LastThursday

Give, me, more, YouTube. Today is all about travel and exploring other cultures. There was a lot of this on TV growing up and how other people go about their lives has always picqued my interest. One way or another I've been to many places on the globe, India and Thailand being unique experiences. Thomas Brag and others take you to many different places around the world and immersing themselves into their cultures. Quality videos and reportage and good energy If you're interested in all things Japan then Norm Nakamura lives there and explores a different facet in each of his videos. High energy and entertaining, I especially enjoy his night strolls through Tokyo. Benjamin Rich likes to take you to many places you may not have even heard of. Watch him bluff, shmooze and blunder his way around, sometimes in very dodgy places. He even got thown out of Russia. For a reverse take on foreign culture (I'm British), Alanna Naps goes through the ups and downs of a Canadian learning to be British. Often hilarous and very down to earth, her food tasting videos are great The history of London is bottomless, intricate and long. Julian McDonnel walks around it in his hat and walking stick explaining it all with good humour. I especially like his off the cuff chats with the locals, and of course I grew up there.

I can't advise you on investments. But the rest I can. In terms of saving it's very simple. If you spend more than you earn you will go into debt, and if you spend less than you earn you will save money. The difficult part is that what you spend is spread out into many different things, so it's hard to keep track of it all. But what you spend can be divided into two parts, fixed costs and leisure. The fixed costs are things like paying rent, paying for food and utilities, paying for a car, clothing and so on. These are all things you have to spend on to stay alive. The leisure part is everything else, like holidays, partying, restaurants, streaming services, gambling, subscriptions, investments etc. If your fixed costs are less than what you earn, then you can save. If they are more than what you earn then either you need to reduce your fixed costs: move somewhere cheaper, sell the car, buy cheaper clothing. Or, you need to find a job that pays more money. Sit down, and write out your fixed costs each month, and see how much that comes to. Include all regular payments that go out. If your fixed costs are less than you earn, then I would advise putting aside a fixed amount each month into a separate (high interest) savings account. This should be set up so that it's an automatic payment. How much you put in really depends, as it will impact your leisure money. But even a nominal amount of one or two hundred a month will allow you to save a reasonable amount over a year. If you set up a savings account, then you should not spend that money on leisure. Only use the money for absolute emergencies or for big essential purchases, say a car. Basically use your savings instead of getting out a loan from the bank. You should only be dipping into your savings less than once a year.

The obvious question is, why not go back to Thailand for another two months? Can't you take a sabbatical from your work? Even take the gf with you or at least she can visit you out there? Putting it out there.

You are of course cherrypicking. You only have to watch a chimp to see the similarities - which is my point. Because we're not chimps. All this identification business is exactly what makes us human. It's a nice ideal to be able to consciousy choose all your identifications, but the reality is that most of it happens unconciously. And you'll have a hard time explaining to people that you are neither man nor woman, but just human. Even if it's true on some level. None of the things I listed were negative in themselves. Even identifying with life itself is arbitrary. Identity of any description can be problematic because it's ultimately a fiction that needs to be maintained and defended, and that's where the suffering arises from.

I'd say identify with whatever you want. Just be aware that what you identify with is arbitrary, ill-defined, relative, changeable and probably a fiction. The suffering comes from others not accepting your identification. You can identify with being human, but being a chimp is quite similar, where's the line...

That's good. A woman (or a man) is constructed or pattern matched from their traits or from how you interact with them (function). They exist only in the mind - so to speak - of the observers, and often by consensus. An important point is that the categories are fuzzy. When categories are really fuzzy then you can get a continuum from one category to another. Is there a continuum in the case of men and women? I'd say there's at least an overlap, since we're talking about a cluster of traits, some of which can vary a lot. This of course doesn't compute for a lot of people, who think there are clearly defined categories for everything. I'm rambling, but another point is that the traits that make up a woman (e.g.) are not inherent and immutable. For a woman to wear trousers in the 1900's would have been very confusing. There is a perfomative aspect also, like for example in the film Yentl Barbara Streisand performs like a man and so is treated as such - even though we the viewer see straight through the charade - we "know" she's a woman (from her other traits). In other words, people can choose and act out a role and accentuate womanly traits.

You can play the same game with anything. What is a chair? What is a love? What is enlightenment? Etc. One way to look at it is as a cluster of traits, some of which may be optional, that together constitute a concept. So a woman typically has certain physical and behavioural traits. A man typically has certain different physical and behavioural traits from a woman. The traits that men and women do share don't distinguish them, but do make them both human beings, which does distinguish them from animals (e.g.). The other way to look at it is functionally. For example, can I interact with this thing by sitting on it? Then it must be a kind of chair. Can I interact with this person as if they are a woman? Then they are a type of woman. Can I interact with this person as if they were conscious? Then they have a type of consciousness. And on and on.

