The hottest Substack posts of thezvi

And their main takeaways
2 HN points β€’ 21 Feb 24
  1. Older restaurants are often selected for and reward repeat business, so trying them in your area could be valuable.
  2. Exploration and discovery of restaurants are easier and more rewarding in the review era compared to the pre-review era. Online ratings can be valuable but may not fully replace personal exploration and judgment.
  3. Yelp and DoorDash ratings may not always accurately identify exceptional dining experiences, so personal exploration and validation remain important.
1 HN point β€’ 12 Mar 24
  1. The investigation found no wrongdoing with OpenAI and the new board has been expanded, showing that Sam Altman is back in control.
  2. The new board members lack technical understanding of AI, raising concerns about the board's ability to govern OpenAI effectively.
  3. There are lingering questions about what caused the initial attempt to fire Sam Altman and the ongoing status of Ilya Sutskever within OpenAI.
535 implied HN points β€’ 25 Apr 19
  1. Justice can be viewed asymmetrically or symmetrically depending on the model used.
  2. Asymmetric justice penalizes bad actions more than it rewards good actions.
  3. In a symmetric justice system, both good and bad actions are taken into account, providing incentives for positive action.
223 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 20
  1. When aiming to succeed, money often matters more than effort or pain.
  2. In certain situations, people make choices based on signaling their motives rather than physical outcomes.
  3. Actions are sometimes chosen to signal values or loyalties, even when a better option exists.
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267 implied HN points β€’ 23 May 20
  1. Managers in the corporate world must focus solely on manipulating the system to advance, leading to a toxic cycle of competition and decay within organizations.
  2. The concept of 'super-perfect competition' can be destructive, pushing individuals to continuously compete even when the outcomes result in losses for all involved.
  3. Identifying and actively opposing 'moral mazes' in workplaces is crucial to prevent their spread and mitigate their damaging effects on individuals and society.
1 HN point β€’ 15 Feb 24
  1. Gemini Advanced shows potential in some areas but is perceived as slightly behind ChatGPT overall.
  2. Gemini Advanced is faster and offers unlimited messages compared to ChatGPT, making it beneficial for workflow.
  3. Gemini Advanced has pros like good explanations, faster response, and Google integration, but also cons like being less flexible and refusing to answer more frequently.
1 HN point β€’ 08 Jan 24
  1. Assessing predictions involves more than just being right or wrong, it's about the decision-making process and understanding market dynamics.
  2. Market overconfidence was noted in various prediction markets on topics like political outcomes, war events, and tech advancements.
  3. Actionable insights include focusing on probabilities, being aware of bias, and understanding external factors that influence outcomes.
44 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 21
  1. Roguebook is considered a good game for fans of Slay the Spire and Monster Train.
  2. The game offers the experience of powering up and doing powerful things, but lacks innovation in certain key areas.
  3. Progression in Roguebook can be uneven, leading to periods of easy gameplay followed by brief challenges.
133 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 17
  1. Leading men is crucial in various fields, not just technical skills
  2. Small mistakes may not matter as much if you excel at leading and inspiring others
  3. Unique positions often require unique qualities and may not prioritize 'ordinary competence'
1 HN point β€’ 20 Nov 23
  1. OpenAI underwent significant leadership changes, including the removal of CEO Sam Altman and the appointment of an interim CEO.
  2. The board's handling of the situation was criticized, with disagreements over the decision and communication methods.
  3. There was a strong reaction from employees, with many signing a letter demanding the board to resign and reinstate the previous leadership.
44 implied HN points β€’ 03 Aug 20
  1. Simulacra levels are complex and difficult to understand.
  2. There are different definitions of simulacra levels, but they can be reconciled.
  3. The higher the level of a group or civilization, the more symbolic and disconnected from reality their actions become.
44 implied HN points β€’ 13 Mar 20
  1. Schools provide value beyond education, such as free meals and childcare for parents.
  2. Closing schools during the COVID-19 outbreak reveals the broader societal issues they address.
  3. One major concern of closing schools is the impact on children's learning and development.
44 implied HN points β€’ 28 Dec 19
  1. The world doesn't always operate in a way that leads to gloomy outcomes predicted by pessimistic models like Moloch
  2. Despite powerful forces looking to destroy value, there's still plenty of good and worth in the world
  3. Acknowledging the presence of opposing forces like Elua, who continue to counterbalance Moloch's negative influence
89 implied HN points β€’ 23 Sep 17
  1. When dealing with entities that are 'Out to Get You,' trust your gut instincts and stay alert for tricks and traps.
  2. There are four responses to situations with the intent to deceive you: Get Gone, Get Got, Get Compact, or Get Ready.
  3. Make conscious decisions about when to engage in situations where you may be deceived, setting boundaries on what you're willing to accept.
44 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 19
  1. Smart people are debating whether blackmail should be legal or illegal.
  2. Blackmail can lead to destructive and harmful behaviors, creating a society where trust is eroded and zero-sum thinking prevails.
  3. Individuals can contribute to a better world by choosing not to engage in harmful behavior, fostering trust and cooperation.
