Define success by internal metrics, focusing on doing your best and being true to your abilities, rather than solely external measures. This approach helps maintain happiness and satisfaction, as external factors are often beyond your control and can lead to constant comparison and disappointment.
Cultivate a mindset that delights in being wrong and having previously held facts overturned, as this is the natural progression of knowledge. Recognize that everything known is constantly in draft form, which fosters a scientific approach to understanding the world and encourages continuous learning.
Adopt a scientific mindset towards everything, viewing science not just as a body of knowledge but as a means of querying the world. This perspective encourages continuous questioning and understanding that information is always evolving.
Approach technology with a humble yet constantly questioning attitude, avoiding both fear and reverential awe. This balanced perspective encourages critical engagement and helps prevent being overwhelmed by complex systems.
Employ multiple mental models, such as “physics thinking” (seeking simple, overarching explanations) and “biological thinking” (focusing on details and exceptions), to approach complex systems. Having diverse models improves understanding and helps remove blind spots.
Approach complex systems, whether technological or organizational, with humility, recognizing that no single mode of thinking can explain everything. This mindset encourages a deeper appreciation for complexity and the need for diverse perspectives.
When managing or interacting with complex, highly nonlinear, and interconnected systems, resist the urge to make drastic changes too quickly. Respect the system’s inherent complexity and sensitivity to change, as unexpected consequences can arise.
Approach learning with a playful attitude and a constant sense of curiosity, rather than viewing it as rote or boring. This mindset makes the process exciting and encourages continuous exploration of new things.
Opt to be the worst player on a winning team rather than the best on a losing team, as being surrounded by high-performing individuals will push you to improve. This environment provides strong role models and fosters personal growth.
Establish a daily goal for text creation, such as a thousand words, without focusing on perfection or a single topic. This consistent practice helps accumulate content and overcome initial inertia, allowing for later refinement.
Aim to complete the majority of your primary work, such as writing, as early as possible in the morning. This ensures the main goal is accomplished, freeing the rest of the day from its burden and providing a sense of achievement.
Maintain a balance between consulting older, perennially wise sources like physical books and newer, up-to-date information found online (e.g., Wikipedia). This approach provides both foundational knowledge and the most current understanding of the world.
Actively seek ways to understand what’s happening beneath the surface of technology, rather than outsourcing all understanding to experts. This could involve using the command line or paying attention to progress bars, providing a better sense of underlying complexity.
Employ simulations to gain a better appreciation for how complex systems, like technologies or cities, operate. Simulations can reveal nonlinearities and operational bounds, helping to understand how a system might behave unexpectedly.
Advocate for and seek out scientific research that is open, interconnected, and regularly updated. This approach ensures access to the most current state of knowledge, prevents reinvention of ideas, and optimizes resource use within the scientific community.
Encourage reading in children by modeling the behavior yourself, such as being seen with books. This provides a positive example and fosters an early interest in reading and learning.
When debates arise, especially during discussions, make it a habit to actively look up information to verify facts. This promotes accuracy, curiosity, and a shared pursuit of correct knowledge.