5 minute summaries
1 quote, 3 ideas & 1 question from each episode
__________
13 Jun 2021
2hr 47mins
FEATURING
Quote
"If the universe hands you a hard problem, try to solve an easier one instead, and hope the simple version is close enough to the original problem that the universe doesn't object"
Ideas
1
We all know a lot, but also a little at the same time.
Many individuals know a lot. But also, every individual knows little, in comparison to the collective.
And even the collective today knows little, in comparison to what will know in the future.
And even the collective today knows little, in comparison to what will know in the future.
2
The most important perspective is the one that will help you achieve your goals.
Just knowing what's true or what reality is only meaningful if it helps you do things in the real world.
By default, the truth is often what's correct or useful.
But in some cases, intentionally distorting reality can actually help us achieve more than we
otherwise could, which can be a better perspective than the truth.
By default, the truth is often what's correct or useful.
But in some cases, intentionally distorting reality can actually help us achieve more than we
otherwise could, which can be a better perspective than the truth.
3
Ask yourself what would you really want to do if you didn't have any self doubt?
In any important or difficult decision, it's natural to be filled with self doubt and uncertainty.
One of the choices is figuring out what the version of you that feels completely confident would do.
This doesn't mean not taking into account any self doubt you have, but it does allow you to not be completely controlled by your own doubt.
One of the choices is figuring out what the version of you that feels completely confident would do.
This doesn't mean not taking into account any self doubt you have, but it does allow you to not be completely controlled by your own doubt.
Questions
1
Can you think of something you'd want to do if you didn't have any self doubt?
What else is in the episode
1
The beauty and evolution of geometry and symmetry
2
Fermat's last theorem & prime numbers
3
ohn Conway's Game of life, Group theory, gauge theory
Who is Jordan Ellenberg?
1
A professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where his research involves arithmetic geometry. He's the author of Shape, The Hidden Geometry of Absolutely Everything as well as How Not To Be Wrong, The Power Of Mathematical Thinking, a book listed in Bill Gates top 5 books of 2016.
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