The hottest Cognition Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

"But" vs. "Yes, But"

Astral Codex Ten • 22299 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Logic Ethics Dialogue Rhetoric Cognition
  1. It's important to acknowledge when you're wrong in a conversation. Saying 'Oh, you're right, my mistake' helps keep discussions respectful.
  2. Admitting mistakes can show others that you're open-minded and capable of real dialogue. It makes the conversation more engaging for everyone involved.
  3. You can still hold your beliefs while recognizing faults in your arguments. This helps you reflect and grow in your understanding over time.

Moments Of Awakening

Astral Codex Ten • 17619 implied HN points • 23 May 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Memory Cognition Ethics Awakening
  1. Many people remember their first conscious moments happening around ages 3 to 6, and some even recall the feeling of suddenly becoming aware of themselves. This suggests a shared experience of awakening to consciousness around this age.
  2. Some individuals claim to remember events from before they could normally form memories, like being in the womb or being born, but these memories are often questioned by scientists as being influenced by photos or stories heard later.
  3. There are thoughts that consciousness might develop in a sudden shift rather than gradually, similar to how people experience lucid dreams or moments of enlightenment, indicating that there could be a specific moment when awareness kicks in.

Why rationality (almost) never wins

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 4 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Rationality Emotion Decision-making Cognition Disinformation
  1. People often make decisions based on emotions rather than facts. This shows that logic does not always win in arguments and discussions.
  2. Disinformation campaigns use emotional appeals to convince people, rather than relying on logical arguments. They aim to evoke strong feelings that can overshadow rational thinking.
  3. When emotions are triggered, parts of our brains responsible for logic can become less active, making it harder for us to think critically. This highlights the power of emotions in shaping our beliefs.

The Updated Red Meat Story

Ground Truths • 13516 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Diet Microbiome Cognition Epidemiology
  1. Eating a lot of red meat can be linked to health issues like heart problems and cancer. Plant-based diets are usually better for overall health.
  2. Studies show that eating more plant-based foods can help balance the risks from red meat. Even small changes can make a difference in gut health.
  3. Replacing red meat with healthier options like nuts or legumes may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

The Sequence Opinion #662: From Words to Worlds: Some Observations About World Models

TheSequence • 77 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Cognition Robotics
  1. LLMs are great with words, but they struggle with understanding and acting in real-life environments. They need to develop spatial intelligence to navigate and manipulate the world around them.
  2. Spatially-grounded AI can create internal models of their surroundings, which helps them operate in real spaces. This advancement represents a big step forward in general intelligence for AI.
  3. The essay discusses how new AI designs focus on spatial reasoning instead of just language, emphasizing that understanding the physical world is a key part of being intelligent.
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brAIn drAIn

The Intrinsic Perspective • 27199 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Cognition Education Psychology Human factors
  1. Using AI can make people less likely to think critically and solve problems on their own. This is especially true for those who trust AI too much.
  2. Young people may struggle to learn and retain information if they rely heavily on AI. Parents and schools should be careful about this dependency.
  3. Being skeptical about AI tools helps people use them healthier. Trusting your own judgment over AI can lead to better thinking and problem-solving skills.

Resist Summary

The Map is Mostly Water • 2942 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Learning Writing Cognition Philosophy
  1. We read too many summaries instead of diving deep into topics. This can make us miss the detailed understanding that comes from exploring original sources.
  2. Writing from your own experience and observations is important. It helps create richer and more interesting content than just summarizing others' ideas.
  3. Using AI for quick answers can simplify things, but it might prevent you from understanding complex ideas. Building a deeper understanding requires slow and careful thinking.

A Second Kind of Objects

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Linguistics Cognition Epistemology
  1. Many short words can have different meanings in various languages. For example, the word 'kut' means very different things in Hungarian, Dutch, and Sanskrit.
  2. Exploring words like 'kut' can reveal interesting connections between different cultures and languages. It shows how language can be rich and complex.
  3. The idea of cross-linguistic homonyms helps us appreciate the diversity of human language and thought. It’s fascinating to see how one small word can connect so many meanings.

Context and Cacti

Vanguard Anthology • 119 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Decision-making Cognition Behavioral Psychology Social Dynamics
  1. Cactusing happens when you stick to a decision even when the situation changes. It's like wanting nachos for a late-night snack then forgetting that you need a quick meal the next day.
  2. People often hold onto past achievements or contexts that no longer apply. For example, judging NASA based on its past greatness rather than its current status can lead to outdated evaluations.
  3. Recognizing when to change your decisions can open doors to new opportunities. Adapting to new situations can provide an advantage over those who don't adjust their thinking.