Most work is actually unnecessary work in terms of direct survival. The necessary work is related to things like food production, building homes and sanitation and health, perhaps education. I can see all of those things being nearly completely automated in future. But that automation then makes maintaining and improving technology itself necessary work. I for one would love not to work in the conventional sense, and just follow my interests and if it provides others value then good. A lot of people will want to work for any number reasons, to keep themselves occupied, for cameraderie, for a sense of achievement, and so on - they should be allowed to and jobs should be available for them. Others may choose not to contribute to society at large at all, but they should still be allowed to survive without struggle and live a reasonable life, so UBI will suit those people. At the moment those sets of people are often seen as spongers and freeloaders, when in fact they may provide value in other ways than "work". For example you might be looking after an elderly family member, but it currently doesn't get recognised by society at all, why not get paid UBI for it? So the future will be much more flexible in terms of work and whether you work at all. But as long as capitalism sticks around in its current form it will suck as many people as it can into work, because investments require a return and that means people's time and effort.

I always miss someone, I'm the same with forgetting stuff on shopping lists. So to add to yesterday's list: Dr Ben Miles goes over general topics in science and is one of my newer channels that I watch, well researched A slightly off-the-wall Nick Lucid explains different facets of science with good animations and good explanations Sixty Symbols set up by Brady Haran, interviews all sorts of scientists in their natural habitat and covers lots of physics related stuff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first time I saw Jupiter and its pinpricks for moons through a telescope I was awed - I was a scrawny pre-teenager. And I saw the rings of Saturn through a telescope for the first time just last year. Space is fascinating and alien and when you realise it's basically infinite, it blows the mind. For tours through different aspects of the solar system and space Alex McColgan takes you through it all. Great narration and polished video sequences Dr Becky Smethurst is a black hole scientist (how cool). Incredibly well and thoroughly explained videos on all aspects of space, and the latest space news, with the occasional interviews of scientists in the field - excellent For all things space from a more theoretic and speculative place Professor David Kipping takes you through it. Great videos

All self help is about changing for the better, for whatever your current definition of better is, or worse someone else's definition of better.

I thought I'd try and answer, but ChatGPT gave a better response. I asked ChatGPT for a quick summary ChatGPT Certainly! Here’s a bullet-point summary of your message: Current Situation: Studying biology as an undergraduate; chose biology due to interest from high school. Previously studied cognitive science for three years due to personal mental health interest but didn’t complete the degree. Struggle with Life Purpose: Interested in identifying a life purpose, mission statement, and values. Completed exercises to identify values: humor, excitement, fun, attractiveness, pleasure, and others are important. Difficulty connecting these values with a career in biology. Interest in Biology: Finds cellular and molecular biology fascinating, particularly for understanding diseases like cancer. Potential life purpose: applying knowledge of cellular and molecular biology to develop therapies and treatments. Challenges with Career Path: Sometimes loses interest in lab work; struggles to connect theoretical knowledge with practical lab tasks. Distraction by unrelated interests (e.g., geopolitics, YouTube videos). Personal and Social Development: Engaged in social activities to step out of comfort zone (improv club, karaoke, bars/clubs). Feels a lack of deep connections and a small social circle despite good conversational skills. Sense of Achievement: Feels pressure to achieve something prestigious due to comparing self with others, including a successful younger brother. Concerned about not having a clear purpose or enough achievements. Uncertainty and Exploration: Contemplates switching to other fields (e.g., economics, business) but worries about wasting years of study. Seeks a life purpose that aligns with values and will last through a significant part of their career. Reflections on Values and Purpose: Wonders how to align biology with personal values and how to establish a lasting life purpose. Observes that many people pursue careers based on interests rather than explicit values. @LastThursday said: "What advice should be given for the above?" ChatGPT Given the complexity of your situation, here’s some advice to help you navigate your confusion and find a clearer direction in life: 1. Clarify and Prioritize Your Values Reevaluate Your Values: Revisit your values list and prioritize them. Consider what makes you feel most fulfilled and how these align with your current and potential career paths. Experiment with Integration: Try to integrate your top values (e.g., fun, excitement, pleasure) into your studies or career exploration. For example, look for areas in biology that might be more interactive or dynamic, such as fieldwork or public health outreach. 2. Explore Career Options in Biology Broad Career Exploration: Investigate different career paths within biology that might align more with your interests and values. Consider careers outside of the lab, such as science communication, teaching, biotech sales, or roles that involve more human interaction. Shadowing and Internships: Seek opportunities to shadow professionals in various biology-related fields or pursue internships to gain firsthand experience and see what resonates with you. 3. Combine Interests and Career Goals Cross-Disciplinary Paths: Consider how you can combine biology with other interests like psychology, business, or technology. Fields like neurobiology, bioinformatics, or biotech entrepreneurship might offer a blend of your interests. Side Projects: Engage in side projects or hobbies that align with other interests (e.g., starting a blog or YouTube channel related to science communication, attending seminars on different subjects). This can help you explore your passions without fully committing to a career switch. 4. Address Your Achievement Concerns Set Achievable Milestones: Break down your long-term goals into smaller, achievable milestones. This will help you build a sense of progress and accomplishment. Focus on Personal Growth: Rather than comparing yourself to others, focus on your own growth and development. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge how far you’ve come. 5. Social and Personal Development Expand Your Social Network: Continue stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new people. Joining clubs, attending seminars, or participating in online communities related to your interests can help you form deeper connections. Build Confidence: Practice self-compassion and self-awareness to build confidence in your social interactions. Recognize that social skills improve with time and practice. 6. Reflect on Life Purpose Take Time for Self-Reflection: Regularly set aside time for self-reflection. Journaling, meditation, or speaking with a mentor or therapist can help you gain clarity on what truly matters to you. Consider Professional Guidance: If you’re still struggling with clarity, consider taking a structured course on life purpose or working with a career coach to help you define your mission and direction. 7. Stay Open to Change Be Open to Evolution: Understand that your life purpose and values may evolve over time. It’s okay to pivot and explore new directions as you gain more experience and self-awareness. Don’t Rush Decisions: Take the time to explore your options before making significant changes, like switching fields. Ensure that any major decisions align with your deeper values and long-term happiness. This approach will help you align your career with your values, provide a clearer sense of direction, and ultimately lead to a more fulfilling life.

