening required a force outside the human race.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this long-awaited episode, we're covering The Three-Body Problem, a science fiction trilogy by Liu Cixin. Find out what happens when a military group successfully sends signals into space in hopes of making contact with aliens. We cover a wide range of topics including: The difference bewteen exponential and linear cultures Why anything in the "dark forest" should be considered a threat Using hibernation as a form of time traveling Escapism and the need to flee earth to survive The fragility of being a human and remaining healthy And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (0:59) (4:21) (15:29) (25:59) (1:01:22) Books Mentioned: (6:17) (38:42) (39:19) (51:07) (56:20) (1:10:54) () (1:15:36) People Mentioned: (49:53) (56:20) Show Topics: (0:00) This week, we're diving into The Three-Body Problem! Spoiler alert: If you haven’t read the book and don’t want anything given away, we recommend you come back to this episode later to avoid learning plot twists and key information. (6:13) One of the quirks of the alien species is that they are not able to deceive each other. We also talk about the difference between exponential vs. linear culture. (10:16) The books jump through many genres from a mystery thriller to classic adventure. We provide some of the context of the book and ponder on how other civilizations would view humans in their perspective. (13:37) Nat, Neil, and Adil share their reactions on the end of the story and the inevitable death that everybody faces. (15:12) Preserving information and monuments over time. There are still stone engravings that hold up today, but even things like paper and hard drives aren’t able to withstand the test of time. (19:15) This year, The Three-Body Problem is as a TV series! We talk about what the show may look like and how they will portray the different dimensions. (22:52) A lot can change in just a short time. How would humanity react if we found out today that in a few hundred years, humanity would be destroyed by a group of powerful aliens? (24:12) How the book presented the idea of hibernation and using someone’s skills later as opposed to the current moment. In a way, it's like time traveling. (28:58) Escapism, the space cities, and how easy it is to be poisoned by your own environment. (32:53) Wallfacers and other interesting ideas that the author incorporated into the storyline. The series was very interesting for its many different paradoxes and sociological concepts. (38:30) There's the paradox that we have so much we can potentially solve with our technological advancements, but at the same time, do we really have all of the of smaller components and variables of it figured out? (41:15) The fragility of being human and the importance of micronutrients to our functioning that we may or may not realize. (47:21) The series is based on the author's back story in the cultural revolution in China. While written in 2007, the books weren't translated into English until 2014 where some parts of the story got slightly changed or adapted. (52:14) Will there be substantial changes in how we understand and view the universe in the next century, and how will these shift our perception of these novels? (1:00:01) There's a sense in today's world that we’ve simply figured everything out, while we arguably have a lot more yet to discover. (1:01:12) The Dark Forest theory. The idea that there are potentially many alien civilizations that exist, and other intelligent lives we come across would presumably be seen as a threat. (1:11:30) Nat, Neil, and Adil share their thoughts on which of the books in the trilogy was their favorite. (1:15:35) That’s a wrap! Next up, we're reading The Courage to Be Disliked. Make sure to pick up a copy if you'd like to read along before the next episode! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/26634882