Your brain 🧠 on exercise: How movement fuels you

Brain Pizza • 1059 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise Brain health Cognition Metabolism Mental health
  1. Aerobic exercise is great for your brain. It helps improve mood, increases brain volume, and boosts cognitive function.
  2. Resistance training is also important. Regular strength workouts can help maintain brain health, especially as we age.
  3. Metabolism is more complex than just calories in and out. Regular exercise and what we eat play big roles in how our body burns energy.

America's Internal Brain Drain

The Permanent Problem • 15 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🚌 Education Literacy Cognition Reading AI Impact Curriculum
  1. There's a growing concern that American students are struggling with basic reading and writing skills. Many students can't handle complex texts, which affects their ability to think critically.
  2. The shift away from deep reading and literature in schools, combined with distractions like TV and smartphones, is hurting our literacy. This decline in reading habits might be making society less capable overall.
  3. As more students lean on AI tools to do their thinking for them, there's a risk that they won't realize their potential. Learning requires effort, and using AI in the wrong way could stunt their cognitive growth.

Cetacean Philosophy

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 846 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Language Cognition Interdisciplinary
  1. Sperm whales have their own unique way of thinking and understanding the world. It's important not to put their ideas into human categories too easily.
  2. Recent studies show that sperm whales do have a true language, which we are still trying to fully understand. They can express complex thoughts and engage in creative conversation.
  3. The attempt to define 'cetacean philosophy' risks oversimplifying the whales' perspectives. We need more time and careful study before making conclusions about their thoughts and beliefs.

Invisible feedback loops: How the body shapes the brain

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🔬 Science Neuroscience Cognition Health Biology Philosophy
  1. The brain is not separate from the body; they work together in complex ways. Understanding how they interact can give us better insights into health and disease.
  2. Various bodily factors like gut health, muscle activity, and fat can influence how our brain functions. This shows the importance of considering the whole body when studying the brain.
  3. Topics like cancer cachexia and the gut-brain axis highlight specific connections between body signals and brain function, which can impact cognitive health.

The Topography of Thought Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Learning Cognition Creativity
  1. Your writing style can show how you think and might predict your success. It's not just about the words you use, but how you organize your ideas.
  2. Some people can express a lot of different ideas briefly, while others might take longer to get through them. This can affect how effectively they communicate their thoughts.
  3. Understanding how successful people manage their ideas can help us improve our own writing and storytelling skills. It’s useful to have data to back up what we believe about writing.

How bad will you feel when your side loses the election?

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Voting Emotions Cognition Public Opinion
  1. People often think losing an election or a game will make them really sad, but they usually recover faster than they expect.
  2. We tend to imagine the worst emotional outcome when our side loses. However, we are naturally resilient and adapt quickly.
  3. Many times, we forget how quickly we can move on from disappointments and let other distractions take over our feelings.

Six Laws of Social Learning

In My Tribe • 896 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🚌 Education Learning Theory Cognition Epistemology Communication
  1. We decide what we believe based on who we trust. Trust is built through communication, reputation, and personal connection, even if these aren't always the best indicators.
  2. Status-seeking can sometimes get in the way of truly seeking the truth. People often support ideas or beliefs to look good, rather than because they genuinely believe in them.
  3. Healthy debate and competition of ideas lead to better outcomes. It's important to allow different opinions to be heard and to stay open-minded, even when faced with contrary evidence.

The Christmas Tree Effect

Range Widely • 3184 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🔬 Science Psychology Research Behavior Cognition Innovation
  1. Sometimes, to solve problems, we should consider taking things away rather than adding more.
  2. Interesting distractions can increase accidents on roads by affecting a driver's cognitive load.
  3. Humans tend to overlook solutions that involve removing things, and the subtraction game can be a helpful approach in various aspects of life.

The Tradeoffs of Language

Living Fossils • 15 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Language Communication Education Cognition Social theory
  1. Language is a useful tool for communication, but it can also create confusion when it’s too complicated or specialized. Sometimes, people forget that not everyone has the same knowledge.
  2. Using clear and simple language helps everyone understand better and makes communication more effective. It’s better to avoid fancy words when simple ones will do.
  3. In therapy and other helpful conversations, it’s important to use language that clients can easily grasp. This builds trust and understanding between the therapist and the client.

