Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Jeremy Nixon, founder of Consilience and former machine learning researcher at Google Brain, dives into the intriguing world of knowledge management. He discusses the creation of personal knowledge indexes and the benefits of structured reflection for decision-making. The power of abstraction, how constraints can fuel creativity, and the fascinating concept of deugenesis get explored. Nixon illustrates how immersion in experiences, like gaming, influences cognitive patterns and how elite athletes harness visualization techniques for peak performance.

Sam Bankman-Fried, co-founder and CEO of FTX and an MIT-trained physicist, dives into the world of cryptocurrency. He discusses the current state of crypto, weighing its pros and cons and the transformative potential of blockchain technology. Sam explains the differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, explores the concept of smart contracts, and reflects on NFTs and their speculative nature. The conversation reveals how blockchain could revolutionize transactions and transform social media, while also addressing the challenges and risks that come with this innovative space.

Read the full transcript here. How does a behavioral scientist apply her knowledge to her own life? What fraction of our behaviors are deliberative, and what fraction are automatic? In what ways are we insufficiently scientific in our attempts to diagnose behavior problems? To what extent is introspection important for behavior change? Can behavior change take place without relatively accurate quantification and measurement? (For example, we know exact values for our bank account balance or our weight on the scale, but we don't know exact values for our level of happiness or how much progress we've made in meditation. To encourage behavior change in those more nebulous domains, is it useful to assign numbers to everything?) Can (and should) "sacred" things be quantified? What's the difference between customs and norms? Why do we often fail to generalize our own skills from one domain to other domains? How can we use stories to encourage behavior change? What are some new and different ways of connecting with others, especially during a pandemic? How can everyday items or events be tweaked to encourage behavior change?Ting Jiang is a global expert and thought leader in behavioral change and innovation. She received her Ph.D. in Experimental Economics but publishes findings across a broad range of disciplines. For the past 5 years, until January 1st, 2021, she served as a principal at Dan Ariely's behavioral science lab at Duke University, during which she led projects globally helping diverse organizations, companies, and tech startups to improve the behavioral uptake and retention of programs and products. The work she is most proud of is her own attempt to develop various science-based games for behavioral change, including a board game called "Healthy Money" for forming better spending and saving habits. Most recently, she's been calling for a collective reflection on whether the world is currently in the dark ages of human flourishing despite our advancement in tech and natural sciences. Find out more about her here. StaffSpencer Greenberg — Host / DirectorJosh Castle — ProducerRyan Kessler — Audio EngineerUri Bram — FactotumJanaisa Baril — TranscriptionistMusicBroke for FreeJosh WoodwardLee RosevereQuiet Music for Tiny Robotswowamusiczapsplat.comAffiliatesClearer ThinkingGuidedTrackMind EasePositlyUpLift[Read more]

Julia Galef, author of "The Scout Mindset" and host of "Rationally Speaking", discusses the differences between scout and soldier mindsets. She reveals how adopting a scout mindset fosters honest communication and productive disagreements. The conversation dives into concepts like rational irrationality, the impact of social confidence in entrepreneurship, and the value of developing intrinsic values. Julia also shares strategies to shift from a soldier to a scout mindset, emphasizing the importance of intellectual honesty and personal growth.

Jesse Singal, a contributing writer for New York Magazine and co-host of Blocked and Reported, dives deep into the trustworthiness of social science research. He discusses the open science movement, the challenges of the replicability crisis, and the limitations of tools like the Implicit Association Test. Singal critiques popular psychological quick fixes and emphasizes the importance of transparency in research. He also highlights the need for systemic solutions over individual interventions when tackling societal issues like inequality and racial bias.

In this chat, data scientist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, known for his bestseller "Everybody Lies," dives into the intriguing world of search data. He reveals how people often express hidden truths through their online searches rather than surveys, especially regarding mental health and societal biases. Seth discusses the unexpected factors influencing parenting outcomes and even how data can revolutionize dating by moving beyond superficial attraction. He also touches on the surprising connections between nature, community, and personal happiness, offering a fresh perspective on self-improvement.

Chris Sparks, a professional poker player and the founder of Forcing Function, shares fascinating insights into the world of poker and productivity. He discusses the OODA loop and its role in refining decision-making strategies, helping listeners understand human behavior in competitive environments. Sparks emphasizes the significance of a 'premortem' analysis to improve judgment and how creating personal forcing functions can enhance productivity. Through practical examples, he redefines productivity as an ongoing process rooted in action and feedback.

In this engaging discussion, Ronny Fernandez, a Philosophy PhD student at Rutgers University, dives into the intricate world of moral discourse and human rationality. He tackles normative hedonism and the complexities of selfishness versus altruism. The conversation explores the role of philosophy in creating systematic wisdom and the impact of morality on interpersonal relationships. Ronny also shares insights into the philosophy of persuasion, the importance of intuition, and the challenges of AI alignment, all while emphasizing the need for better rational discourse.

Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, a Tenured Associate Professor in Computer Science and Engineering, dives into the fascinating yet concerning world of superintelligence and AI alignment. He explores what superintelligence means and the ethical challenges it poses, such as controlling AI systems and potential exploitation by malicious actors. The discussion also examines the possibility of AI experiencing consciousness and distinct differences between artificial general intelligence and human intelligence. Yampolskiy emphasizes the importance of proactive measures for managing the implications of advanced AI on society.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Ingram, a meditation expert and author of "Mastering the Core Teachings of the Buddha," dives into the profound effects of meditation. He examines the stages of insight and the physiological impacts of various techniques. The conversation also addresses the risks associated with meditation, highlighting the importance of personalized practices for beginners. Ingram shares unique experiences that challenge perceptions of reality and encourages a deeper understanding of ethical behavior in alleviating suffering. A fascinating exploration of the meditative journey!