Tracing Woodgrains

Tracing Woodgrains explores a former Mormon's journey through personal, political, and social landscapes, addressing controversies, misinformation, and societal shifts. It critically examines modern issues, education, identity, and ideologies through reflective essays, narrative inquiries, and analysis centered on achieving understanding and order amidst complexity and cultural divisions.

Religion and Personal Belief Political and Social Commentary Education and Learning Strategies Media and Technology Critique Cultural and Societal Analysis Identity and Intersectionality Online Communities and Social Media

The hottest Substack posts of Tracing Woodgrains

And their main takeaways

The FAA's Hiring Scandal: A Quick Overview

3459 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Lawsuit Diversity Scandal Discrimination
  1. There was a scandal at the FAA involving a biographical questionnaire that caused major issues for air traffic controller candidates.
  2. Pressure to diversify the air traffic control system led to changes in the hiring process, affecting CTI graduates and creating controversy.
  3. The scandal involved allegations of discrimination and unfair hiring practices, culminating in a class-action lawsuit that is still ongoing.

The Republican Party is Doomed

2673 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Political trends Conservative movement
  1. Republicans are losing capacity to run institutions beyond elections due to age and education polarization
  2. The political divide among young, educated professionals is shifting towards liberals and socialists rather than Republicans and Democrats
  3. Republicans lack talent in governance compared to Democrats, even in the conservative intellectual sphere
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Harvard Students Are Better Than You

825 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
🚌 Education Admissions Elite Institutions
  1. Affirmative action in elite college admissions can lead to opaque and arbitrary admissions criteria.
  2. Harvard is seen as an elite institution that prioritizes 'defining the best' over 'finding the best'.
  3. The complexity and tension of race relations impact admissions and the values underlying elite institutions like Harvard.

A Gay Wedding Full of Mormons

805 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
  1. The wedding day can turn out to be unexpectedly special and joyous.
  2. Building connections with online friends and inviting them to the wedding can create meaningful experiences.
  3. Creating unique traditions like a book-themed gift registry can add personal and charming touches to the wedding.

/r/antiwork: A Tragedy of Sanewashing and Social Gentrification

334 implied HN points • 06 Feb 22
  1. The subreddit /r/antiwork faced a shift due to new users, leading to the gentrification of the community.
  2. Doreen Ford, a significant figure in /r/antiwork, faced backlash and exile due to her unflattering representation of the community.
  3. The aftermath saw splinter subreddits, power struggles, and the community evolving with new leaders and priorities.

Tracing Woodgrains

157 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
  1. The author reflects on their journey of losing faith and the significance of their chosen name.
  2. The story of tracing woodgrains poses a deep question about faith and decision-making in crisis.
  3. The author draws parallels between the story's themes and their own experiences on a Mormon mission.

The Drunk Mormon Hypothesis

196 implied HN points • 03 Oct 21
  1. When a group sets a goal, assume they are striving for it
  2. Doubt claims that suggest a group is worse at reaching their goal
  3. Not all goals set by groups may have positive outcomes

On Transitions, Freedom of Form, and the Righteous Struggle Against Nature

78 implied HN points • 01 Feb 22
  1. What is natural is not always what is right - embrace the struggle against nature
  2. Defying nature is challenging but crucial for progress - understand the defaults before interference
  3. Support efforts towards radical transformation - overcome nature with honesty and understanding

Coming Soon

58 implied HN points • 25 Apr 22
  1. Tracing Woodgrains is a newsletter about a former Mormon's pursuit of order in a chaotic world.
  2. The author has written popular articles on various internet topics and participated in online communities.
  3. The newsletter will focus on learning, narratives, culture war, and the beauty and harm of Mormonism.

A Word of Self-Introduction

98 implied HN points • 13 May 21
  1. The author explores their core principles and identity, emphasizing a pursuit of excellence and being pro-life in a broad sense.
  2. They express concerns about technology's influence, political divides, and ecological declines, showing a mix of pessimism and awe at human capabilities.
  3. If a billionaire, the author would focus on building education institutions aligned with their values, foster a universal skill tree, and start a cult emphasizing voluntary organization.

On Mottes and Mythologies

98 implied HN points • 15 Oct 20
  1. The Motte is a space for open discussion among people with diverse beliefs.
  2. It aims to promote respectful dialogue and understanding between those with opposing views.
  3. The community values honest, rational discussions while respecting different perspectives.

Book Review: Amusing Ourselves To Death, Part 1

39 implied HN points • 07 Aug 20
  1. Socrates had a point about the impact of writing on memory and society.
  2. There are real tradeoffs in shifting to new technologies, despite gains.
  3. Understanding the biases of communication mediums can shape thoughts and cultures.

Speedrunning College

58 implied HN points • 23 Apr 19
  1. The author plans to complete a Bachelor's degree in Software Development within a year.
  2. The author prefers self-paced online education over traditional classroom settings.
  3. The author uses tools like Video Speed Controller and Anki for accelerated learning and retention.

Book Review: Amusing Ourselves To Death, Part 3

19 implied HN points • 07 Aug 20
  1. Modern society is inundated with vast amounts of information, leading to a constant barrage of stimuli.
  2. The internet has facilitated the fragmentation of discourse into niche microcultures, blurring the lines between truth and falsehood.
  3. While there are negative aspects to technology and media, there is room for hope in crafting better messages through improved mediums.

Book Review: Amusing Ourselves to Death, Part 2

19 implied HN points • 07 Aug 20
  1. Postman critiques the shift to a world of fragmentary information and broken attention brought by the telegraph and television.
  2. Television prioritizes entertainment over serious discourse, shaping public epistemology and discourse.
  3. Television as a medium lacks depth and hinders true education, favoring entertainment over critical thinking.

Mormons and Voluntary Organization

0 implied HN points • 20 Jun 20
  1. Mormon organizational structure relies heavily on volunteers at all levels, even top leadership positions.
  2. Mormons dedicate significant time to religious activities and leadership roles within the church.
  3. The unique structure of Mormonism, although remarkable, has its uses and limitations in terms of commitment and community building.

RIP to K. Anders Ericsson

0 implied HN points • 18 Jun 20
  1. K. Anders Ericsson was a brilliant researcher in the field of expertise.
  2. He rejected the 10,000-hour rule and emphasized quality of practice.
  3. His work focused on the potential for skill development and the importance of deliberate practice.