The Polymathic Dispatch

The Polymathic Dispatch is a newsletter focused on a wide array of subjects such as cognitive science, meditation, technology, history, and personal development. It provides data-driven and reflective insights into improving daily life, understanding societal shifts, and embracing both ancient wisdom and modern advancements.

Cognitive Science Meditation and Mindfulness Technology and Innovation Career Development Education Strategies Cultural Insights Social Media and Content Creation Environmental and Societal Issues Science and Research History and Anthropology Psychedelics and Mental Health

The hottest Substack posts of The Polymathic Dispatch

And their main takeaways

My sabbatical in review

16 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Meditation Life Transitions Job Market
  1. Taking a break can lead to unexpected challenges and personal growth. Sometimes life throws hard situations your way, and you have to navigate them while figuring out who you are beyond your job.
  2. Meditation and rediscovering old passions helped in coping during tough times. It’s surprising how quiet time and focusing on what you love can bring balance when life gets chaotic.
  3. Job searching can be tough, especially during hard times in the market. The experience can be humbling, but it can also help you appreciate your journey and what you want for your future.

Insomnia

12 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
  1. Changing sleep habits is possible, even if it's challenging.
  2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) can help improve sleep patterns.
  3. Optimizing bedroom environment and establishing a morning routine can enhance sleep quality.

A School Play in the Times of AI

9 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
  1. AI can enhance creativity in education by accelerating the creative process with quality input.
  2. Educators should design assignments focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, originality, and self-reflection to go beyond AI's capabilities.
  3. Embracing AI as a complement to human intellect can lead to more effective and innovative educational strategies.

Buzzkiller

12 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
  1. Drinking alcohol affects the brain in harmful ways, like reducing cognitive flexibility and increasing anxiety.
  2. Alcohol can lead to habit-forming behaviors and impulsive decision-making over time.
  3. Consider exploring non-alcoholic alternatives to enjoy the social aspect without the negative effects of alcohol.

How I made my biggest career mistake at the time I joined Google

9 HN points • 09 Oct 23
  1. Consider carefully before making a career move, especially if it involves relocating or joining a prestigious company.
  2. During the interview phase, thoroughly research your potential team, and don't ignore any red flags.
  3. Large corporations have established processes that may make it challenging to change roles or negotiate after you've signed the employment contract.
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Two books about go

3 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
  1. The book 'Meijin' by Yasunari Kawabata transforms a real-life competitive match of Go into a story full of depth and tension.
  2. In 'Go Nation' by Marc L Moskowitz, the author uses the game as a window into Chinese society and culture, challenging myths and exploring cultural resonance.
  3. 'Hikaru no Go' is not just another anime, it's a nuanced series that introduces viewers to the emotional depth and complex characters of the world of Go.

Psychedelics

3 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
  1. Psychedelics are showing great promise in treating depression, with studies showing significant improvement after just a few sessions.
  2. Psychedelics have a rich history that includes a ban in the US and a unique moment in Czechoslovakia.
  3. Beyond clinical use, psychedelics also have spiritual implications, as seen in the link between Mormons and psychedelics.

India Appreciation Edition

3 implied HN points • 28 Aug 23
  1. India successfully placed its spacecraft, Chandrayaan-3, on the moon's South Pole, surpassing Russia's Luna-25 that had crashed.
  2. Philip Glass's opera 'Satyagraha' is a beautiful meditation on dignity and respect, based on Mahatma Gandhi's life in South Africa.
  3. The Bhagavad Gita offers a unique perspective on divinity with its dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna, and also addresses the controversial caste system in India.

Lesser Told Stories of Slavery

3 implied HN points • 22 Aug 23
  1. Slavic people were frequently enslaved in the Middle Ages.
  2. Slavery was a significant industry in Medieval Europe.
  3. Malik Ambar, a former slave, became a powerful statesman in India.

Meditation, meditation, meditation

3 HN points • 17 Aug 23
  1. Reading scientific studies about meditation benefits can make meditation more appealing and believable.
  2. Learning about the similarities between meditation and psychedelic experiences can add credibility to the practice.
  3. Finding a structured approach to meditation through books or resources can help establish a consistent meditation habit.

Bees, Brains, Violins, and an Abortion

3 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
  1. Bees may be smarter than we think, capable of using tools and displaying cognitive abilities.
  2. Facing the challenges of an abortion in Poland can be emotionally difficult due to restrictive laws and hurdles in the system.
  3. Research continues to explore the relevance of Freud's metapsychology in neurobiology, suggesting some enduring value in his work.

Less Facebook, more Substack

3 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
  1. Social media platforms like Facebook are designed to be addictive by providing inconsistent rewards.
  2. Focusing on algorithmic rules can overshadow genuine content on social media.
  3. Transitioning to sharing straightforward content based on merit can provide a refreshing change.

Navigating Scientific Literature with ChatGPT: A Personal Guide

2 HN points • 21 Sep 23
  1. Separate fact from fiction in a world filled with information by accessing primary scientific sources.
  2. Use a methodical approach when delving into scientific literature, starting broad, validating with experts, and then focusing on specifics.
  3. Leverage tools like ChatGPT to assist in understanding complex scientific materials, but always verify insights through trusted sources.

Hacking My Son's Bath Time With Science

1 HN point • 10 Sep 23
  1. Bath time routine improved significantly after implementing self-coaching strategy
  2. Children's underdeveloped prefrontal cortex makes focusing on tasks challenging
  3. Engaging in self-coaching tasks can empower children and influence cognitive development

Hell's Soundtrack

0 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
  1. If you have a song stuck in your head, try playing it on an instrument to get rid of it.
  2. The Zeigarnik effect suggests that our brains complete an interrupted song, causing earworms.
  3. In Buddhism, avoiding music, as in the Eight Precepts, can help with mental focus like in meditation.

Pandora's Lab

0 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
  1. Heroin was originally thought to be a non-addictive substitute for morphine, but turned out to be highly addictive.
  2. Fritz Haber, known for the Haber-Bosch process, was a hero for agricultural innovation but a war criminal for chemical weapons.
  3. Hitler's racial theories were influenced by Madison Grant's book, leading to devastating consequences.