Intersectional Thinking

Intersectional Thinking explores the crossroads of creativity, culture, and cognition through diverse lenses. It delves into how perception shapes reality, the nuances of language and value, the quest for authenticity, and the impact of storytelling. The blog examines societal constructs, personal experiences, and philosophical insights, highlighting the interconnectedness of ideas.

Creativity and Intelligence Cultural Perception and Language Authenticity and Identity Historical and Cultural Anomalies Philosophical Insights Societal and Economic Commentary The Impact of Storytelling Personal Growth and Reflection Technology and Society Art and Aesthetics

The hottest Substack posts of Intersectional Thinking

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Septem means 7, so why is September the 9th month?

334 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
  1. September is the 9th month despite 'Septem' meaning 7.
  2. The numerical order of months was changed by Julius Caesar when he revamped the Roman calendar.
  3. Sometimes things have names that don't exactly match their meanings, like kombucha being marketed as tea when it's a fermented drink.

What’s your map of my territory?

766 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
  1. Color perception can vary based on language and cultural context
  2. Language can influence how objects are perceived (e.g., gendered nouns)
  3. People's appearance may be perceived differently in different cultural contexts

bush diaries

176 implied HN points • 09 May 22
  1. The African bug will make you want to come back to the continent
  2. Being on safari offers unique experiences like observing wildlife tracks and behaviors
  3. Power dynamics within wildlife groups can mirror human struggles

Japanese vs Chinese sensibility

157 implied HN points • 04 Apr 22
  1. Japanese aesthetics appreciate impermanence through cherry blossoms.
  2. Chinese sensibility emphasizes resilience, like the plum blossoms.
  3. Sensibilities can be influenced by the emphasis on different flowers.

thinking about money

137 implied HN points • 18 Apr 22
  1. Consider compromising creativity for wider audience and long-term success
  2. Beware of loopholes in payment schemes like 'Study-Now-Pay-Later'
  3. The Greek word for school, 'schole', actually meant leisure

Rain man

137 implied HN points • 11 Apr 22
  1. Identifying as a 'Rain man' or 'Rain woman' is a real phenomenon, with a social group even forming around it in Japan.
  2. Art imitates life and life imitates art, creating an interesting paradox.
  3. Humans share similarities with fish, showcasing unexpected connections in nature.

The internet is Tokyo

176 implied HN points • 15 Nov 21
  1. The internet allows you to be niche at scale.
  2. In Tokyo, competition is fierce but creators are determined.
  3. If your first try doesn't work, keep going. It's only the beginning.

Overhearing a conversation about Ukraine

137 implied HN points • 28 Feb 22
  1. Overheard a conversation about Ukraine that felt personal due to the war
  2. Reflecting on how to respond with empathy in difficult situations
  3. Remembering the importance of acknowledging the humanity of all involved in conflicts

Tao Te Ching, Weasel Words, and Japanese Manholes

117 implied HN points • 25 Apr 22
  1. Tao Te Ching emphasizes the importance of ineffability and contrasts accessible versus accurate translations.
  2. Russell's conjugation shows how synonymous words can change meaning based on emotions.
  3. Exploring Japanese manholes sparks intriguing discussions and insights.

The Creator Seed Round

137 implied HN points • 14 Feb 22
  1. Invest in people, not products, is becoming a trend in the Creator Economy.
  2. A new funding model, Creator Seed Round, allows investors to receive a percentage of a creator's future earnings for a set period of time.
  3. The Creator Seed Round provides creators with a way to access capital to grow their businesses without giving up significant control.

Mapping time, Zoom Paradox, Genius of Simplicity

137 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
  1. History can be visualized in unique ways like maps and charts.
  2. The Zoom Paradox: on Zoom, you can't make eye contact and see the person's face at the same time.
  3. Simplicity propels geniuses more than breaking down complexities.

Thinking in 480p vs 4K

117 implied HN points • 14 Mar 22
  1. Metaphors connect seemingly unrelated ideas.
  2. Value in knowledge work is redefining concepts clearly.
  3. Shared language enhances understanding and feedback.

Those who tell stories rule society

157 implied HN points • 23 Sep 21
  1. Storytellers have significant influence over society
  2. Language is alive and shaped by influential writers
  3. The power of storytelling goes beyond just language

Why Airports Feel Like Home

117 implied HN points • 18 Jan 22
  1. Airports are considered non-places where people pass through anonymously, but they can still feel strangely homey.
  2. Home is more about a sense of belonging rather than a physical place where one permanently resides.
  3. Airports hold emotional memories and a sense of belonging for travelers, both landside and airside.

The Eight-Thousander Paradox

117 implied HN points • 06 Dec 21
  1. Mountaineers are driven by the challenge of climbing dangerous peaks.
  2. Ambition often pushes individuals to seek intense experiences outside their comfort zones.
  3. Questioning the true motivations behind our pursuits can lead to introspection.

Luxury needs context

98 implied HN points • 24 Jan 22
  1. Luxury holds different value based on social context.
  2. Intangible assets play a significant role in determining one's value.
  3. Understanding your context is essential in knowing your worth.

