1/29/21 Recommended Issues: Stagnation, Innovation, Stress

Good day!

Each week we handpick newsletter issues by independent writers you may have missed that provide new or unique perspectives. 

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Here's what's worth reading this week...enjoy!

1. ARE WE STAGNATING?

Technological Stagnation in The Roots of Progress by Jason Crawford on Jan 23

In this issue, Jason takes head on the question of whether we’re technologically stagnating-- and walks you through how he was converted to the pessimistic view, that indeed we are in stagnation. (In case you’re bristling, just a reminder that stagnation doesn’t mean “no progress”, just “slower” progress) He breaks down the rationale very clearly, walks you through data and logical arguments, and at the end, even leaves us with realistic, tangible possibilities for what COULD be revolutionized that hasn’t been. If nothing else, the issue will make you think about what’s impeded various transformations and advancements and how, as a society, we can avoid or overcome those in the future. There is still much to be optimistic about! (2356 words; 8.5 minutes) Read it….

2. IMPROVING INNOVATION

Upstream, Downstream in Age of Invention by Anton Howes on Jan 21

While Anton normally writes about the history of innovation and the British Industrial Revolution, in this issue, he actually applies his deep knowledge of those to create a model of innovation. And with that (arguably fairly simple and easy to understand) model, he evaluates present day innovation-- helping us to see where we’re falling short from a policy perspective. It’s fascinating to think through the differences in how innovation was spawned and supported in the past vs. how it is now, the challenges in “measurement” of policy impacts which can inhibit funding/support, and where our societies and governments may want to consider investing in order to increase innovation. (2282 words; 8.5 minutes) Read it...


And in case lack of progress and innovation stresses you out...

FOUR STRATEGIES FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT

How hard should I push myself in Superorganizers by Dan Shipper on Jan 26

There’s tons out there on stress; what stood out about this issue is that it captured four straightforward, specific ways (with data to back it up) that you may be able to control, manage, or reduce stress. The top part of the issue has more on the biological background of stress, so if you’re short on time, just scroll down to the section “What do we do about it”, which has the key actions, what to ask/do, and why it can make a difference. Even if just one resonates and sticks with you, it’s worth it. (1699 words; 6 minutes) Read it... 


Some interesting facts for the week:

• Datacenters used ~1% of global electricity in 2018 (205 Terawatt Hours). (Import AI 1/18/21)

• The term "counties" came from the old French word "conté" -- the land under control of a Count (like a King controls a Kingdom; a Duke controls a dutchy)... (Why is this Interesting 1/22/21)

• Apparently there's no actual science behind the saying "be sure you drink 8 glasses of water a day"... (Peter Attia 1/17/21)

• The term "power user" exploded into use in the fall of 1984. (Tedium 1/27/21)

• Apparently a new study (combining 70k people's data over 30 years) shows optimistic people live 11-15% longer...and another 5 year long study of people over 3 different US cities found that optimistic people fall asleep faster, sleep better and longer, and are generally better rested than their less-optimistic peers. No time better than the present to work on your optimism! (Understandably 1/27/21)

• Over 5% of vehicles sold in China last year (2020) were electric. Regular ol' internal combustion vehicles have seen a 3 year decline in sales of 14.7%... (The Gregor Letter 1/19/21)  

I hope you found something thought-provoking!

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Best,
~Jessica