Episode 276: Attention Please
Very Bad Wizards
Balancing immediate stimuli and focused attention
The insight discusses the balance between encouraging students to be excited by immediate stimuli for their intrinsic interest rather than for its utility, while also acknowledging the importance of focused attention later in life. It compares the view of immediate stimuli as a sign of immaturity to James' argument that it's not necessarily bad to have some confusion or blooming and buzzing confusion. The insight also touches upon the concept of geniuses having the ability to focus on one stream at the exclusion of pressing stimuli, including severe pain.
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