Essay Club: The Extended Mind by Andy Clark and David Chalmers

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Mind Beliefs Cognitive Science Philosophers
  1. The idea of the 'extended mind' suggests that our thinking isn't just in our brains; it includes tools and objects around us. For example, using a calculator isn't just a help; it's part of how we think.
  2. The authors argue that relying on external objects, like notebooks or smartphones, can be essential for forming beliefs and ideas, similar to how we use our memories. This means our minds can extend into the world around us.
  3. While some people disagree with this view, saying real thinking should only happen in our heads, the authors believe that our connections to our environment and the tools we use are important parts of how we think and behave.

Dreaming of Memories

The Memory Palace • 39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Memory Dreams Trauma Consciousness
  1. Replay dreams can feel very real, making it seem like you're reliving a past event. They might happen after a traumatic experience, but they aren't always exact copies of what happened.
  2. Not all dreams that reference memories are considered replay dreams. Some, called quotidian dreams, use memories creatively rather than re-experiencing them exactly as they occurred.
  3. Researchers think dreams work differently than regular memory recall. While memory helps us access our past, replay dreams might serve a unique purpose, especially for those who have experienced trauma.

Discussion with Steve Stewart-Williams on evolutionary psychology

Optimally Irrational • 63 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🚌 Education Psychology Evolution Behavior Research Cognition
  1. Evolutionary psychology studies behavior based on human evolution. It looks for reasons why we think and act the way we do by using ideas from evolutionary biology.
  2. While some critics argue that evolutionary psychology can lead to over-simplified stories about behavior, it still provides useful insights into human nature and basic drives.
  3. Understanding how evolution shapes our thoughts and actions can help us improve mental health and make better decisions in life and relationships.

Dementia (.... and Joe Biden)

Brain Pizza • 1258 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Dementia Cognition Ageing Memory Alzheimer's
  1. Our world is getting older as life expectancy increases, leading to a significant demographic shift with implications for society.
  2. As we age, changes in mental abilities are natural, with factors like brain tissue flexibility diminishing and communication speed between nerve cells slowing down.
  3. Dementia is a complex condition, not a normal part of aging, and it is essential to recognize signs early for timely interventions and support.

Welcome to the Memory Palace!

The Memory Palace • 279 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Memory Cognition Education History Methods
  1. Memory palaces are a cool way to remember things by placing images in a familiar space. This method has been used for a long time in cultures that relied on oral storytelling.
  2. Having a strong memory was once a sign of a smart and educated person. Even today, memory competitions highlight how useful these techniques can be for everyone, not just the elite.
  3. Despite technology helping us remember more, memory is still important. Memory palaces encourage us to think about what information we value and want to keep in our minds.

Thinking outside of your head

Austin Kleon • 1858 implied HN points • 04 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creativity Cognition Education Social Interaction Mindfulness
  1. We don't just think in our heads; our bodies and surroundings also help us think better. Moving around and being in nature can really boost our creativity.
  2. Social interactions play a big role in our thinking. Learning from others and sharing ideas helps us understand what we really know.
  3. Writing things down or mapping out our thoughts helps clear our minds. It's like giving our ideas a space to grow and connect with each other.

Elephant Riding

Polymathic Being • 104 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Cognition Emotion Human behavior
  1. We balance emotions and reason like an elephant and a rider. The elephant represents our feelings, which often drive our decisions more than we think.
  2. Relying only on logic can lead to problems. Emotions help us make decisions, and without them, we might struggle with even simple choices.
  3. To make better decisions, we should understand our emotions and how they influence us. This means taking time to think things through and checking if our feelings align with reality.

Brain Glitch

Polymathic Being • 66 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Perspective Behavior
  1. Cognitive dissonance is what happens when our brains struggle with holding two conflicting beliefs. It often leads to defensive responses, like changing the topic or attacking someone instead of addressing the issue.
  2. Recognizing cognitive dissonance in ourselves is important. It helps us pause, reflect, and learn when we're feeling defensive or emotional during discussions.
  3. Not all contradictions are bad. Embracing them can lead to a deeper understanding and new perspectives, helping us navigate complex issues more effectively.

Social norms as classifiers

normality’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Cognition Social norms Cooperation
  1. Humans create social norms to help detect and punish cheating behavior. These norms act like classifiers that help separate honest mistakes from dishonest actions.
  2. The Knobe effect shows that people often see bad actions as intentional, while good actions are viewed differently. This can lead to inconsistencies in moral judgment based on our understanding of intentions.
  3. It's important to continuously review and update our social norms. When norms fail, they can harm innocent people, so we need to make sure they are fair and effective.

