Blog - Page 5 of 21 - 7 Takeaways

A middle-aged man is sitting in a large, comfortable leather chair in a cozy, well-lit library. He's engrossed in reading a hardcover book, with shelves of books surrounding him. The room is filled with warm light, casting soft shadows. A small table next to him holds a steaming cup of coffee. The library has a classic design, with a rich wooden interior, a plush carpet underfoot, and a large window draped with heavy curtains, through which soft daylight filters. The atmosphere is quiet and serene, ideal for reading and relaxation.

Reading Is Not Natural – 7 Takeaways No. 169

The death of books? (I hope not!) We live in incredible times. Pep talks. Complaining (maybe do it less?). Bystander intervention. Learning is taking control. The not-so-wise crowd.

A detailed illustration of an individual standing in front of a voting machine, visibly confused and scratching their head. The person is dressed in casual attire, reflecting the action of participating in a democratic process. The setting is an indoor polling station, with privacy booths visible in the background to emphasize the context of voting. The image should capture a moment of indecision or misunderstanding, highlighting the complexity or uncertainty often associated with voting processes.

Why Are We Stupid? – 7 Takeaways No. 168

Becoming a better communicator. A radical thought regarding who should vote. Overwork. Over protectiveness vs. Over permissiveness. Navigating the political divide. Life is now. The silence of the girls.

A peaceful beach setting under a clear, serene sky. The beach is quiet and pristine, with soft golden sands stretching towards a calm, azure sea. The gentle lapping of waves provides a soothing background. In this tranquil scene, an older man with a serene, content expression sits on a wooden bench, placed on the beach, facing the sea. He is dressed casually, suitable for the beach environment, and he seems completely at ease, fully immersed in observing his surroundings. His gaze suggests a deep appreciation for the beauty of the moment, embodying a sense of peace and mindfulness.

Judge Less, Observe More – 7 Takeaways No. 167

Another wide range of topics this week: Facts is facts, Adulting, Over-sensitive Triggering, Complaining, Working hard, Using summer vacation wisely, and Simplifying life. And a Corgi link, too.

A photorealistic image that resembles a Baroque tapestry, illustrating a man walking away from the camera on a cobblestone road into the sunset, capturing the moment he joyfully jumps and clicks his heels together.

I’ve Been So Lucky In Life – 7 Takeaways No. 166

Ranging from appreciating a lucky life to dealing with inevitable assholery, with stops along the way including obstacles, stereotypes, friendship, and more.

A person standing in the doorway of a cozy, well-lit room, filled with books and an art easel, representing comfort and familiarity. The door is open, and through it, we see a vast, inviting landscape bathed in the warm light of a setting sun. This landscape features rolling hills, a winding path leading into the distance, and perhaps a few adventurous items like a typewriter and a pair of running shoes placed on the path, symbolizing new opportunities and adventures. The person is silhouetted against the bright outside, hesitating but curious, on the brink of stepping out to explore the unknown.

Your Comfort Zone Is Not Your Friend – 7 Takeaways No. 165

The tech behind podcasts (and this newsletter), awe, self-improvement, AI & phishing, evidence (real or otherwise), metaphors, and getting out of your comfort zone.

A cartoon-style drawing of a woman with an exaggerated expression of fright, her hair designed to resemble flames, encapsulating a sense of humor and exaggeration typical of cartoons.

Set Fire To Your Hair Anyway – 7 Takeaways No. 164

Money, Emotions, Bad News, What we care about, How everyone hates “the algorithm”, and more.

A donkey in a pasture. The donkey is being led by a carrot dangled in front of it. The pasture is lush and green, under a clear blue sky. The donkey is focused on the carrot, which is tied to a stick held by an unseen person. The scene captures the humor and determination of the donkey, with the carrot just out of reach.

Behavior Is Determined By Incentives – 7 Takeaways No. 163

Two takeaways about motivation and incentives, plus free speech, entrepreneurship, deepfakes, gratitude, and realizing some relationships may just be getting in your way.

A character holding a smiling mask away from their face, revealing a more somber or anxious expression underneath. The character is brightly colored and has exaggerated, expressive features typical of Pixar characters. The setting is vibrant and detailed, reflecting Pixar's signature animation style. The focus is on the emotional contrast between the mask and the character's true expression, capturing the theme of hidden emotions behind a facade.

Everyone Filters What They Say – 7 Takeaways No. 162

Sure, there’s other stuff, but let’s not overlook how amazing things are.

A photorealistic image capturing the moment 'One Saturday morning last October, my friend Greg and I were running down the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon, close to halfway through 26 miles of trail.' The image shows two runners, Greg and the narrator, in mid-stride on a rugged, picturesque trail within the Grand Canyon. The vast canyon landscape stretches around them, with its iconic red and orange rock formations and a deep blue sky overhead. The runners are depicted with expressions of joy and exhilaration, emphasizing the awe and beauty of the moment. The scene conveys a sense of adventure, friendship, and the grandeur of nature.

Everything is Cool – 7 Takeaways No. 161

Sure, there’s other stuff, but let’s not overlook how amazing things are.

A digital painting of a person in a chaotic environment, symbolizing the embrace of chaos. The person stands confidently in the center, with a relaxed posture and a slight smile, indicating their acceptance and control amidst the chaos. Around them, a whirlwind of abstract, swirling colors and shapes represent chaos. The colors are vibrant and intense, with reds, blues, and greens clashing and blending in a dynamic and disorderly fashion. Papers and objects appear to be caught in the tumultuous wind, adding to the sense of disarray. The background is a blur of motion and energy, further emphasizing the theme of chaos. The composition is dynamic, with a sense of movement and fluidity.

Learn To Embrace Chaos – 7 Takeaways No. 160

Thinking, boredom, choices & uncertainty, Tolstoy’s thoughts on social media, and more.