Nick Burdick
@intrinsic
Nick Burdick
Importantly, evolution is not about optimization in the abstract; it is about optimization relative to other genetic variants within and across species. While we are evolving, so too are our enemies (like the influenza virus) and our friends (including the microbiomes in our guts). To a large extent, evolution is about preparing for the unknown, be
... See moreJessica C. Flack • Worlds Hidden in Plain Sight: The Evolving Idea of Complexity at the Santa Fe Institute, 1984–2019 (Compass)
We don’t only evolve with, we also evolve against
One of the most intelligent case studies in design is the Chinese tea cup. They’re made without handles simply because if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to drink.
Humans naturally want to add more. Add a cardboard sleeve, add a warning on the outside of the cup, add a handle. The result of all these things never cools down the actual contents.
... See moreMemetics Book List
Two-factor authentication on google, when I have 2 accounts
My Comcast story —
The Rise and Demise of RSS (Old Version)
twobithistory.org
The Rise and Demise of RSS
A lot of poor decisions are made by misjudging the type of opportunity or risk involved.
There are BETS, which are based on the probability of an outcome; and there are SAVINGS, which are based on steady accumulation.
A lot of people make bets when they should be accumulating: trying to go viral instead of building trust, looking for the next big tre
... See moreThe death of RSS feeds—