Genius & Unhealthy Memes
your Saturday roundup
Professionally, I focus on creating social benefit startups. In my Saturday morning emails I share what I’m learning and thinking. Topics range from better living and parenting to business and philosophy.
Origins of Genius. I’m part way through the book Origins of Genius which is a fascinating if dense review of research about “geniuses” from multiple fields. The book uses Darwin as an individual case study and Darwinism as an inspiration for a theory of genius. Yes genetics matter, yet the more interesting point is that variation and selection is a good model for the creative process. I continue to be fascinated by the idea that producing more work may increase the odds of creating great work. Both for the practice effect and because the more lots you draw, the more likely you are to “win”. For example the book cites research about scientists that the best predictor of number of citations of top 3 papers is the number of papers written. And it claims there are similar studies in other fields. I wonder if one implication is that the creator doesn’t know how to judge the quality? Another fascinating part of the book is the discussion that “new” ideas are often combinations of other ideas. Those with the ability to associate ideas from seemingly different fields or taxonomies are able to create more “new” ideas it says. Can you develop this capability?
The Kids Are Not Alright. I’m a fan of Jonathan Haidt’s books Happiness Hypothesis and Righteous Mind. I appreciate his advocacy for the free range parenting movement. I start skeptical with claims that kids these days are uniquely fallen. I’ve seen reports that teens are doing less drugs, having fewer babies and committing fewer violent crimes. Yet, Haidt does a good job of marshaling evidence that teen mental illness has been growing the past 10 years. I’m definitely paying attention. What’s the solution? Is it Wait Until 8th? Or do we need more or different?
Advertising and Kids. And while we’re on the subject of influences for kids, I’m curious how you think about advertising? As a parent, I wish that that streaming services provided a way to include or exclude by show. But I do appreciate that many do not have explicit advertising. When kids are watching more traditional TV, how do you handle advertising for gambling, alcohol, violent movies or games, or general consumerism. I tried keeping TV out of our home but bowed to pressure. We used to mute the advertisements but noticed we didn’t do that during the Super Bowl. Any recommendations? What does the evidence show?
Until next week,
Miles
P.S. If you’re a future founder or “founder curious,” join me and Purpose Built for a conversation on what makes a great startup founder, common misconceptions, and options on how to get started. Feb 23 via Zoom. RSVP and details here.