Skepticism Archives

A treasure chest half-buried in golden sand on a tropical beach.

Repositories of Buried Treasure – 7 Takeaways No. 224

Say hello. Small steps. Truth vs. Convenience. Creativity as antidote. Not all stories are true. Lean into aging. Am I enough?

Science Is Boring – 7 Takeaways No. 221

Friction rules. Boring science is good science. Commoditization of attention. Help! Let’s not be grumpy. The aim is power. It’s not all small stuff. You’re a plagiarism machine.

A woodcut-style illustration of an optical illusion. The design includes intricate, repeating patterns and impossible shapes, such as twisting spirals and interlocking geometric forms, creating a mind-bending visual effect.

Our Eyes Routinely Deceive Us – 7 Takeaways No. 203

Simplistic thinking. Reality meets fiction. Perpetual discontent. Cynicism ain’t smart. Visual deception. Us versus them. Changing their minds.

A woodcut-style image of an empty to-do list on textured, rustic paper. Items include: - Find amazing things - Be amazing - Look for the awesome

Feel a Little Amazed by Something – 7 Takeaways No. 201

Reading controversies. Baloney. Do it yourself. Is AI a threat? A depressing amount of misinformation. It’s amazing! Will blog for free.

A greeting card with the phrase 'Thoughts & Prayers' written in clear, bold letters on the front. The card is discarded in a metallic garbage can.

Aiding and Abetting Violence – 7 Takeaways No. 199

Thoughts & prayers. The tragedy of inconvenience. Stay flexible. You’re not there, yet. Thinking versus disinformation. Balance need not be. Degrading the language. Cancel culture.

An individual on a city street shoveling a nine-foot-high pile of horse manure, depicted in the style of a 19th-century newspaper illustration.

Nine Feet of Feces – 7 Takeaways No. 194

Use your phone to read. Possible piles of poop. Fiction matters. Learning from failure. Making life choices. Critical reading skills. Boring.

An adult middle-aged male is inside a large, transparent bubble, focusing intently on a computer screen in front of him. The computer screen prominently displays the word "NEWS?" in bold letters, with a question mark, suggesting a theme of inquiry or skepticism. The setting is serene and somewhat futuristic, emphasizing the concept of isolation or being in one's own space while staying connected to the outside world. The man wears casual attire, suggesting a comfortable yet engaged demeanor. The bubble and the man are illuminated by the soft glow of the computer screen, casting subtle reflections and highlights around the bubble's interior. The background is blurred, focusing attention on the man, the bubble, and the computer screen. The overall mood is one of contemplation and curiosity.

Everyone Inhabits A News Bubble – 7 Takeaways No. 171

We’re all more comfortable in our bubble. Scandal trumps boring old truth. Some things that don’t work. More AI impact. Suffering fools. Tabloids & royal conspiracies. Sharing wisdom.

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 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 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.