93: The First History Book: History of the Peloponnesian War 04/04/2023

93: The First History Book: History of the Peloponnesian War “Most people, in fact, will not take the trouble in finding out the truth, but are much more inclined to accept the first story they hear.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're diving into History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides. Full of speeches, history, parallels, and battles, this book provides an account of the Peloponnesian War as told by an Athenian general. We cover a wide range of topics including: The style of combat in 5th century BC vs. modern tactics Effects of the plague of Athens Unhinged Google reviews of the US House of Representatives How war is depicted differently depending on your perspective The difference in lifestyle between the Spartans and Athenians And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (22:20) (37:16) (49:37) (49:40) Books Mentioned: (0:07) () (8:12) () (44:29) (46:36) () People Mentioned: (48:02) (49:29) (51:11) Show Topics: (1:06) History of the Peloponnesian War- The first and oldest history book that we have. While there are older books about historical events and periods, this book strives to depict things with historical accuracy rather than for storytelling and entertainment purposes. (6:08) The history was divided into eight books, and each book changes slightly in the style of which it was written. (9:10) What was the Peloponnesian War? We talk about the history of the war. While the Athenians and Spartans were the main players in the fight, there were a bunch of smaller allies mentioned as well. (14:41) "If an opponent made a reasonable speech, the party in power, so far from giving it a generous reception, took every precaution to see that it had no practical effect." Nat, Neil, and Adil read some passages from the book and discuss some of the parallels. (19:44) "A city is better off with bad laws, so long as they remain fixed, than with good laws that are constantly being altered, that lack of learning combined with sound common sense is more helpful than the kind of cleverness that gets out of hand, and that as a general rule states are better governed by the man in the street than by intellectuals.” Many politicians in the earlier days had a career before they were a politician, and many roles in politics were just on a part time basis whereas today, most elected officials are in that role full time. (26:19) What do people really think of the US House of Representatives? (28:09) Strength of the Athenian navy. Much of the naval battles included hand-to-hand combat as guns and cannons were not yet in use. This looked much different than naval battles would in today's time. (35:01) While the sizes of the battles seem very small in comparison to today, it still affected a sizeable percentage of the population. (40:54) The writing style changed as the book went on. In the beginning, there were more detailed descriptions of the actual war, but as it went on, the narrative became more of an accounting of the battles and casualties. (41:37) The book describes a plague that broke out that ended up killing a lot of people. Why “watch words” were common in this war as a tool to recognize who was or was not on your side. (47:45) Depictions of war today include the costs that come with war such as the potential of losing your home or family. There can be different perspectives of the same battle just based on what side you're on and where you live. (53:14) That wraps up this episode! As previously hinted, we will be covering The Three-Body Problem next. Make sure to grab a copy to follow along with us! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/26444859

92: The Lessons of History 03/28/2023

92: The Lessons of History “It is not the race that makes the civilization, it is the civilization that makes the people: circumstances geographical, economic, and political create a culture, and the culture creates a human type.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're talking about The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant. This concise yet jam-packed book presents pivotal moments and ideas throughout history covering thirteen different areas including religion, progress, government, and character. We cover a wide range of topics including: The progression of humans as a species Religious entities being replaced by secular entities Why freedom and equality are "enemies" War as a constant of history How tension is necessary for a society to function And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (55:01) (1:15:00) (1:18:49) Books Mentioned: () (3:05) () (3:51) () (4:50) () (4:52) () (5:05) () (5:15) () (7:41) (7:47) () (10:37) () (11:58) (13:24) () (14:26) () (14:29) (15:12) () (15:21) () (15:34) () (18:57) (19:01) (28:22) (35:13) (38:47) (1:04:09) (1:17:03) (1:23:50) () (1:25:45) () (1:26:00) People Mentioned: (2:18) (3:06) (3:50) (11:57) (14:15) (18:56) (56:25) Show Topics: (0:00) In this episode, we're discussing The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant. On brand with Made You Think, we start the episode with a good 'ol tangent! (4:19) The difference between fiction and non-fiction authors in the development of their writing and storytelling over time. For nonfiction writers who tend to write about the same few ideas, it can be hard to keep it novel when delivering those ideas. (10:33) What makes a book the best of that author’s career- the quality of their writing or the ideas in the book itself? Nat, Neil, and Adil talk about different authors and books that were the peak of the author’s writing career. (16:59) Authors always seem to be competing with their earlier work or their most popular book. There are also cases where a successful book later on in your career can kickstart the popularity of an earlier book that didn’t get any previous traction. (23:23) Why people tend to avoid books that are commonly recommended by everyone. (27:14) The last chapter talks about progress, where progress refers to our species rather than scientific progress. In many ways (ex: communication, technology) we have progressed, but if you look at it from another viewpoint, more problems stem over time from some of the solutions that we have found. (30:45) No matter how great our lives are, we always find something to be unhappy about. "Our capacity for fretting is endless, and no matter how many difficulties we surmount, how many ideals we realize, we shall always find an excuse for being magnificently miserable; there is a stealthy pleasure in rejecting mankind or the universe as unworthy of our approval." (35:53) The existence of healthy tension- You need a healthy amount of debate and disagreement in order to find the line of best fit. (40:22) “The fear of capitalism has compelled socialism to widen freedom, and the fear of socialism has compelled capitalism to increase equality." We are somewhere in the middle of capitalism and socialism. Freedom vs. equality in opportunity. (47:55) "There is no significant example in history, before our time, of a society successfully maintaining moral life without the aid of religion. France, the United States, and some other nations have divorced their governments from all churches, but they have had the help of religion in keeping social order." Everybody believes in something whether it's formal religion or not. There are many alternatives to religion where people gather over a common interest or practice. (52:28) Different groups come with different depths of relationships. We give the example of depth of religious relationships vs. relationships with those you meet in a CrossFit gym. (57:40) It tells you a lot about someone when they have more obscure interests rather than mainstream interests. (1:00:54) Are influencers taking on the role of 'idols'? (1:07:26) When it comes to making predictions, it's hard to be completely accurate when there’s always a variable that changes. One thing that has been standard and constant over the years: War. (1:12:12) Though it's statistically unlikely to encounter a violent revolution in each given year, it's beneficial to have a baseline level of preparedness to survive. (1:14:05) As the population grows, we find more ways to make food. With more food, we grow more as a population. When we think we may hit max population or another ceiling, new discoveries are made. (1:16:10) Without death, can the species still progress? While many may desire the choice of their own immortality, it may not be good for human civilization. (1:21:30) That concludes this episode! Stay tuned as we gear up for our next episodes on Peloponnesian War and The Three-Body Problem. Plus, we talk about other fascinating science fiction books that may pique your interest as this episode winds down. If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/26371839

