This essay discusses the rapid decline in mental health among liberal girls, attributing factors such as heavy social media use and societal influences. It reflects on broader societal trends and their impact on adolescent mental health.
Robin Hanson's concept of Futarchy suggests a governance system where citizens vote on societal objectives, and betting markets determine the most effective policies to achieve those goals. This approach aims to improve decision-making by leveraging market predictions.
In this book, Joseph Henrich explores how Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) populations developed their unique psychological profiles. He argues that changes in family structures, marriage, and religion, particularly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, led to the emergence of WEIRD psychology. This psychology is characterized by individualism, self-obsession, control-orientation, nonconformity, and analytical thinking, which contrast with the more group-focused and shame-driven cultures of non-Western societies. Henrich uses research from anthropology, psychology, economics, and evolutionary biology to explain how these psychological differences contributed to the industrial revolution and the global expansion of Europe[1][4][5].
In 'Think Again', Adam Grant argues that the ability to rethink at personal, interpersonal, and collective levels is crucial in today's polarized world. He uses scientific research, personal anecdotes, and engaging stories to illustrate how people can find joy in being wrong, leverage the benefits of impostor syndrome, and cultivate environments of lifelong learning. Grant emphasizes the need to challenge our convictions, adopt a scientific mindset, and foster curiosity and humility. He provides examples of individuals who have successfully rethought their approaches, from firefighters to business leaders, and offers practical exercises for improving rethinking skills[2][4][5].
In 'The Emperor's New Clothes', Hans Christian Andersen crafts a tale of vanity and deception. The story revolves around an emperor obsessed with his appearance, who is tricked by two swindlers into believing he has been given magical clothes that are invisible to anyone who is unfit for their position. The emperor and his courtiers pretend to see the clothes, fearing they will be deemed foolish if they admit the truth. The illusion is shattered when a child innocently points out that the emperor is wearing nothing. This tale explores themes of pride, honesty, and the power of truth.
Published in 1951, 'The True Believer' is a landmark work in social psychology that provides a visionary and provocative look into the mind of the fanatic and the dynamics of mass movements. Hoffer argues that ideologies are interchangeable for true believers, who are driven by personal frustrations and a desire for certainty and belonging. The book is highly relevant today, offering insights into political fanaticism, the rise of mass movements, and the dangers of unthinking adherence to any cause. It has been praised for its concise and insightful analysis, making it a significant contribution to social thought[1][4][5].
“We have created for ourselves a world that we didn't evolve for.”
Gurwinder Bhogal is, for my money, one of the most independent, original and insightful thinkers you’ll find in our corner of the internet.
He returns to discuss how willpower and good old-fashioned human agency can help us reclaim our mental sovereignty and escape the “constant avalanche of concerns that are being vomited over us through our laptop screens, our phones, our TV screens, and in conversations.”
For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other stuff designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!” check out our Substack.
Important Links:
Show Notes:
- “We have created for ourselves a world we didn’t evolve for”
- The dogged persistence of our stubborn beliefs
- Gamification; generational differences in agency
- The societal impact of the education system’s changing priorities
- How to zombify a population
- Skin in the game: Gurwinder’s guide to reclaiming agency
- LLMs, bullshit, and the atomization of culture
- How to play better games
- Willpower is the bottleneck
- Gurwinder as emperor of the world
- MORE!
Books Mentioned:
Infinite Loops 
