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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

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.

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.

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.
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Your self

26 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🔬 Science Biology Data science 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 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.

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.

Of mice and men

8 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
🔬 Science Biology Behavior Evolution Research
  1. Species use strategic behaviors for reproduction.
  2. Evolutionary stable strategies result in competitive balance among populations.
  3. Different species exhibit varied mating strategies for reproductive success.

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.