I wonder to what extent (I know it’s not the full extent) people struggle with concentration because they’re trying to read things in a suboptimal manner and actually doing things that are pointless (e.g. having to do pointless things at school or your job, like writing theses or grant applications). And as for reading, people seem to think they have to read things word-by-word, and from start to finish. What a silly thing to do. Read the parts related to what you’re looking for, and start skimming paragraphs when you notice the insight-density dropping. Don’t Goodhart on the feeling of accomplishment associated with “having read” something.
My number one productivity tip: Quit your job, quit school, take drugs (preferably antidepressants and ADHD meds), and do whatever you want. If you want to do good things, this is probably the best you can do with your life, as long as you can convince people to give you sufficient money to live while you’re doing it.
I’m a big proponent of Universal Basic Income. If people don’t have to spend a significant amount of time worrying about satisfying their bottom two levels in the Maslow Hierarchy, it frees them up to do some pretty amazing things
Yes! Although I go further: I’m in favour of EA tenure. If people don’t have to satisfy their superiors, it frees them up to do exactly what they think is optimal to do—and this is much more usefwl than people realise.
I wonder to what extent (I know it’s not the full extent) people struggle with concentration because they’re trying to read things in a suboptimal manner and actually doing things that are pointless (e.g. having to do pointless things at school or your job, like writing theses or grant applications). And as for reading, people seem to think they have to read things word-by-word, and from start to finish. What a silly thing to do. Read the parts related to what you’re looking for, and start skimming paragraphs when you notice the insight-density dropping. Don’t Goodhart on the feeling of accomplishment associated with “having read” something.
My number one productivity tip: Quit your job, quit school, take drugs (preferably antidepressants and ADHD meds), and do whatever you want. If you want to do good things, this is probably the best you can do with your life, as long as you can convince people to give you sufficient money to live while you’re doing it.
I’m a big proponent of Universal Basic Income. If people don’t have to spend a significant amount of time worrying about satisfying their bottom two levels in the Maslow Hierarchy, it frees them up to do some pretty amazing things
Yes! Although I go further: I’m in favour of EA tenure. If people don’t have to satisfy their superiors, it frees them up to do exactly what they think is optimal to do—and this is much more usefwl than people realise.