Honest, direct, face-to-face criticism is a gift we struggle to accept. It’s not gospel, but if it comes from someone who cares and would like us to do better, it’s too opportune a chance to pass. It’s also an immensely generous present that someone can give us, so even if we intend to discard it, a little gratitude is due.

Learning to make the most of relevant criticism is one of the best skills we can hone.

Processing proper criticism properly

Dignity is more than giving somebody a voice. It is more even than giving them the benefit of the doubt. Dignity means listening to what they have to say, especially when they say the opposite of what we believe, accepting the possibility that they may well be right.

Thus, dignity is enshrined in uncertainty.

Uncertain dignity

The problem with not thinking in systems is that we live in systems. Any intellectual process not framed by system-thinking cannot leave the abstract, cannot enter the concrete.

“It works on my end” is not relevant when the person asking for the fix doesn’t work there.

Thinking in systems

The obsession with growth, supposedly one of the significant benefits of capitalism, inevitably leads to paying more for getting less so that shareholders can enjoy increased dividends.

The wealth chasm widens, the fabric of society stretches, and nobody thinks about the long term.

We must be able to see past growth—for our own collective sakes.

Seeing past growth

AI is only as good as the data it trains on. Since we use it to produce data, this digital inbreeding will only worsen the quality of the material it ingests. I love using AI for specific tasks—its superiority is both marvellous and insulting.

The issue lies in the name: we have been impressed enough by its capabilities to accept that the tool is intelligent. More fool us.

More fool us (2)

Whenever wealth concentrates, violence brews. As the chasm between the richest and the poorest widens, the fabric of society begins to tear. Of course, the problem is that violence is messy and rarely the optimum means for conflict resolution. Those at the top of the fortune divide are well versed in the art of the mud, ready to direct the most violent elements against each other to ensure it is the least privileged who suffer the worst consequences.

There has never been a better time to wise up.

Martian Thoughts

Processing proper criticism properly

Uncertain dignity

Thinking in systems

Seeing past growth

More fool us (2)

Wising up