Deep Questions with Cal Newport Ep. 346: Getting Smarter in a Dumb World
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Mar 31, 2025 Smartphones are making us dumber, but there are strategies to combat this decline. The discussion dives into improving cognitive fitness through techniques like interval training and dialectical reading. Listeners ask about navigating career changes, and the importance of niche online communities is emphasized. Insights into adapting to the tech job market and choosing values over high-paying offers make for a thought-provoking conversation. Additionally, advancements in AI reasoning and the effectiveness of chatbots are explored, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of technology.
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Cognitive Fitness Analogy
- Humans may have reached peak intelligence when smartphones became common.
- We might need to train our brains like we exercise our bodies due to this.
Basic Cognitive Fitness
- Go on walks and think, avoid dopamine stacking like using multiple devices at once.
- Read more, and cultivate hobbies that require concentration, such as playing guitar.
Interval Training for Concentration
- Practice interval training for concentration by focusing intensely for set periods.
- Gradually increase these intervals as you get comfortable, pushing your limits.