91: Digital Immortality: Permutation City 03/20/2023

91: Digital Immortality: Permutation City “Opponents replied that when you modeled a hurricane, nobody got wet. When you modeled a fusion power plant, no energy was produced. When you modeled digestion and metabolism, no nutrients were consumed – no real digestion took place. So, when you modeled the human brain, why should you expect real thought to occur?” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're talking all things consciousness and simulated reality with Permutation City by Greg Egan. Classified as a hard science fiction novel, the book tells the story of a man who seeks to create immortality by creating "software" copies of the mind. We cover a wide range of topics including: The complex nature of consciousness Egan's "Dust Theory" What it's like to live in a simulation Ethics surrounding death and dying The possibilities that come with computer intelligence And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (3:51) (7:37) (30:48) (35:52) (39:08) (1:07:05) (1:08:08) Books Mentioned: (0:42) () (0:58) () (16:42) () (19:27) (24:26) (26:58) (27:13) (30:20) (44:41) () (53:41) (1:02:26) People Mentioned: (3:54) (16:39) (16:40) (19:28) (1:04:31) Show Topics: (0:00) If you're a science fiction lover, this week's episode is for you! We’re discussing Permutation City, a 'hard science fiction' book from 1994. This book explores many concepts including The Dust Theory and achieving immortality through copying your consciousness. (4:24) Intro to Dust Theory. There are infinitely many universes existing at all space and time. As soon as a universe is perceived by a conscious intelligence, that universe comes to exist, and that universe will always continue to exist as long as there is consciousness to observe it. (8:11) Are we in a simulation? We learn in response to stimuli which is also how LLMs (large language models) learn too. (13:12) Nat, Neil, and Adil define consciousness, discuss the idea of transporting consciousness, and how we differ from LLMs. We have a private and inner mind that generates its own thoughts and feelings. We can't be certain whether computers have this or not. (22:01) There's an 'engine' in our heads that is focused on our survival and continuation. (23:21) Ethics surrounding death. One can argue that life is short, but when you've lived for thousands of years through copying your consciousness, it becomes a question of when it's enough. (28:39) If we could somehow prevent bodily decay and the death of our loved ones, would we ever be ready to die, and is aging something that we can slow down or affect? (33:43) In the book, from the perspective of the humans, the copies are just programs who look intelligent, but they aren’t real. From the perspective of the copies, it’s all very real. (41:31) Time dilation and running consciousness slower for the copies. The slowdown doesn’t necessarily affect the copy. The time perception is still the same to them, but it may affect how they interact with the real world. (46:08) There's a baseline risk for being alive. You can try to get all of your life risks to zero, but it is best to accept that there will always be some general risk. (51:49) Collaboration in publishing. While most books have a single author, it may add some dimension to get expertise from guest authors with knowledge in different fields. (54:50) What did Greg Egan regret most about Permutation City? (1:02:11) That concludes this episode! Stay tuned for our next episode on . Also on the horizon is . Make sure to pick up a copy if you'd like to read up before the episode. As mentioned, check out this awesome ! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/26287035

