Wisdom in fragments

Today, policies are sold to us largely on the basis of fear, or fear mitigation: from immigration to climate change, from health services to defence. It's less about promoting a progressive vision of the future and more about playing to our fears of what might happen if we don't toe a particular line.

Fear isn't just a neurophysiological phenomenon; it's also socio-cultural. We're enculturated to fear; it's something that we inherit, acquire, and learn – which implies that there is possibility of 'unlearning' our fear.

Fear has had a huge impact on human societies throughout history, and as science and archaeology are increasingly suggesting through prehistory, too. But my main interest is in how fear has been used as an instrument of power, wielded by rulers to consolidate their authority, and to manage their populations.

In general, 90% of people are overmedicating themselves with either drinking, smoking weed, whatever it is. People do not want to be uncomfortable, they cannot stand discomfort.

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

Human beings seem like their default recreation is sedation. For some reason, getting drunk at a bar is the default in what people do for fun, which I find bizarre.

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

True courage isn't present without fear. How can one be brave without confronting what scares them? When you witness someone tackling extreme or perilous tasks without any sign of fear, it doesn't reflect courage.

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

Adversity, I believe, is vital. It's the crucible where strength is forged. Without struggle, without battles to face, we remain static, unable to grow.

Professional BASE jumper and skydiver known for extreme cliff jumping

The 'Doomers' often anthropomorphize computers by attributing human characteristics to them. While this is an understandable tendency, it's essential to recognize that humans have evolved their competitive nature and occasional violent impulses from survival in a world marked by resource scarcity and competition.

Communications scholar and pioneer in media effects research and digital divide studies

While the cautionary tales narrated by these thinkers have merit, one can't help but feel they occasionally veer into hyperbole. They often highlight the idea that AI systems can self-evolve, enhancing their capabilities exponentially in mere seconds. However, this overlooks the fact that genuine intelligence augmentation necessitates the incorporation of vast new data.

Communications scholar and pioneer in media effects research and digital divide studies

Historically, humans have evolved to be wary of the unfamiliar—a survival instinct that's served us well. Thus, the age-old "Frankenstein" narrative, wherein we birth powerful entities beyond our understanding or control, resonates deeply with our intrinsic apprehensions.

Communications scholar and pioneer in media effects research and digital divide studies

This historical and cultural trajectory, while understandable, seemingly dismisses the idea that computers can serve as invaluable complements to human cognition. We ought to look beyond mere abstract potentialities of human capabilities and consider the tangible ways AI can assist when humans interact with their environment.

Communications scholar and pioneer in media effects research and digital divide studies

AI doesn't just amplify our physical capabilities; it augments our intellect, allowing us to comprehend and engage with the world on a level previously unimagined. This, I believe, is the pinnacle of our evolutionary journey.

Communications scholar and pioneer in media effects research and digital divide studies

A particular individual trait that has piqued my interest through research is intellectual humility. Embracing the possibility of being wrong enhances

It's about catching that surge of emotion, be it offense or anger, usually incited by someone attempting to ignite your social identity or signal an outgroup threat, with a likely aim to shape your thoughts or actions.

The more pronounced a group identity is, especially when an identifiable outgroup exists, the more likely individuals are to dehumanize those not in their group.

It's conceivable that survival odds were higher for ancestors who embraced false information endorsed by their tribe, compared to those who acknowledged empirically accurate information but were thereby alienated from their group.