A New Model of Memory: Representational Change and Representational Success

The Memory Palace • 139 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Mind Perception Memory Cognition Epistemology
  1. Memory shouldn't be judged the same way as perception. Just because we can't remember everything perfectly doesn't mean our memory is faulty.
  2. Instead of thinking about memory accuracy, we should look at how well a memory represents something. This means we can accept changes in how memories are formed and recalled.
  3. Unique aspects of memories, like 'authenticity,' might not be the best standard to evaluate them. Instead, we should focus on how memories succeed in representing our experiences in various ways.

Good Memory

The Memory Palace • 79 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Memory Metaphysics Cognition Critical Thinking
  1. Memory is often seen as less reliable than other ways of knowing, like perception. It doesn't create new knowledge but relies on what it's given, so it might forget important details.
  2. When we remember things, we can also remember them incorrectly or distort them. This means that sometimes memory can lead us to feel certain about things that are actually wrong.
  3. Despite its flaws, memory still plays an important role in how we understand our experiences. It can help us organize our memories, but we should be careful not to trust it too much.

Specialization and Interdisciplinarity: Beyond Memory

The Memory Palace • 99 implied HN points • 23 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Memory Specialization Knowledge Cognition
  1. Specialization in fields like the philosophy of memory can lead to growth and deeper understanding, but it may also risk limiting broader explorations. It’s important to balance focus with the desire to explore new ideas.
  2. Interdisciplinary work can enrich research by bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise. Collaborations across different fields can lead to new insights that wouldn't be possible in isolation.
  3. Memory connects with many other cognitive and emotional processes in complicated ways. To really understand memory, researchers need to look beyond just memory itself and consider its interactions with different aspects of life.

Contra Hanania: Why Reading Books is Good, Actually

Mind & Mythos • 539 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Reading Books Critique Cognition Memory
  1. Reading books helps with remembering and understanding ideas better than just quick posts or tweets. It's about taking time to fully grasp concepts.
  2. Books can connect new ideas with what we already know, making them more meaningful and easier to recall later.
  3. Not every book is worth reading, but the long tradition of books shows they still have a special value in learning and reflection.

2.0 Aristotle, Plato, & Newton

Fields & Energy • 259 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Scientific Method Cognition Metaphysics Epistemology
  1. Aristotle and Plato have very different views on existence. Aristotle believes existence comes first, while Plato thinks consciousness creates reality.
  2. The Aristotelian approach focuses on observing nature to discover principles, while the Platonist starts with foundational ideas and deduces from them.
  3. Both schools of thought are important for science. Sometimes we discover new principles like Aristotle, and other times we analyze and apply ideas like Plato.

Robust Cognitive Strategies for Resource-Rich Minds

Eurykosmotron • 353 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Cognition AI Quantum Ethics
  1. Living in scarcity shapes our thinking and behavior, but abundance can lead to new cognitive strategies.
  2. Feasible abundance can change how we approach problem-solving and relationships, leading to more optimism for the future.
  3. With abundant cognitive resources, we could develop new strategies like sampling from possible multiverses and maintaining a history of prior versions.

The worse bullshitter

Sunday Letters • 139 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Self-awareness Cognition Impostor syndrome Personal Growth
  1. It's easy to think we understand something fully, but we often realize we don't when we actually try to do it. This can happen in both math and programming.
  2. Sometimes we can fool ourselves into believing we know more than we do, which can make us the worst kind of bullshitter. This is especially tricky because it can tie into feelings of impostor syndrome.
  3. To avoid deceiving ourselves, it's important to be honest about our results. Whether in math, programming, or management, focusing on real outcomes can keep us grounded.

1.5 The Paradigm Shift to a New Model

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🔬 Science Physics Education Cognition Models Innovation
  1. People often prefer sticking to familiar ideas instead of embracing new ones, which can create mental barriers to understanding change. To overcome this, simplifying complex concepts is important.
  2. Models are tools we use to understand the world around us. Having multiple models allows us to tackle problems from different angles, making us better problem solvers.
  3. Understanding basic principles in science can help anyone grasp more complex ideas without needing extensive knowledge. For example, knowing atoms make up everything can help explain many scientific concepts.

"Cheap tricks" in human language comprehension

The Counterfactual • 119 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🔬 Science Cognition Linguistics Psychology Neuroscience Language processing
  1. People often don’t notice mistakes in language and just assume they are reading correctly. This happens because our brains are quick to fill in the gaps and make sense of sentences, even if they are wrong.
  2. Traditionally, understanding language was thought to involve deep processing, but new ideas suggest we often use simple, fast tricks instead. This is called 'good-enough' comprehension and helps us keep up in fast conversations.
  3. Just like humans, language models also use shortcuts. While some criticize AI for not truly understanding language, humans rely on similar cognitive tricks to quickly navigate and understand communication.