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The Strategy Toolkit explores the interdisciplinary application of strategy, covering philosophy, business, technology, evolution, and geography. It delves into how strategic thinking influences human behavior, decision-making, and societal trends, using examples from nature, economics, and culture to illustrate concepts of strategy and adaptation.

Philosophy and Strategy Business and Economics Technology and Innovation Evolution and Behavioral Science Geography and Mapping Language and Communication Cultural Dynamics Environmental Adaptation

The hottest Substack posts of The Strategy Toolkit

And their main takeaways

Text to robot, olfactory, and geopolitical strategies

17 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Robotics AI Innovation Design Engineering
  1. MIT scientists are creating robots using a new method called 'text to robot', where you can describe what you want the robot to do using simple language. For example, you can ask for a robot that can walk or make lemonade.
  2. This AI-driven design approach allows for innovative robot designs, like a special robotic hand that can operate medical tools effectively. It's exciting to think about how these robots could be used in hospitals.
  3. The work combines ideas from different fields, like biology and engineering, to inspire a new generation of robots that are practical and useful in everyday tasks.

Robotic insect, navigation, and scientific discovery strategies

17 implied HN points • 19 May 25
🕹 Technology Robotics Engineering Innovation Science Research
  1. Roboticists are learning from insects to improve robot designs, especially in how they land. By studying how crane flies land, they can create safer landing techniques for flying robots.
  2. Insects have different methods for landing safely, like using controlled flights or soft body impacts. Scientists are using these methods to design robotic limbs that help drones land softly on various surfaces.
  3. The work on robotic insects shows how nature can inspire technology. By looking at how real insects behave, engineers can create smarter and more efficient machines.

From the archives: The strain of civilisation

372 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🔬 Science Language Technology Communication Evolution Innovation
  1. Technology has significant effects on language evolution and communication, impacting knowledge transmission and cultural dynamics.
  2. The adaptability and flexibility of languages like Chinese and English contribute to their success and widespread adoption.
  3. Understanding the power dynamics of language, literacy, and communication is crucial for effective negotiation and societal progress.

The light

251 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🚌 Education Geography History Strategy Science
  1. Geography is about the relationships between people and the land they live on.
  2. Maps are powerful tools used to convey power and influence.
  3. Mapmaking is influenced by subjective knowledge and various factors like politics and beliefs.

Fundamental physics, new drug delivery & hair growth strategies

8 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🔬 Science Physics Neuroscience Technology Research
  1. Condensed matter physics has influenced the development of neural networks, showing that physics concepts can explain complex systems.
  2. John Hopfield created a model of neural networks that simplifies computation without focusing too much on biology.
  3. This model can remember information by using energy states, similar to how memories might work in real biological systems.
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Avian navigation, transparency & insect symbiotic strategies

8 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Navigation Military Tech Startups Innovation
  1. The US military is looking for new navigation systems inspired by how birds navigate. They want something that doesn't rely on satellites, which can be risky.
  2. A startup called SandboxAQ is developing a magnetic navigation system that uses Earth's magnetic fingerprints to help with positioning, similar to how birds find their way.
  3. This new navigation technology is compact and ready for use, showing how innovative thinking can provide solutions to current challenges.

Pregnancy, non-linear optical computing, and open business model strategies

8 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy Economics Demographics Technology Policy
  1. Countries with aging populations are trying to boost birth rates but often overlook the real-life choices and challenges that people face. Understanding psychology and behavior can help shape better strategies for families.
  2. Many individuals feel pressured about starting families due to career concerns. Now, some are even planning pregnancies to align with job stability needs.
  3. Good strategists realize that issues related to family planning are global and not limited to just one country, highlighting a broader trend in society.

Between human and non-human

43 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Strategy Philosophy Consciousness Ethics Happiness
  1. The post discusses the relationship between human and non-human entities in the context of philosophy and strategy.
  2. Individuals running companies and organizations are influenced by philosophy, guiding decision-making and strategy.
  3. Philosophical concepts such as consciousness, free will, morality, and value play a crucial role in strategy and decision-making.

Always

17 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology Environment Genetics Public Health
  1. Finger length ratios can be linked to exposure to testosterone in the womb and may have correlations with autism, left-handedness, dyslexia, and other brain-related traits.
  2. Research into the fetal origins of adult disease suggests that fetuses optimize development for short-term gains, potentially leading to long-term health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
  3. Evidence from studies on animal brains and organs in different dietary environments supports the hypothesis that early life conditions can have lasting impacts on health, with implications for public health strategies.

Good enough

17 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Strategy Crime Business Power Law
  1. Crime can be seen as the negative of the law and involves strategic decision-making.
  2. Desperation can lead to breaking laws for survival, showcasing a range of strategies to cope.
  3. Studying criminal strategies can provide insights that are applicable to legal and acceptable actions.

Strategies in the news (February 6, 2023)

34 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
  1. Buy-now-pay-later companies are focusing on enhancing overall shopping experiences beyond just payment options.
  2. In a time of stagflation, businesses may pass cost increases to customers, resort to shrinkflation, or seek efficiency gains to mitigate rising costs.
  3. Animals like cats use reflective tissue layers in their eyes to enhance vision at night, a strategy that can be applied to materials for light absorption.

