David Allen speaks with Jerry Michalski, an early adopter of TheBrain software and expert in information management. Jerry shares how TheBrain facilitates a shift from fast to slow thinking, promoting deeper insights. He argues for a transformative shift from consumerism to active citizenship, emphasizing trust-based systems that enhance community and creativity. They discuss the historical narratives of societies like the Netherlands and their influence on modern culture, highlighting the importance of fostering trust and collaboration in tackling societal challenges.
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TheBrain Discovery
Jerry Michalski, an early adopter of TheBrain software, was introduced to it during a press tour.
He instantly connected with its mind-map style, which mirrored his thinking process.
insights INSIGHT
Jerry's Brain
Jerry Michalski has used a single TheBrain file for 24 years, amassing nearly half a million thoughts and 900,000 links.
He considers himself the "anti-matter David Allen," prioritizing curiosity over productivity.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Explore Jerry's Brain
Explore Jerry Michalski's publicly available brain at jerrysbrain.com to see his thinking process.
Use the search function to navigate the vast network of interconnected thoughts.
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In 'Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City', Russell Shorto explores the city's unique history, from its origins as a small fishing village to its rise as a major trading port and center of cultural and economic liberalism. The book delves into Amsterdam's role in fostering political and economic freedom, its Golden Age, and its enduring legacy as a beacon of tolerance and innovation.
Island in the Center of the World
Russell Shorto
Our town
Thornton Wilder
Written by Thornton Wilder, 'Our Town' is a classic American play that delves into the everyday lives of the residents of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire. The play is divided into three acts, each focusing on different aspects of life: daily routines, love and marriage, and death. The Stage Manager guides the audience through the narrative, highlighting the universal themes of human existence. The play is notable for its minimalist staging and its emphasis on the importance of appreciating the details and interactions of everyday life. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1938 and has become one of the most performed American plays of the 20th century.
Tragedy and hope
A History of the World in Our Time
Carroll Quigley
In 'Tragedy and Hope: A History of the World in Our Time', Carroll Quigley provides a detailed world history spanning from the industrial revolution and imperialism through two world wars and a global economic depression. The book examines the transition from a world dominated by Europe in the 19th century to the three-bloc system of the 20th century. Quigley, as an interpretative historian, analyzes the complex historical context of these events, highlighting the influence of science and technology on human life and the intricate financial and commercial patterns of the West. The book also discusses the role of an Anglo-American banking elite in shaping global events and the impact of various secret societies and organizations on world history[2][4][5].
The decline of the West
Oswald Spengler
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman
In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.
Humankind
A Hopeful History
Rutger Bregman
Humankind: A Hopeful History challenges the idea that humans are inherently selfish by presenting evidence of our altruistic behavior throughout history. The book takes a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing from history, economics, psychology, biology, anthropology, and archaeology to argue that humans are more peaceful and friendly than commonly believed. Bregman sides with Jean-Jacques Rousseau's view of human nature in the state of nature debate, opposing Thomas Hobbes' more pessimistic outlook. He also discusses the concept of 'domestication syndrome' and how humans may have self-domesticated, leading to a more cooperative and empathetic species.
David Allen talks with Jerry Michalski, for a look inside Jerry's brain, as documented by his extensive use of TheBrain. Over the years you may have heard David talk about his use of TheBrain. Jerry is one of the earliest adopters, and has tracked an astounding number of ideas and their interconnections. By using TheBrain, Jerry says it shifts him from system 1 thinking (fast) to system 2 thinking (slow). He describes the need for a fundamental shift from thinking of ourselves as consumers to thinking of ourselves as citizens. He also talks about the importance of designing systems that start from trust, which get better results that cost less and have terrific side effects, like rebuilding community and releasing our inherent genius.
You can listen to the entire conversation from February 2022 at GTD Connect®.
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