Hey Everyone,
This week I was going through my old bookmarks and stumbled upon a talk which had this quote (by Marshall McLuhan, sort of):
"We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us."
The idea is that our tools change our environment which in turn influences and shapes us. I find this so captivating!
I mean, look around at all these tools we are surrounded with: our homes, our roads, our electronic devices, and even all the digital spaces we inhabit.
Now, we don't actually build (most of) these tools. But, we do have some influence over how we use them. For instance, what apps we keep on our phone is a way we shape our usage of it, which in turn, over time, shapes us. The people and accounts we follow on social media constitutes one aspect of how we use it which goes on to dictate how it eventually influences us. (After all, we are what we consume).
More generally, this can relate to habit formation through environment design i.e how we can create an environment that gets us to stick to a habit we want to (or stop one we don't want).
All in all, this feels like a superpower! Being able to control something that controls us. Almost like playing God over oneself.
Takeaway: We need to be more deliberate about the tools we use and how we use them.
// Talks and Videos
When We Build
Wilson Miner | 40 mins
This is the talk I mentioned above.
Summary: We build tools, which then shape our environment, which in turn shape our lives. When building such tools, it is imperative we don't take simplicity for granted, that we think like an artist, and build with a long-term view.
All in all, the talk is both informative and (perhaps even more so) inspiring. A great combo.
Oh hello, you’re alive
exurb1a | 4 mins
Nothing matters :| Nothing matters! :D
// Readings
The Commuting Principle That Shaped Urban History
Jonathan English | 15 mins
Why are cities the way they are? Well, one factor is the transportation technologies available.
"From ancient Rome to modern Atlanta, the shape of cities has been defined by the technologies that allow commuters to get to work in about 30 minutes."
How has the story of the city you reside in (Kathmandu?) been shaped by its transportation system? In what ways would the city be different if the system were different?
(Note: This is not an assignment :P Just food-for-thought).
The Beauty of Settled Science
Eliezer Yudkowsky | 3 mins
"Facts do not need to be unexplainable, to be beautiful; truths do not become less worth learning, if someone else knows them; beliefs do not become less worthwhile, if many others share them and if you only care about scientific issues that are controversial, you will end up with a head stuffed full of garbage"
Let's take a moment to appreciate what we do know :)
// Stories and Poems
Creative Writing
Etgar Keret | 8 mins | Short Story
The stories within this story are so fascinating!
The More Loving One
W.H. Auden | 2 mins | Poem
In awe of this poem in awe.
// Could Be Useful
Learn Anything
Site with resources to get started with just about anything…
Amazon Writing Style Tips
Tweet with tips for writing in the workplace at Amazon. Useful in general too.
DeTeXify
For those pesky symbols you can’t find a name for in LaTeX .
// Music
I only stumbled upon Bill’s songs this month and have been listening to many of them on repeat. Sadly, he passed away this March.
May you be at peace Bill and thank you for your music.
One of my go-to calming songs.
// Wholesome
That's it for me this week.
See ya. Take Care!
With Love,
Bijay