90: It Is a Possibility: Where’s My Flying Car? 02/21/2023

90: It Is a Possibility: Where’s My Flying Car? “In today’s world, even a non-Stagnated version, the flying car is not a replacement for the car; it is a replacement for the airplane. A reasonably well-designed convertible could fit right in to today’s airspace system; it would fit right into our road system as well. Without the Stagnation there might well be a 50,000 airplane per year market, and enough licensed pilots to buy them. Remember, average family income would be well into six figures. In 1950, about one quarter of one percent of Americans were licensed pilots; that percentage today amounts to over three quarters of a million, which is market aplenty, for a start.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we discuss Where Is My Flying Car? by J. Storrs Hall who calls out the stagnation of productivity since the 1970s and gives us a glimpse of what our future could be if we strive for it. We cover a wide range of topics including: Why growth has slowed since the 1970s What's possible with nuclear energy and nanotech? The zero sum way of thinking How our tolerance for risk has changed over time The progression of aviation from the early 1900s to now And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (35:02) (44:40) (47:46) (54:04) (55:07) (1:01:17) (1:19:59) (1:25:37) (1:26:51) Books Mentioned: (9:55) () (10:33) (10:34) (13:57) () (14:18) () (33:59) () () (37:22) (56:52) (56:55) () (1:07:14) (1:14:19) () (1:32:19) (1:32:40) (1:33:51) (1:34:02) People Mentioned: (0:56) (33:57) (37:23) (56:53) (1:06:25) (1:29:58) Show Topics: (0:36) Podcast analytics: What are the listening behaviors and demographics of our listeners? (4:35) The explanation behind the spy balloons and other UFOs. (9:52) Nat, Neil, and Adil talk about some book recommendations they’ve received and books they’d recommend to others. (11:56) One takeaway from the book is that we don’t tend to work on things that feel impossible. Much of what we've accomplished is what feels safe and what we know we’ll see success in. (17:42) The book we're discussing today is Where Is My Flying Car? The book talks about the stagnation of the physical world because we didn’t invest as much as we could have in nuclear energy, nanotech, and aviation. (22:14) Some of the different technologies that have been idealized feel fictional and out of reach. However, we're much further than we know in understanding the technical part of it and these ideas may not be all that unattainable. (26:44) Early on, the book emphasizes the flying car, then goes to explain that you can’t get the flying car without better energy policies and nanotech. (30:05) The cost efficiency of nuclear fuel. (32:03) The Henry Adams curve. How do we make the shift from creating more energy to using the energy more efficiently? The amount of energy your civilization harnesses is indicative of your wealth and quality of living. (35:39) The ‘zero sum’ way of thinking and how it impacts moral behavior. If you don’t have economic growth, you can’t sustain democracy in the long run. (38:09) What would good regulation look like? How the atomic bomb changed the progress and power of countries. (44:45) Climate change and the argument of CO2 as an enemy. If CO2 did increase, it would be beneficial to plants but harmful to humans. (46:55) Aviation from the 30’s and 40’s and the stagnation over the past few decades in air travel. While we made progress after the first aircraft was made and through WW1 and WW2, the progress since is seemingly slow. (52:23) The distinction between leading edge vs. depth and the importance of computing progress in space travel. (58:29) Before the era of computing, many things were controlled by pumps and levers. Our risk tolerance is much different than it once was. (1:04:40) We have different ideas of what risk is now. We still have the instinct to make progress in society, but it has been redirected towards other things. (1:11:16) The 5 levels of transportation and how your wealth determines your level. There are millions of people who can't afford shoes, yet people in higher socioeconomic classes can afford cars. Both are vehicles for transportation. (1:16:42) What will good tech look like in 50 years? We’ve progressed in telecommunication with audio, video, tv, podcasts, instant messaging, etc. A lot of science fiction is pessimistic about humanity. (1:22:48) Nanotech and the capabilities you can achieve with it. (1:30:58) Have you ever read a book and wished it was longer or shorter? (1:42:02) That concludes this episode! Next up, we're reading and will get to trilogy down the road. Make sure to pick up a copy if you want to follow along with us! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter @TheRealNeilS, @adilmajid, @nateliason and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/26004039

