Warren Buffett once proclaimed, "What human beings excel at is interpreting new information in a way that preserves their prior conclusions." The profundity of this statement resonates deeply for me, prompting introspection and a genuine appreciation for its enduring truth. In the crowded marketplace of our minds, cognitive biases are the subtle street performers catching our attention. They silently steer our thoughts, and shape our beliefs. They lurk unnoticed, coloring our decisions with the imperceptible ink of subjectivity, even when we believe our choices to be empirical and objective. Oftentimes, these biases foster societal issues like political extremism, racial discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities.
For instance, confirmation bias, acting as a selective lens, might lead us to dismiss opposing viewpoints in favor of our entrenched beliefs. In the political arena, it not only leads to polarization but also feeds it by continuously affirming one-sided narratives. Furthermore, overconfidence bias, a blindfold of sorts, can make us disregard valuable advice or underestimate risks, further deepening socioeconomic divides. On the other hand, anchoring bias, latching onto the first piece of information, may hinder our understanding of complex issues like racism and discrimination.
The nostalgia bias, particularly intriguing, crafts an unduly rosy narrative of the past, blurring trials and tribulations beneath a romanticized veil. Take, for instance, our reminiscences of classic video games. We might nostalgically recall the thrill of playing GoldenEye 007 on the old N64. However, revisiting these games now highlights the striking evolution of our gaming experiences, driven by technological advancements. This bias maintains our fondness for a perceived golden age, unswayed by realities of the past. Nostalgia bias persists even when we reflect upon eras before modern conveniences like indoor plumbing, electricity, or life expectancy of merely 55 years. It not only idealizes these times, but can obscure issues that marked these periods. Romanticizing the past may cause us to overlook or understate historical injustices or disparities, thereby inadvertently perpetuating such inequalities in the present.
Reflecting on my years as a social studies teacher, my aim was to help students recognize these unseen influences. The goal was not to sway their decision-making but to equip them with the tools to see every narrative from multiple angles. If our minds succumb easily to the barrage of influences, we risk a world less exciting, innovative, and distinct. By understanding these biases, we set a compass in the sea of information, guiding us towards our own unique perspectives.
Deconstructing the fortress of cognitive biases begins with awareness. Once we recognize these unseen influences, we can deploy countermeasures to minimize their impact. This may entail seeking a multitude of perspectives, taking time to evaluate information critically, and consciously questioning our beliefs. Embracing uncertainty can also be a powerful tool—it opens our mind to new possibilities and spurs us to test our assumptions rigorously. The journey isn't to discard our biases, but to identify and employ them wisely. With this wisdom, we navigate life's sea with a discerning eye, charting a course that's uniquely ours.
Artificial Imagination It’s officially wedding season, and Rachel and I just celebrated a beautiful wedding in South Carolina for my niece this past weekend, so I thought I’d imagine being an AI wedding photographer for a moment. Do you enjoy weddings receptions as much as we do? We have no shame in getting the dance party started 🕺
This is not an actual photo, but one that was totally A.I. generated using a prompt that I created on MidJourney V5.1
Vibe Challenge Gratitude Journaling: Every day this week, jot down three things you're grateful for. Reflect on how acknowledging these gifts enriches your life. It’s amazing how gratitude seems to wash away so many other negative emotions. Also, how did your AI art go last week? I’d love to see what you came up with!
My Weekly Vibe
TV Show: Season 3 of The Righteous Gemstones, a brainchild of the hilarious Danny McBride, delves into the controversial world of a renowned televangelist family. Be warned: wait until the kids are asleep for this one. Its biting satire provides a humorously insightful, albeit often disheartening, peek into the universe of mega-churches. Fan’s of other McBride shows like Vice Principals and Eastbound & Down will revel in its raunchy yet hilariously dark exploration. However, you'll either find it compelling or you’ll look at me differently . I highly cautiously recommend giving it a shot! Oh, and I forgot to mention—the great John Goodman plays a leading role.
Restaurant: I usually try to steer clear of chains to support local restaurants (and because I prefer my food with a little less preservatives). However, this mostly East Coast chain totally breaks my rule - it's called Barcelona Wine Bar. The closest location to me is Philly, but they have locations in DC, Nashville and a few other popular destinations. Spanish tapas, crusty bread, a variety of cheeses, and an amazing Tempranillo list are amongst my absolute favorites on their menu. If you ever find yourself near one of their locations, give it a try. I can confidently say that I've never been let down by either their food or their service.
Granola: I eat an insane amount of granola—and yes, I am well-versed in the nutritional highs and lows associated with it. I add some to my morning protein smoothie. I often have a yogurt parfait for dessert after dinner, and it pairs surprisingly well with ice cream on cheat days. There are a ton of great varieties, but in my opinion, none taste better than Purely Elizabeth’s Banana Nut Butter Keto Granola. Even if you don’t like bananas, you’ll still love this. It’s that good.
Moral Code: I recently stumbled upon the perfect method for evaluating someone’s character- The Shopping Cart Theory. Returning a shopping cart is incredibly easy and just plain considerate, so it’s an extremely low bar of unselfishness to clear. Therefore, someone who doesn't return shopping carts without a legitimate reason (e.g. disability, alien invasion, zombie apocalypse) likely has the moral compass of an alley cat, and is only being kept in check by laws. Don’t worry, this guy is keeping track of these perpetrators.
Photo Cred: HBO, The Righteous Gemstones
Weekly Muse "The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool." -Richard Feynman
Real Estate-ish While the market continues to frustrate us all, let’s take a look at the future of homeownership and city planning… An ingenious real estate concept is captivating the imagination of homeowners and industry experts alike: digital twins. This transformative technology introduces a virtual replica, a mirror image if you will, of physical properties in real-time. As a homeowner, renter, or investor, it's worth paying attention to the advent of this emerging tech. This innovation could dramatically transform the ways we design, maintain, and interact with our built environments. Imagine scanning your house to create a digital twin. Homeowners could predict when repairs are needed, saving resources and avoiding unexpected problems. Buyers could explore properties in vivid detail remotely, even observing how the house changes over different seasons or times of the day. At scale, it could allow cities and nations to more accurately simulate disasters or aging infrastructure to better prepare for and limit future impact. For a deeper dive into digital twin technology, check out this article from ComputerWorld. Now, you can return to fantasizing about the ‘good old days’ of 2.8% interest rates.
If you’re looking for tax free shopping and endless Aubrey Plaza references, then move into this lovely abode in Greenville, Delaware. Please invite me over for a tour. I promise I won’t touch anything. (courtesy of Patterson-Schwartz - Greenville)
Interesting Find “A startling study shows that watching a 90-minute horror movie can burn close to 200 calories equivalent to a small chocolate bar or the amount burned through a 30-minute walk or light workout.” Maybe now I can convince Rachel to sit through the new Boogeyman film.
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