We’re now three weeks into living the imperfect life. Something that’s been on my mind recently is the idea of “information flows” (my working term), and I want to share that idea with you. Feel free to add your comments and thoughts about it below. The idea is
The Spark File is a favorite tool of writers. It's incredibly simple. It's a document of running bullet points containing ideas, connections, questions, and leads. New idea? Add a bullet point. New question that might be worth thinking about later? Add a bullet point. (I first
We’re now one week into living the imperfect life. This is the first of a handful of notes I’ll send to all those who registered for the event—both those reading the book and those planning to use the conversation with Oliver as their jumping off point. The
In March, Behavioral Scientist will host author Oliver Burkeman for a conversation about living the imperfect life. The excerpt below is from his book Meditation for Mortals, which is designed as a four-week "retreat of the mind." The book comprises 28 brief chapters meant to be read at
Reading Oliver Burkeman feels as if someone reached into your thoughts and pulled out all the advice you’ve ever received on productivity, time-management, work-life balance, burnout, and well-being so you could get a clear look at it. With everything in the open, you’re able to see what’s
Editor's note: Kurt Vonnegut delivered the following speech at the University of Chicago in 1994. I discovered it in a lovely collection of his speeches and commencement addresses. The collection is titled: If This Isn't Nice, What Is? The Graduation Speeches and Other Words to Live
I am excited to share the third and final conversation in the Techno-Visions series. I spoke with MIT economist Simon Johnson about his new book, Power and Progress, co-authored with fellow MIT economist Daron Acemoglu. A Techno-Visions Conversation with Simon Johnson0:00/3127.9681×
Despite being October, our Summer Book Club is still running. Travel to Colombia and Kenya over the past three weeks delayed the final lap of Techno-Visions. (The travel is part of our initiative to expand the routes of behavioral science knowledge around the world). I am writing with an update
This Thursday, we’ll speak with psychologist Barry Schwartz about why we work. One topic we’ll explore is how our ideas about human nature, whether true or false, can shape the workplaces we create, an idea Barry has explored throughout his career. Below is an introduction to the idea
Techno-Visions
We are pleased to announce the dates and times for the Techno-Visions Expert Conversations Series. To help illuminate questions and ideas inspired by Player Piano, we'll host two live conversations and one pre-recorded conversation. We'll speak with Barry Schwartz and Jane McGonigal live. The live conversations
Techno-Visions
Techno-Visions
Early on in Player Piano, Paul crosses the river into Homestead to buy a “bottle of Irish” for Finnerty. While waiting for the bartender to retrieve the whiskey, Paul suffers through an awkward and embarrassing exchange with two gentlemen at the bar. There is Rudy Hertz, a retired machinist full
Techno-Visions
Why did Kurt Vonnegut choose the title Player Piano? Although I first picked up the book 15 or 20 years ago, I never gave the question much thought. There are a couple of scenes with a player piano in the bar in Homestead, but they seem to serve a supporting
Techno-Visions
“It’s just the most marvelous practical joke,” Kurt Vonnegut says about writing. “Because imagine just making little marks on paper and having somebody cry. The damn fool will really weep, or get frightened. I just think it’s hilarious to do something to somebody with a piece of paper.
Techno-Visions
This weekend, I received a handful of emails from members who wanted to share a thought or an article or a question that connected to Player Piano and the Techno-Visions theme. It was great to find them in my inbox, but I wondered, wouldn't other members like to
Techno-Visions
Early on in Player Piano, star engineer and insufferable malcontent, Ed Finnerty delivers one of Vonnegut’s more memorable lines; a line of his that people still like to quote today. “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over,” Finnerty tells protagonist Paul
Techno-Visions
And we’re off! This week is the official start of Techno-Visions. It means it’s time to get reading, and that you can keep your eyes out for bonus content starting this week. We’ll also announce the expert conversation lineup soon. As we begin, I want to share
Techno-Visions
We’re beaming this letter to you through the Summer Book Club website. The purpose of the message is threefold: welcome you to the club, put the communication system through its paces, and share a lesson from Uncle Alex. Welcome and Getting Started First, I want to welcome you to
Techno-Visions
This summer, we invite you to join Behavioral Scientist’s Summer Book Club: Techno-Visions. We’ll read Kurt Vonnegut’s novel, Player Piano, about a future society full of powerful machines, the special class of engineers who manages them, and the people at the mercy of both. The 1952 novel