89: The Art of War by Sun Tzu 02/13/2023

89: The Art of War by Sun Tzu “The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.” Welcome back to another episode of Made You Think! In this episode, we're covering The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Though it's nearly 2,500 years old, the military tactics and war strategies presented in the book are still being taught in militaries and business schools around the world making this a timeless strategy guide. We cover a wide range of topics including: How perfecting the basics can earn you the win Strategies for being the superior or inferior force The five essentials for victory Using deception on your enemy When you should use an indirect approach or avoid conflict And much more. Please enjoy, and make sure to follow , , and on Twitter and share your thoughts on the episode. Links from the Episode: Mentioned in the Show: (3:38) (27:45) (29:07) (1:02:33) (1:03:03) Books Mentioned: (7:49) () () (9:30) () (20:37) (1:09:27) (1:10:35) People Mentioned: (9:33) (10:24) (21:07) Show Topics: (4:02) Today, we are diving back in to our with The Art of War, a book on military strategy and warfare, but the lessons can be applied to fields outside of war, too. (7:36) The book is approximately 2,500 years old. Though Sun Tzu is credited as the author, it's unclear how much of it was his direct writing vs. a compilation of his strategies that are attributed to him. (13:43) One main takeaway from the book is that it really all comes down to the basics and the intuition you get from your experience. (17:48) The commentary in the book suggests that the book wasn’t written for a military audience, but rather for the King at the time. It may not dive into the actual act of fighting, training, and equipping a military, but it does cover leadership, deception, and strategization. (22:12) "To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself." The enemy can present you the opportunity to win by making a mistake. This can apply in areas outside of war, such as sports. (28:09) Much of the book talks about avoiding war and taking an indirect approach. You can’t change someone’s mind with a direct approach, but you can apply other tactics and more indirect measures to convince someone or change their minds. (32:47) Nat, Neil, and Adil go over the 5 essentials for victory as well as the importance of the commander’s intent. (35:02) Superior vs. inferior forces and knowing how to handle them. You can turn a superior force into an inferior force by splitting them up and spreading them thin. (38:51) When attacking a weaker force, never corner them. Leaving the enemy an escape lets the less motivated soldiers to leave through the escape route rather than fighting it out. (40:41) The 9 grounds - The book lays out strategies for each of the types of ground. They are helpful for the generals to have a list of possible next steps depending on the situation at hand. (44:57) The basics may appear so simple and common sense, but it’s all about which side can do the basics correctly. By remembering the basics, we aren't forced to try to do too much which is when we end up making an error allowing the other side to capitalize on it. (51:54) Once you have expertise in something, you often notice things that others with just basic knowledge wouldn’t. We talk about why it can also be harder to teach a beginner when you're an expert. (57:28) Rapid fire: Nat, Neil, and Adil cover a few of their remaining notes from the book including the 5 dangerous faults that may affect a general. (1:09:23) The basics of war can be combined and recombined. It's similar to playing cards where two people may play the same hand completely differently and apply different strategies. (1:10:28) That concludes this episode! Up next, we will be reading by J. Storrs Hall. Make sure to pick up a copy if you want to read along with us! If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by leaving a review on iTunes and tell a friend. As always, let us know if you have any book recommendations! You can say hi to us on Twitter , , and share your thoughts on this episode. You can now support Made You Think using the Value-for-Value feature of Podcasting 2.0. This means you can directly tip the co-hosts in BTC with minimal transaction fees. To get started, simply download a podcast app (like Fountain or Breez) that supports Value-for-Value and send some BTC to your in-app wallet. You can then use that to support shows who have opted-in, including Made You Think! We’ll be going with this direct support model moving forward, rather than ads. Thanks for listening. See you next time! /episode/index/show/madeyouthink/id/25912701

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