Intersectional Idea Wrap Up: 2021

98 implied HN points • 27 Dec 21
  1. Create an aftertaste - Imperfections make things interesting, not perfection.
  2. When big picture meets tiny details - Focus on the direction and goals, details aren't always crucial.
  3. Fleeting notes, literature notes, and permanent notes - Use the Zettelkasten method for effective note-taking and idea tracking.

A private conversation with Alain de Botton

117 implied HN points • 01 Oct 21
  1. Clichés may hinder deeper understanding by offering superficial articulations.
  2. Slowing down and paying attention can lead to more interesting experiences and observations.
  3. Creating your own language allows for authenticity and a broader, more truthful portrayal of human behavior.

Special Edition: 2021 Favourites

98 implied HN points • 20 Dec 21
  1. Recommended books for 2021: The Spy and Traitor, Hotel Cactus, The Coddling of the American Mind
  2. Favorite places: Abruzzo, Italy; Kyoto by the sea, Japan; Ernest Ice Cream, Vancouver
  3. Interesting art and products: Tate YouTube channel, WTAPS fashion brand, NFTs, Ronnie Chieng's Chinese New Year Red Packets

My first magic trick

98 implied HN points • 22 Nov 21
  1. The author performed their first magic trick in Tokyo with a simple card trick that amazed their audience of two.
  2. Even though the author was ready to reveal the magic trick, their audience members didn't really want to know, enjoying the mystery.
  3. The author reflects on the joy of believing in something magical, likening revealing the trick to saying Santa Claus isn't real.

Friendships Measured in Likes

78 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
  1. Our friendships are often measured using likes and shares on social media.
  2. Digital social currencies play a significant role in our interactions and relationships online.
  3. The value of certain digital assets, like NFTs, may not be solely in their material representation.

The authority on beauty

98 implied HN points • 08 Nov 21
  1. Appreciate beauty in art without fully understanding it, like Feynman's perspective on a flower.
  2. Develop a holistic mindset by studying both art and science, and understanding how everything is connected.
  3. See with your mind, not just your eyes, as Leonardo da Vinci suggested.

The 3 wise men & vinegar

78 implied HN points • 07 Feb 22
  1. A story of three wise men and vinegar representing life's different perspectives
  2. Exploring the Ship of Theseus paradox - questioning identity through change
  3. Visual Zettelkasten as a means of not thinking alone and expanding perspectives

Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.

98 implied HN points • 17 Oct 21
  1. The Navy SEAL adage teaches: Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
  2. Paradoxes can reveal deeper truths about reality and perception.
  3. Embrace confusion to provoke critical thinking and challenge perspectives.

The end of Chinatown

98 implied HN points • 09 Oct 21
  1. Chinatown has changed over the years, becoming gentrified and losing some of its traditional charm.
  2. Visiting the herbal medicine shop in Chinatown evoked feelings of nostalgia and familiarity for the author.
  3. The author reflects on the possibility that traditional shops like the herbal medicine store may disappear as the area changes and evolves.

The weather is like business problems

78 implied HN points • 13 Dec 21
  1. In business, the perceived value of a solution depends on the perceived magnitude of the problem it solves
  2. Small problems can have serious second order consequences, even if they are not seen as pressing issues initially
  3. Value can hide in small problem solvers, creating opportunities for arbitrage and innovation

A Beautiful New Word to Describe an Obscure Emotion

78 implied HN points • 01 Nov 21
  1. Sonder is the realization that each person's life is as vivid and complex as your own.
  2. Experiencing sonder can evoke feelings of humility and melancholy.
  3. Choosing our perspective on life can greatly affect the narrative we tell ourselves.

New Year New You?

58 implied HN points • 04 Jan 22
  1. Identity has social and personal aspects
  2. Identity is complex and can be layered
  3. We can shape our personal identity by embracing different roles

The microwave that's never on time

58 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
  1. Appliances like microwaves aren't late because they're bad with time, but because they're counting frequency.
  2. In different regions, the electric current alternates at different frequencies, affecting timekeeping in appliances.
  3. A slight difference in frequency can lead to significant time discrepancies in appliances like microwaves.

How do you find happiness in the Metaverse?

39 implied HN points • 10 Jan 22
  1. Age influences how people perceive reality - physical or digital.
  2. The advancement of our digital minds does not align with our physical bodies.
  3. Architecture and intentional design can help bridge the gap between physical and digital demands for happiness.

Mathematicians have solved traffic jams

39 implied HN points • 25 Oct 21
  1. Mathematicians have developed solutions for traffic congestion.
  2. These solutions include using the same navigation system for all drivers and converting street parking into traffic lanes.
  3. Framing your approach in a more appealing way can help in getting others to listen and accept it.

Confucius say: imitation is art

2 HN points • 21 Mar 22
  1. Imitation can lead to unexpected collaborations
  2. Copies and adaptations can shape cultural discourse
  3. Every representation of an idea adds value and evolves its meaning

Coming soon

0 implied HN points • 03 Sep 21
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