I can’t dance, but I can twirl and let my soul fly

Yesterday someone asked it I can dance.

I responded:

I can’t dance. But I can twirl and let my soul fly.

Would Albert Einstein read New York Times bestsellers?

I am reading this book:

“Predictably Irrational” by Dan Ariely

It is a very interesting read. It describes some of the author’s research findings in the (new) field of behavioral economics. And it is a New York Times bestseller.

For a book to be a bestseller it must appeal to a large number of people, i.e., it must appeal to the masses. What are the implications of that? Clearly the average person doesn’t have an in-depth understanding of every field. So a bestselling author must present his material in a way that requires little or no understanding of the field. Research results are oftentimes rather dry. “Dry” doesn’t lend itself well to “bestselling.” So the author must spice things up-emotionalize the material, appeal to the readers emotions. What are the implications of that?

Several years ago, as I was beginning to learn about the field of complex systems, I read a pop-sci book on the topic. The book was very exciting and-to my thinking-it provided profound insights into the field of complex systems. I attended a class at the New England Complex Systems Institute. The instructor was a world-renowned scientist. Being so excited about this book, I approached the instructor to get his opinion about it and, in particular, a certain section of the book. Much to my surprise the instructor had never read the book. I was shocked, “How could he have not read this wonderful book, especially when it’s in his field of expertise?” I asked him to read a certain section because I wanted his feedback. He was gracious enough to do it on the spot. I don’t recall his comments. I only recall feeling that his comments were very controlled, he didn’t want to hurt my feelings. He was clearly not impressed by the book.

I wonder if it may actually be damaging to read bestsellers? Do they lead the reader into ideas and beliefs that are simply wrong?

If Albert Einstein were alive today, would he read New York Times bestsellers?

Where can I get broad (flat) tip yellow highlighters?

It seems that the only yellow highlighters available any more are the chisel tip highlighters.  Do they sell the broad (flat) tip highlighters any more? I much prefer them to the chisel tip. Do you know where they sell the broad (flat) tip highlighters?

Seek clarity of thought? Here’s how

Are you struggling with a problem, but are unable to obtain clarity on a solution? Here’s an approach to get clarity that has worked for me: read a book with great clarity; that is, a book that expresses fundamental ideas in a simple, clear way.

I am on my fifth read of An Introduction to Mathematics by Alfred Whitehead. Every time I feel my thoughts getting muddied I pull out this book and read it. This book takes the complex subject of mathematics and describes its fundamental ideas with brilliant clarity. Reading this book brings clarity to my mind, in all of my thoughts.

Do you have a book that you enjoy reading because of its clarity of thought?

The dangers of florescent light bulbs

Florescent light bulbs are filled with poisonous mercury gas.

If you break a florescent light bulb, removing the released poisons will require you to go through a painstaking operation. “A broken fluorescent tube will release its mercury content. Safe cleanup of broken fluorescent bulbs differs from cleanup of conventional broken glass or incandescent bulbs.” [Wikipedia]

If you have children at home, there is a good chance that they will at some point accidentally break a florescent light bulb. Are you willing to risk their health (and yours) to save a few bucks?

Florescent light bulbs require substantially more resources to make than ordinary incandescent light bulbs (that’s why they cost more).

Florescent light bulbs should not be used in a fully enclosed area as they build up heat and can cause a fire.

Starting 2012 you will no longer be able to purchase incandescent light bulbs in the U.S. The legislators decided to require everyone to switch to the so-called “green technology” florescent light bulbs.

I recommend stocking up on incandescent light bulbs now.

While there are short-term savings to everyone using florescent light bulbs, the long-term costs of disposing of the toxic waste may exceed the savings (and make the planet less “green”).

Questions are exciting!

I get excited when I discover a great question.

A great question gets people to think about things they otherwise never would have. It can lead to insights and innovation.

Give away your knowledge

It’s not what you know, and it’s not even who you know. It’s how much knowledge you give away. Hoarding knowledge diminishes your power because it diminishes your presence.

Everything is Miscellaneous by David Weinberger

Writing concisely is scary!

Recently I wrote a report. I passed its first draft to a colleague who recommended removing a lot of the text. As I proceeded to discard text I became increasingly scared, “Oh my, I have astonishingly little to say.”

It ended up being a very short report. But every word was informative and necessary – there was no “filler” in it. I was pleased with the end result.

Now, I am determined to discard all text that’s not needed. I will fight my fear of having little to say.

How do carrots get their shape?

As I was peeling a carrot today it occurred to me, “How do carrots get their shape – thick at the top and then tapering off?” Does anyone know how carrots get their shape?

We’re all beginners under the skin

From Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug:

We’re all beginners under the skin.  Scratch an expert  and you’ll often find someone who’s muddling through – just at a higher level.

Experts are rarely insulted by something that is clear enough for beginners.  Everyone appreciates clarity.  (True clarity, that is, and not just something that’s been “dumbed down.”)