Singularity Bros   /     Episode 117: Policy vs. Advice

Just two bros that are having a good time. Which two? No spoilers.

Notes

• “Making a Crypto Utopia in Puerto Rico”
• Johann Hari went on Joe Rogan’s podcast to plug his new book, Lost Connections. Zach listened to that podcast. I listened to Zach tell me about it. Dare you get in on this action?
• Ah ha! This clears up (some of) my confusion about Danish depression: “Internet graphic says suicide rate is much higher in Denmark than United States” [spoilers: mostly false]
• Also of interest: “The top countries for antidepressant use”
• Correction: While I first encountered this great quote in an article on back health by Eric Cressey, it is not in fact his. He quoted Dr. Jeff Anderson, and I went on to misattribute the quote for almost a decade. Anyway! Here it is: “If you live your life the right way, you’ll likely find yourself in an orthopedist’s office at some point. If you live it the wrong way, you’ll likely end up in cardiologist’s office instead.”
• If you want to learn more about infinities from someone who know’s what they’re talking about—i.e. not me—check out Our Mathematical Universe by Max Tegmark.
• Short piece on free will: “Do You Have Free Will? Yes, It’s the Only Choice.” It’s not my favorite, but it reports on the various studies and stuff we mentioned. Just deal with it. Or do your own show notes, UGH! Hey, those look pretty good. Can I, um, borrow those?
• The Replication Crisis, in comic form: “Repeat After Me”
• “What is Social Psychology?” (via YouTube)
• A PKD original: the mood organ
• James Hughes talked about the moral technology of ADHD medicine right here on our podcast. While you’re at it, go ahead and grab his second spot here, too.
• For more on the relation between free will and the self, just check out everything Sam Harris has ever done.
• “The Experience Machine Redux: Why Reality Is Overrated”

Media Mentions

Scott

• Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
• Dave Chappelle: Equanimity & The Bird Revelation. Both are good, but The Bird Revelation gave me chills. I think Dave risked his life dropping so much truth. I think Bill Hicks would have agreed.

Zach

• Work Clean by Dan Charnas
• Counterpart