Volunteering to be infected with COVID — for science! (with Josh Morrison)
1. Evaluate Arguments by Merit
Focus on the content of what is being said rather than the credentials of the speaker, to ensure beliefs are formed based on substance.
2. Communicate Probabilities Precisely
Use numerical percentages (e.g., “70% confident”) instead of vague words like “probably” or “possible” to avoid miscommunication, especially for mid-range probabilities.
3. Practice Skepticism with Forecasts
When encountering forecasts or probability assessments, actively question and think about what the communicator is truly trying to convey, as language can be ambiguous.
4. Acknowledge Uncertainty Explicitly
When making predictions or presenting data, be assertive about acknowledging uncertainty and clearly state its sources to provide a more honest and complete picture.
5. Strengthen Arguments with Data
Center your arguments and stories around specific data points or facts (e.g., “this intersection saw an increase in collisions”) to make them more compelling and factual.
6. View Critique as Improvement
Interpret internal critique of a country or system as an attempt to identify and fix problems, rather than a fundamental rejection or desire to destroy.
7. Scrutinize Social Science Studies
When reading social science studies, pay close attention to the details of how data was collected and analyzed, as these specifics significantly impact the findings.
8. Practice Probabilistic Forecasting
Use tools like Prediction Book to make probabilistic predictions about important life events, which helps fine-tune your thinking and improve forecasting calibration.
9. Interrogate Models for Missing Information
When using models (e.g., ELO models for sports), actively identify and incorporate information that the model lacks to build more accurate and nuanced estimates.
10. Support Altruistic Choices
Avoid projecting personal moral dilemmas onto others who choose to engage in altruistic acts like organ donation or challenge studies; instead, support their choices.
11. Advocate for Organ Donor Support
Treat organ donors as honored public servants by advocating for them to receive the best healthcare, stipends for follow-up, and reimbursement for expenses.
12. Consider Good Samaritan Kidney Donation
If willing to donate a kidney, consider donating to a stranger (Good Samaritan donation) as it can initiate a “kidney exchange” chain, potentially saving multiple lives.
13. Share Positive Donation Experiences
If you have a positive experience with organ donation, share it to encourage others, especially family members, to consider donation if the need arises.
14. Advocate for Consistent Marijuana Legalization
Support and advocate for consistent and full federal legalization of marijuana, addressing the current inconsistencies where it’s federally illegal but legal in some states.
15. Utilize Visual Media for Depth
Employ drawn visuals or animated mediums to explore deeper or darker themes, as the heightened sense of unreality can allow audiences to tolerate more intense content.
16. Consider Alternative Reading Forms
When assessing reading habits, broaden your perspective beyond traditional books to include digital formats like web comics and fan fiction, which are popular among younger generations.
17. Use Text-Based Communication for Depth
Leverage text-based, asynchronous communication (like instant messaging) to facilitate deeper conversations, as the absence of immediate face-to-face interaction can encourage more open expression.
18. Explore Graphic Novels and Manga
Visit your local library or bookstore to explore the diverse and often intense themes found in graphic novels and manga, which represent a rapidly growing segment of adult fiction.
19. Read NumLock News
Subscribe to Walt Hickey’s free daily newsletter, NumLock News (numlocknews.com), to get key data points and facts from seven stories each weekday morning.
20. Use ThoughtSaver for Recall
Utilize ThoughtSaver (ThoughtSaver.com), a free tool that sends daily flashcard quizzes, to help remember important ideas and strengthen recall.
21. Use MindEase for Stress Relief
If feeling stressed or anxious, try MindEase (mindease.io), a free app offering scientifically proven, interactive exercises to relieve stress and anxiety in under 10 minutes.