I think we get stuck sometimes when we assume that all reality is "rational". Our rational way of knowing is just a "layer of abstraction", while definitely the most user-friendly, not the only way of knowing reality. We've been pushing the rational to its limits, and when we encounter something that is other than rational, we start to freak out a little. This is where the opportunists step in and create all kinds of anti-rational noise that gets mistaken for valid other-than-rational understanding. "Peak Crazy", yes. Not sure what we can do except keep paying attention and keep learning.
Just this morning it was reported that Trump, last night on his "Lies Social" platform, posted that if he were arrested for the hush-money payments, there would be "potential death & destruction." This is a candidate for President of the United States, continuously engaged in stochastic terrorism, and now it seems, ACTUAL threats without the gloss of plausible deniability. Have we reached "peak crazy?" I think not. https://wapo.st/3nhsHgb
I recently got an awesome set of earbuds meaning I can listen to podcasts every day when I take the dog on the "long walk." He loves it, and I'm not bored and annoyed watching him sniff every square inch of the Earth. Win-win! I'm looking forward to this one.
Off topic: if anyone, including Greg, hasn't yet binged "When Truth Isn't Truth: The Rudy Giuliani Story" on Peacock, get a cocktail or two ready and do so. It answers the question, "What happened to Rudy Giuliani?" Spoiler alert: nothing happened to Rudy Giuliani, he has ALWAYS been a horrible human being! The story, though, is quite compelling.
Perhaps humanity suffers from the equivalent of a cognitive retrovirus, bred by the convergence of consciousness and mortality and effectively ineradicable. The eternal return of batshit crazy.
Im going into the hospital for a not so serious thing for two nights (here in Portugal, they really take care of you), and will listen to this delicious discussion by two of my favorite truth-tellers. Cant wait!
Hey, Greg. I really liked your podcast with Aja Raden, though I must admit I had difficulty following at times. You always manage to find the most interesting guests.
I was surprised to hear your ad about Empress. So glad you "strong-armed" me into buying and reading it! I recommend it highly. I was relieved to discover one doesn't need to be a scholar of the Middle Ages in order to enjoy it from cover to cover.
Re-read this because: A Millennial made the comment(s) today 'When did it get this way? or When did it get like this? You/I can feel it. People are ready to explode. ...'
https://www.facebook.com/groups/658935901308452/posts/1448063079062393/
This says it best for me
A great read that made me feel more sane - thank you.
... what Jen said! 😉
I've been enjoying every podcast and can't wait to listen to this one as well.
I think we get stuck sometimes when we assume that all reality is "rational". Our rational way of knowing is just a "layer of abstraction", while definitely the most user-friendly, not the only way of knowing reality. We've been pushing the rational to its limits, and when we encounter something that is other than rational, we start to freak out a little. This is where the opportunists step in and create all kinds of anti-rational noise that gets mistaken for valid other-than-rational understanding. "Peak Crazy", yes. Not sure what we can do except keep paying attention and keep learning.
I'm a believer in accentuating the positive. I see you, Greg, as a positive force for good. Hugs to you and your family.
There are many things I believe. That we have reached "peak crazy" is not one of them.
People had a freak-out earlier in the week because an AI artist posted AI-generated images of Trump being arrested. They're pretty good, but people freaking out about them is crazy and insane. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/chrisstokelwalker/midjourney-ai-donald-trump-arrest-images-ban
Just this morning it was reported that Trump, last night on his "Lies Social" platform, posted that if he were arrested for the hush-money payments, there would be "potential death & destruction." This is a candidate for President of the United States, continuously engaged in stochastic terrorism, and now it seems, ACTUAL threats without the gloss of plausible deniability. Have we reached "peak crazy?" I think not. https://wapo.st/3nhsHgb
I recently got an awesome set of earbuds meaning I can listen to podcasts every day when I take the dog on the "long walk." He loves it, and I'm not bored and annoyed watching him sniff every square inch of the Earth. Win-win! I'm looking forward to this one.
Off topic: if anyone, including Greg, hasn't yet binged "When Truth Isn't Truth: The Rudy Giuliani Story" on Peacock, get a cocktail or two ready and do so. It answers the question, "What happened to Rudy Giuliani?" Spoiler alert: nothing happened to Rudy Giuliani, he has ALWAYS been a horrible human being! The story, though, is quite compelling.
Portrait of an American Strongman
This is the real Donald Trump.
Greg Olear
Feb 1, 2022
Perhaps humanity suffers from the equivalent of a cognitive retrovirus, bred by the convergence of consciousness and mortality and effectively ineradicable. The eternal return of batshit crazy.
Im going into the hospital for a not so serious thing for two nights (here in Portugal, they really take care of you), and will listen to this delicious discussion by two of my favorite truth-tellers. Cant wait!
Hey, Greg. I really liked your podcast with Aja Raden, though I must admit I had difficulty following at times. You always manage to find the most interesting guests.
I was surprised to hear your ad about Empress. So glad you "strong-armed" me into buying and reading it! I recommend it highly. I was relieved to discover one doesn't need to be a scholar of the Middle Ages in order to enjoy it from cover to cover.
Re-read this because: A Millennial made the comment(s) today 'When did it get this way? or When did it get like this? You/I can feel it. People are ready to explode. ...'
While Bat Shit Crazy is bad.
Like Al Capone and Donald.
Guano compost is good.
Here's to the good mammals; Bats.
Blood Diamonds?
Do we need faster computers?
Do we need super AI?
Do we need robot rule?
"The rise of machines."
I am cal. No pal of Hal.
Pardon me, but the real limit to computing is Quantum Tunnelling as transistors get smaller. We already see this today.