Your self

26 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🔬 Science Biology Data science Human Evolution Genetics Climate change
  1. Data is valuable, but not the only answer - combining mysteries, facts, and numbers leads to better understanding.
  2. Using historical data for predictions can be risky - correlation does not always imply causation.
  3. Human evolution is ongoing - recent studies show an acceleration in mutations due to environmental changes.

Strategies in Toronto (as winter ends)

26 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture
  1. Product extensions can be innovative and unexpected, like maple syrup on salad.
  2. Embrace positivity and make the most of sunny days.
  3. Prepare for unpredictable weather by dressing appropriately, even in late April.

Anniversary bonus: A sample from the archives of 2020

26 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🔬 Science Language Evolution Genetics Virology
  1. Language is a key element that distinguishes humans from other species and plays a vital role in human history.
  2. The study of the survival and extinction of languages over time reveals the impact of demographics, empire-building, and technological change.
  3. Reviving a dying language involves various strategies such as language nests, support from institutions, political action, and technology.

Strategies in Malaysia

26 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Innovation Diversity
  1. Malaysia uses clear signage to convey messages effectively.
  2. Motorcycle drivers in Malaysia invent new lanes due to congested highways.
  3. Malaysia's street art scene, especially the use of optical illusions, brings a smile to people's faces.

Join me on Notes

17 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Social media Creativity Community Dialogue
  1. Notes is a new space on Substack for sharing ideas, links, and more.
  2. Subscribers to The Strategy Toolkit can automatically see notes by heading to substack.com/notes.
  3. Writers and readers join Substack Notes for dialogue, alternative to social media, and creating a positive space.

Oranges and lemons

8 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🔬 Science Biology Evolution Emotion Behavior Research
  1. Laughter may serve a strategic purpose, including masking other emotions like anger.
  2. Evolutionary biologists study laughter to understand human behavior in incongruous situations and for social communication.
  3. The process of natural selection is likened to a startup's product development, evolving over time like an MVP.

Something in the air

8 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religions Religious history
  1. Major world faiths are defined by the number of adherents or followers.
  2. Some factors that define major world faiths include longevity and geographic distribution.
  3. Each major faith emerged to meet deep societal needs and exhibited flexibility for survival.

Randomness, dodging phone bans & astrological strategies

0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Digital Media Algorithms User Experience Software Development Data Analysis
  1. People expect randomness to seem chaotic, but true randomness can appear ordered. This misunderstanding affects how we perceive things like music playlists.
  2. Users often complain about problems with shuffle algorithms, thinking they should never see clusters of songs from the same artist. But statistically, that can happen and is actually normal.
  3. Our brains are wired to look for patterns, making us think randomness should behave in a way that fits our expectations, rather than how it actually works.

Artistic activism, the genetics of personality & archeological strategies

0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Art Activism History Sociology Gender Studies
  1. Art can be a powerful tool for activism. Throughout history, artists have used their work to express resistance and challenge authority.
  2. Textile art, like knitting and embroidery, has been a form of protest, especially against domestic violence. These activities are often seen as simple, but they carry deep meaning and impact.
  3. Women's use of sewing as a form of resistance shows that there is a lot of thought and intention behind their actions. It challenges the assumption that crafts are purely trivial.

Poker, appendage sensory & game theories

0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Strategy Finance Risk management Decision-making
  1. Understanding poker can help improve decision-making in life. Like in poker, you can use probabilities to assess risks and make smarter choices.
  2. Learning key poker concepts like pot odds and bluffing can enhance your strategy skills. These ideas apply not just to cards but to many situations we face.
  3. Successful people think strategically and take calculated risks. Adopting a mindset similar to a poker player can help you navigate challenges better.

Goldfish loss, eating less to live longer, & octopus adhesive strategies

0 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Research Computing Innovation
  1. Large language models can accidentally memorize and repeat their training data, which can lead to problems like copyright issues.
  2. To help avoid this memorization, researchers developed a method called 'goldfish loss' that randomly excludes some training tokens during the learning process.
  3. This technique helps models to generate responses without repeating exact phrases from their training data, while still performing well in other tasks.

Experience strategy & corporate strategy

0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate strategy Marketing Consulting Leadership
  1. Experience strategy is important for businesses to connect better with their customers. It focuses on how customers feel about their interaction with a brand.
  2. Corporate strategy should include experience strategy to create a cohesive vision for the company. This means aligning customer experiences with overall business goals.
  3. Integrating both strategies can lead to better performance and customer loyalty. When a company works on these together, it can help grow the business.

Toys, scratching, and quantum strategies

0 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Child development Education Anthropology Sociology History
  1. Choosing the right toys can significantly impact children's development. Toys can teach vital skills that prepare kids for adult life.
  2. Research shows that the Norse settlers in Greenland struggled due to the lack of useful toys for their children. Their creativity suffered, which contributed to their downfall.
  3. Inuit children thrived because they had more diverse and relevant toys. This helped them be more innovative and adapt better to their environment.