1 HN point β€’ 05 Sep 23
  1. Opinions on the best food vary, but ultimately it's a matter of personal preference
  2. American food offers great variety and quality, making it a top contender in the food debate
  3. French food may be overrated, lacking in variety and convenience compared to American cuisine
44 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 17
  1. Sometimes more is better, especially when dealing with inadequacy or problems that need escalated solutions.
  2. Don't be afraid to try doing more of something that has shown positive results, even if it seems unconventional or unexplored.
  3. Challenge the mindset that stops you from trying things that could have low risks and great benefits, even if they seem socially awkward or unlikely to succeed.
44 implied HN points β€’ 10 Sep 17
  1. Rationality involves systematically improving how you understand and act on the world.
  2. A rationalist highly values the process of updating beliefs based on evidence.
  3. Explore more of rationalist thinking by reading the blog.
44 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 17
  1. Playing in hard mode helps you become stronger and defend against challenges
  2. Focus on the end goal, not just achieving intermediate metrics
  3. By embracing challenges and difficulties, you can grow, improve, and reach your full potential
2 HN points β€’ 28 Nov 22
  1. AI labs are intentionally taking on scary AI challenges like Diplomacy.
  2. The AI excelled in Diplomacy due to communication strategies, anonymity, and game dynamics.
  3. Online Diplomacy's core skill is talking a lot, giving AI a communication advantage.
1 HN point β€’ 05 Jan 20
  1. High levels of corporate management create an 'immoral maze' with intense competition and sacrifices required for success.
  2. Middle managers in these environments must dedicate everything in their life to excel, including friendships, hobbies, and even morality.
  3. Success in an 'immoral maze' is perceived as less about talent or results, and more about political games, sacrifices, and intense dedication.
0 implied HN points β€’ 02 Mar 20
  1. Things will likely get worse before they get better.
  2. Prepare mentally and physically for the situation, especially if you're at greater risk.
  3. Take necessary precautions like stocking up on supplies, avoiding travel, and practicing good hygiene.
0 implied HN points β€’ 17 Mar 20
  1. Preparing for emergencies is important, but be cautious of overreacting.
  2. Adapting to changing circumstances is key for survival.
  3. Society's failures are being unveiled, but there is hope for improvement.
0 implied HN points β€’ 07 Oct 17
  1. Introduce clear boundaries for relaxation and personal time, like bringing back the concept of Sabbath
  2. Establish rituals and rules to create a dedicated time for rest and rejuvenation
  3. Prioritize activities that promote relaxation and avoid tasks that add stress during the designated rest period
0 implied HN points β€’ 07 Apr 20
  1. Keeping R0 below 1 is key to controlling infections.
  2. Reducing contact and exposure through interventions and immunity helps lower R0.
  3. R0 variance can complicate controlling the spread, but targeted interventions and herd immunity play significant roles.
0 implied HN points β€’ 09 Feb 21
  1. There are disagreements on the Utility Function Hypothesis (UFH) and Efficient Action Hypothesis (EAH)
  2. Politicians may not be goal maximizers but adaptation executors seeking power
  3. Improvements can be made in the political system without needing complete overhaul
0 implied HN points β€’ 13 May 20
  1. Legends of Runeterra has some cool elements but also some drawbacks, especially in terms of strategic depth.
  2. The game has reliable performance on both mobile and PC, but the mobile deck builder may have some issues.
  3. Legends of Runeterra features unique gameplay mechanics such as spell mana and champion cards, but it may have complexities and timing issues that can be frustrating.
0 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 20
  1. Interpreting Covid-19 data relies on understanding test positivity rates rather than just positive test numbers.
  2. In New York and New Jersey, positive test rates are declining, indicating some progress against the virus.
  3. Nationwide, there are differences in infection rates and testing limitations, making it challenging to accurately predict the trajectory of the pandemic.
0 implied HN points β€’ 03 May 20
  1. Simulacrum levels are important in decision-making and communication.
  2. Sharing true information can have both positive and negative consequences.
  3. It's crucial to balance honesty with the impact of one's words on others.
0 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 18
  1. Eternal offers a modern Magic gameplay experience on a phone with a Hearthstone interface and economy.
  2. Magic's economy involves trading cards with monetary value, while Hearthstone and Eternal lock cards to player accounts, limiting trading.
  3. Trading cards in games like Magic offers advantages like creating value and market incentives, but can also be time-consuming and complex.
0 implied HN points β€’ 07 May 20
  1. New York seeing rapid decline in positive test rates and potential herd immunity.
  2. Herd immunity doesn't require 75% infected, partial immunity plays a significant role.
  3. Regions outside New York still stuck in limbo, need better data and enforcement of rules.
0 implied HN points β€’ 22 May 20
  1. Keep a record of tasks you've decided to do.
  2. If a task takes less than two minutes, do it right away.
  3. Having a system in place to remember tasks is important.
0 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 18
  1. Things are sacred if they matter and cannot be bought
  2. In games, sacredness ensures that the focus is on playing and not on money
  3. Sacredness can help protect the value and integrity of certain activities from commercialization