I actually read about four nonfiction books a week for six weeks. I learned more in two months than I have in any year of education. I wish I had done this before. At any rate I plan on doing it much more often.
My goal is to read one nonfiction book a week and to post a comprehensive summary on my blog.
The basic premise is simple: a diverse data sample averages away errors. Thus, with effective aggregation methods, diverse groups are more reliable than individuals or poorly-made groups (groupthink, over-centralisation, etc.).
The author explores the cultural biases we have for assuming that single individuals are smarter than many individuals, including factors that produce foolish group behaviour.
My favourite part is the bibliography—James has built an impressive collection of studies on collaborative mechanics. I’ve started a academic-oriented summary which would be helpful for someone doing research.
Woot, I’m here. Found a housesharing situation close to downtown. Portland is a nice place! The people are friendly and it’s easy to get around by foot (my bike hasn’t yet arrived).
I have finally scheduled procrastination into my day and forced myself to do it regularly. It has had its rewards—especially because I try to choose nourishing activities for my procrastination time slots, such as walks, music, studying, washing the dishes, and so forth—but after several months of this, and busy times ahead, I think I’d like to relax and cut down on my schedule, so I’m going to have to mark this goal as Completed, and put off more procrastination until later. Until then, may all you others keep the spirit.
“People’s History” is an excellent history book that covers many parts of American history that are (mysteriously) missing from standard education.
A recent interview has some of Howard Zinn’s (the author’s) ideas on modern class warfare.
It’s more fulfilling to live your own life… instead of watching actors having pretend lives.
No TV in my house. I haven’t even seen a movie since 2003. The real world is too interesting.
When you’re in a funky situation that drives you crazy, move on. Whether it’s romance or wages, it’s healthier to get past the scaryness of being alone (without the person or job), and then… leap.
I’ve plowed through several jobs. Mmmm… not worth it.
But maybe it’s not.
Check out John Taylor Gatto’s book, The Underground History of American Education.
Did you know that some schooling methods have their roots in the system the Hindus used for strengthening their caste system?
It took me three months to learn Qwerty badly, and one week to learn Dvorak well. Too bad you can’t easily buy a dvorak keyboard—it would really help new computer users because finger-pecking is so much easier on Dvorak.
There’s some ideas floating around that pro-Dvorak studies are bogus; these criticisms originate from some (shoddy) studies by Dr. Earl Strong. For more information, try poking around this site
How many times have you thought to yourself, “I’ll get around to procrastinating right after I finish doing this” and forget about procrastinating until you wake up the next morning?
There’s no time for procrastination except for the present. If you put it off till later, it just won’t happen.
Pointlessness is such a lovely luxury. It’s something I strive to remember in the midst of my obsession with usefulness.