It really does require going meta and to think about thinking itself. Most will find this nearly impossible without outside assistance. Most therapy is about correcting bad thinking patterns. There's an argument for judgment itself being a thought too, so it's hard to just drop this pattern.

@HMD you're right that there seems to be a general anti-thinking trend perpetuated by the internet. The thinking mind is the problem, but it can also be the solution, just look at what Leo does. @Lila9 is exactly right, in that a lot of thinking is just neurotic monkey mind so becoming aware of it and learning to shut it off sometimes, is beneficial. Quality thinking though is hard and most people don't do it because it's a real effort or they don't know how. It's far easier to fall back to opinion, arguing and emotions (e.g.) - some are even scared of good thinking.

It's interesting to look at the bigger picture and see that scapegoating is just one way to exercise power and control, also known as bullying. It's sad to see how devastating it can be to a young kid, but I'm glad you've managed to regain yourself, kudos.

On today's smorgasbord of YouTube delight it's the turn of science. A lot of the stuff I like to watch is mostly popular science, because it's the most digestible. Indeed, a lot of the ideas I've heard a million times already, but I still get something from each retelling, because some of the ideas are truly hard to grasp in their entirety and it's fun to get different angles on a thing. Anyway, for the meat... Arvin Ash covers lots of different aspects of science with a strong physics bias. He's clear and easy to understand and the animations are very well done The GOAT of science YouTube is Derek Muller, who covers all aspects of science with catchy animations, interviews and visits different institutions, great stuff Destin Sandlin covers science in general, but often with a more engineering focus. His slow motion videos and personal visits to different manufacturing facilities are excellent for seeing science in action Mahesh Shenoy has a smaller following and covers physics, but I find him enthusiastic and clear in his explanations and animations. Mithuna Yoganathan covers lots of ideas in physics with props and does her own experiments. She's very clear and measured in her delivery Jeroen Vleggaar covers lot's of ideas in physics specifically to do with light. He goes into in depth explanations, doing his own experiments and getting to the meat of "why". Excellent stuff. Jade Tan-Holmes covers lots of more popular side of maths and physics, with props and quirky animations. Clear and enthusiastic If you like to see the latest in science then Sabine Hossenfelder is your woman. She's a jobbing scientist so knows what she's talking about and often is no-nosense with a dry sense of humour. Steve Mould often has a quirky take on science making his own elaborate props and really trying to "do" science in its most pure sense, with his own ideas and deductions, good stuff Matt O'Dowd is also a jobbing scientist and similar to Arvin Ash covers lots of ideas in science, often with more of a space theme. Clear and understandable Dianna Cowern covered a large number of topics in science often going out into the field - until she came down with long term illness - hopefully she is able to return one day. Excellent stuff

The mind blowing thing is that Theory of Mind is also applied to yourself. Your emotions and actions are rationalised into a story about your own identity, and produces a "self" as a result.

