Concealed effort
Modern society conceals effort. Its vital structures – agriculture, freight transport, energy production, city planning – are invisible to us. Its interfaces – malls, shops, call centers, websites – dispense …
Category: Philosophy
Willpower
Two people take turns trying to lift a large rock. One holds it above their head for a few moments. The other can barely get it an inch off the …
Why I don’t hate capitalism
Like most progressive youths, I had an anti-capitalist awakening. With a nudge or two to the left from more educated friends, I understood just how ruthless the modern world is. …
Good and bad gatekeeping
Gatekeeping is the practice of inventing additional criteria for a label. Think “you’re not a true metalhead if you don’t like Maiden”, or “you’re not really a parent if your …
Hot take on humanity
The general consensus on humanity – that is, humanity’s attitude toward itself – is mixed. In some ways, we hold ourselves in exceptionally high esteem. We see something inherently miraculous …
Models of good and evil
I believe in moral non-objectivism, meaning that I don’t see good and evil as independent virtues. As far as I’m concerned, they only exist in our minds, and it’s their …
Dear straight man
Your attraction to women is a good thing. Not only is it vital to human propagation, it’s a vital part of you. Female closeness is one of your passions, and …
An antidote to arrogance
It’s a simple trick. When you’re discussing philosophy with someone, or just thinking about it, make one small distinction concerning your personal beliefs. Separate “why do I believe this?” from …
Solace in discontinuity
If you’ve read my post about loving fiction, you know I think a lot about our linear experience of time. The unceremonious way the future skips into the past. So …
Sympathy punk
If I had to designate my philosophy, it would be sympathy punk.