Mixed Signals: Life, for humans

Gareth K Thomas -

No. 29 – 27th of March, 2022

I broke my finger yesterday.

I've only just recovered from a back problem.

Before that, it was some other problem I'm sure.

There's a dangerous way of thinking that encourages to believe everything will be fine once these current problems we're facing are resolved.

Life doesn't really work that way (sorry).

Accepting that is quite liberating. And it can change the way we view the world.

From me: Did you really think you would wake one morning and not have any problems?

On with the links...

01. Deals done well

The first books from my Do Book Club subscription arrived recently, including the new Do Deal. I really love short books. And this was no exception. Great storytelling, with practical suggestions you could apply immediately.

02. Thinking different

It's been at least a couple of weeks since I shared a Rory Sutherland link, so it's long overdue. I love the way Rory explains how we don't always think the way we think we should think:

“So many of the models that we use to explain human behaviour are based on the idea that people respond objectively to information. We don't.”

His podcast with Sean Spooner (who is continuing to absolutely smash it) covers lockdowns, speeding + sat navs, remote work, electric vehicles, and more.

+ Rory (and Pete Dyson) on why we should be designing transport for humans.

+ On a related note... Braess's Paradox helps explain why building more roads can actually increase traffic.

03. On drinking

It's been 39 months since my last drink. I would've been happy to reduce my drinking but... I'm an abstainer, not a moderator.

The benefits have been noticeable, to say the least.

+ Thinking of making similar changes? It's helpful to know that self-control is overrated.

+ Meanwhile, more Americans (aged 16–64) died of alcohol-related causes than Covid (NYT gift article).

+ Too many f*cking books.

+ Ryan Holiday, on why you should build a library. (+ my thoughts on my own little libray).

+ The trouble with optionality, and why it shouldn't be confused with safety nets.

+ MacKenzie Scott owns a 4% stake in Amazon, making her the third-wealthiest woman in the United States. Since 2019, she's given away over $12 billion.