Suffering is directly caused by identity. An identity is an actively self sustaining entity or system. It can be anything like a biological identity or mental identity. Any disruption to the identity causes suffering, which is an alarm signal to say it is under attack in some way. It's interesting to investigate whether something like a car has an identity. Once the ignition is triggered, then the engine and car systems sustain themselves. The car systems have to regulate themselves otherwise the car will stall. Often if those systems are not working correctly then you will get warning lights. In that sense the car "suffers". Or you might have an alarm system against theft, again the car "suffers" by sounding an alarm, if it is compromised in some way.

You're imagining you too. Or more like consciousness is imagining you and everything else. You're not separate from consciousness, you're within it. Realise the possibility that "you" could stop existing within consciousness. Otherwise, not much.

There's a lot of factors involved in success. Volume of work is one of those factors, but importantly not the only one. Here's a few others off the top of my head: Natural talent - people become successful doing the things that come easy naturally Consistency - even if the rate of work is low, over months and years it can become substantial Planning - having some sort of flexible road map can guide you in the right direction Goals, mission statements etc - knowing what you want in the end is good for success Environment - putting yourself in the right places at the right times is good for both motivation and meeting the right people Information - taking in the right information and cutting out the crap will increase success Motivation - learning how to motivate yourself well can be great for success I'd say you don't need all the above, but the more of those things you have the better. Maybe you're not the sort of person that has a high rate of work, but you have natural talent for something, so you should concentrate on that instead. It's also largely domain dependent, some things just simply require a lot of work to get any sort of traction.

On today's red carpet of YouTube celebrity is technology and gadgets old and new. I do like to keep up with technology and see where things are headed. From a young age I always enthralled by technology and the past forty years (and longer) has been an unending roller coaster of innovation, what a joy to be in the middle of it. And I do like a bit of history around this sort of thing too. For your everyday and household technology past and present, Alec Watson takes you through it all with some amount of entertaining wit and sarcasm. Very informative and rigorously researched nonetheless For more of an in depth foray into the history of consumer tech and more Matthew Taylor gives his opinons and overviews. There's stuff there that you didn't even know could exist Fran Blanche revives and and tears down interesting and obsolete tech, and explains how it all worked and sometimes philosophises about engineering in general. Love it. Anastasia N (last name unknown) covers the bleeding edge in semiconductor design, and is a chip designer herself. Very informative and fascinating stuff Dr Károly Zsolnai-Fehér (watch the videos for the pronunciation) covers the cutting edge of computer graphics and related subjects like AI. I like his enthusiasm, and support for the field I'm a real nerd about vintage computer tech and own a few pieces myself. David Murray resurects and covers many aspects of old computer tech, and sometimes forays into non-computer tech Adrian Black gets his oscilloscope and soldering iron out and fixes old computer kit and talks you through all the interesting detail. If I retired and only did this, I'd be a happy guy Christian Simpson covers all sorts of old computer tech and sometimes modern uses for them. Terrible puns and dry wit and a talking dog, very entertaining Neil Thomas loves old tech so much he created a museum in the Gloucestershire countryside. I must go. Lots of stuff about old gaming consoles, arcade games, and old computers, with a bit of history and interviews thrown in. Peter Leigh covers a lot history of computers, games and related things, in true Brit style

That cracked up so bad 🤣 Carry on... 🤣

Is a finger separate from a hand? A finger is just an arbitrary demarcation of the hand. The demarcation of the self is maintained by some mechanism, whatever that is (some sort of reflexive identity). But it seems like it's possible to change the extent of a Self or remove the demarcation altogether through meditation, drugs, sudden enlightenment and so on. So the self is real like a finger is real, for as long as it remains distinct, but its very definition is fluid. If a self can disappear, then it is not a truth.

I can recommend acting, good for self-expression, confidence and connecting with people. Although, I've only dabbled a bit. More conventionally, long distance running, good for overall fitness and mental and physical endurance. Volunteering in any capacity, good for building compassion and understanding and for a sense of accomplishment. Learning to play any musical instrument, good for coordination and dexterity, and learning patience and mastery.

Not much different from real life, people come and go, and sometimes they come back or they shapeshift (ahem multiple accounts ahem).

Normal service will be resumed shortly. But until then I continue my tour of YouTube channels I watch regularly. Today's genre is sort of self help, introspection, philosophy on living, those sorts of things. Alain De Botton, in his own right a philosopher and author, narrates animated videos on all aspects of the philsophy of being human, great and insightful stuff Tom van der Linden often covers the philosphy of how to live, but through the medium of film, and it's a powerful approach. Incredibly well thought out and composited videos have you tugging at your heart strings Lana Blakely is a Swedish YouTuber who covers the many facets of how to live life, and has the wisdom to back it up If you want cinematic videos and an exposition on just being alive then Nathaniel Drew takes you through his life abroad Matt D'Avella is more on the self help and productivity side of things, he's always entertaining to watch and I always come away feeling that I should try the things he's advocating