Developing transformative tools for thought can enhance ideation and problem-solving.
The field of tools for thought lacks attention, funding, and dedicated experts, but has the potential to evolve with academic research and commercial interest.
Funding the production process rather than solely focusing on the end product can support ongoing creative work.
Deep dives
Using software for ideation and problem solving
The podcast episode discusses Meta Muse, a software designed for ideation and problem-solving. It explores the challenges of accumulating day-to-day insights and the potential of using tools for thought to roll them up into novel ideas. The conversation touches on the background of Andy Matuschak and his experiences with education research and developing novel educational environments. It also highlights the importance of tools for thought in expanding what people can think and do. The episode concludes with a discussion on the practice of marination and the potential of applying spaced repetition techniques to develop skills as well as knowledge.
Finding effective practices for idea development
The hosts discuss the need for effective practices to accumulate and develop day-to-day insights into novel ideas over time. They reflect on the challenges people face in finding concrete practices and highlight the value of tools like Muse that foster the marination of ideas. The conversation explores the importance of giving ideas time to develop and how the act of giving something a name can make it feel more complete and significant. The hosts also discuss the potential of intelligently identifying areas of improvement and weaknesses in skills development to optimize learning and practice.
The challenge of developing tools for thought as a field
The hosts discuss the current state of tool development for thought and the challenges it faces in becoming a full-fledged field. They note the lack of attention, funding, and passionate experts working in the area of improving information tools. They see the potential for tools for thought to evolve into a field but acknowledge the difficulties in establishing it. The discussion touches on the need for dedicated academic research, independent research labs, and more interest in the commercial sector. The hosts also highlight the absence of a clear path or defined field for individuals interested in tools for thought.
Connecting the economics of open source software and tools for thought
The conversation draws parallels between the challenges faced in developing tools for thought and the economics of open source software. The hosts explore the economic models of consumption and production in open source and how they can inform the development of tools for thought. They suggest separating the economic models for consuming and producing open source and discuss the potential implications for tools for thought. The conversation highlights the need for innovative approaches to funding and supporting the production of tools for thought to foster their growth as a field.
Funding production versus consumption
The podcast episode discusses the concept of funding production rather than consumption. It explores the notion that instead of funding the output or artifact of a product, it may be more beneficial to support the process of production. Examples from various fields, such as the arts and gaming, are provided to illustrate this point. By funding the production process, individuals can contribute to the development and continuation of creative work, recognizing the value of ongoing resources rather than solely focusing on the end product.
Challenges of funding teams and the role of patreonage
The podcast delves into the challenges of funding teams and highlights the importance of personal connection and community support. It explains that while the patronage model can be effective for funding individual creators and small teams, it becomes more difficult to finance larger teams. The concept of patrons funding researchers or creators because they believe in their work and want to see more of it in the world is discussed. The podcast also explores the idea of proprietary software components alongside freely available public goods, aiming to combine commercial products with ongoing research funding.
Andy Matuschak joins Mark and Adam to talk about rituals for deep thought, how to develop an inkling over time, and the public goods problem of research.
