Eric Weinstein on Challenging “Reality,” Working with Peter Thiel, and Destroying Education to Save It (#131)

To answer your question of the day: stoicism. To me, this is a philosophy that is very difficult to follow until all of a sudden it just clicks and becomes easy. Maybe it’s time to go read Meditations again. Thanks for your great work Tim, I listen to your podcast every day to and from work – it helps me wake up and I actually look forward to the drive.

while i am not up on the latest umbrella tech, blunt umbrellas made in new zealand have been my personal umbrella of choice. stats between models vary but generally can hit ~72 mph of wind without inverting. plenty of clips and reviews on youtube.

senz were their only competitor in durability last i checked. very interesting design on those.

Your email asked for a philosophy that the reader might find fascinating, but couldn’t apply it to his life. Well, here’s one that I consider to be central, and the only reason I can’t apply it to my life is that the Thought Police would kill me if I did:

Stereotypes are the truest thing in the world. All other worldviews or philosophies are based on opinion, sentiment, and fantasy. Only stereotypes are based on actual observation.

Also I believe the problem with our education starts with parenting. Parents very often cultivate that “right/wrong” mindset in kids. I guess it’s kind of ego driven, satisfies the need to be an authority with a respected opinion. we all as kids told there are ways of doing thing in a right and wrong way, things we should and shouldn’t do, things we should think and say and things we shouldn’t…because of some “important” reason.

As a result when we grow up very often before attempting doing anything we haven’t tried before there is a huge censoring activity…”is it right? Is it wrong? what will others say/think? etc…” and because we are more afraid of possible negative consequences of being wrong (social and not only) we very often choose a safe, very often old (the way it’s been always been done/said/thought) way to do things, to approach our life etc…and that’s is why ultimately we don’t “grow” so many innovators in the first place…

It’s all starts when we are parents saying: “it’s wrong” to our kids…most often just because it’s the way we do things or it is a socially accepted way…

Thank you so much for a helpful tip about the difference between r/l I am brand new to teaching English. My name is Ryan and my Korean students thought/think I am a lion haha. Will be explaining how to place your tongue to them tomorrow.

Struggling philosophy – one of Joe Rogan’s guests recently made a comment distinguishing ‘habit’ and ‘ethos’. The idea was that rather than trying to form a habit (where you’re constantly either maintaining it or failing it), building a personal ethos is more powerful, as an ethos removes any debate about the issue.

As someone who struggles with his ‘monkey mind’ – this idea is so obviously powerful that I’m surprised I’ve never heard it articulated this way before.

Implementing or developing that ethos, on the other hand, is something else entirely.

The comment inre 1970 being about when America started widespread acceptance of status quo to keep the “prosperity machine going” was brilliant. It’s not an academic work, but Hunter Thompson’s “Fear & Loathing on the Campaign Trail ‘72” is a good a book as any on the process of the insiders hammering a lone wolf into it’s image and then slaughtering it during a presidential campaign.

On the one hand, you and your guest decry the climate of cautiousness created in the public sphere due to the use of words such as “racist,” “sexist,” etc. and worry that the censorious approach of “social justice warriors” is stifling original thinking, then on the other hand suggest your own terminology so that you can participate in the same behavior.

Do you mean to encourage free discussion or stop it?

By proposing “bigoteer,” you show that you do not value the complexity and nuance of social issues and instead lump everything into one single “problem,” that being all people who dare to point out where and how bias creates inaccuracy and suffering.

It was revealing to hear your guest mention Trump as an example of a repressed thinker (!) and refer to statistics to back up his claim that intelligence is not equally shared between binary genders and “ethnic groups.” This sounds kind of familiar… I guess this is the kind of “original thinking” SJWs are repressing?

Though not with any success, apparently.

I’m new to your podcast and wanted to say I’m hooked already. I own the books from you but never realized you had a podcast! This episode really impressed me. Eric Weinstein is absolutely brilliant and interesting to listen and learn from. Your skill at extracting the character and topics of interest is outstanding as well. I really believe this is the first podcast episode I have ever listened to twice (I’ve been listening to podcasts for just over 5 years now). Thanks for this episode!

forgot to mention… that was a profoundly brilliant podcast, fantastic. Going to have to listen to this one a few times.

Happiness. It’s something I strive for every single day, yet despite the help of many professionals cannot seem to obtain. I am fascinated by your psilocybin study and hope it can help those suffering from major depression.

Why do I have a feeling there will be 400 new ‘umbrella related’ start ups next week?

p.s. Loved this episode.

Excellent podcast episode. Playing multiple/uncommon musical instruments, learning interesting languages, Weinstein is a true example of a worldly person, as he also reflects it in his opinions. A lot of fine food for thought. I was surprised to hear Turkish came to his mind first as one of his favorite languages. The reason why he learned it in the first place made a lot of sense, as Turkish is difficult to learn and pronounce. That is usually the only reason why some people want to learn Turkish. 😉

“Bigoteer” – That is perfect. Somebody had to come up with a word for the thought police. The word might need to go in Oxford dictionary eventually, since the trend is growing everyday. Being outraged about everything on social media makes people feel important. Also, there are a lot of people taking advantage and even making profit out of the situation. For example, Hollywood stars have been talking about feminism recently just to get some spotlight in the media. They have also been bashing Photoshop, something they can’t live without themselves. All for self-marketing. Media supports it and sheeple buys it. Distorting major ideologies and exploiting them for personal gain is the way to go now.

On that note, Tim it would be great if you had Ricky Gervais in the podcast. He would love that word. He is bullied by bigoteers constantly.

DiCaprio’s character in The Revenant is another MacGyver but wildlife version. I highly recommend The Revenant.

Thanks to both of you for this great conversation.

Best xx

Hi Tim

I have listened to all of your podcasts and love them, all but this was absolutely the best. Eric has a number of profound insights – my favourite is the comment about consensus toward the end. The bigoteers and SJWs here that have objected to aspects of this podcast have either missed the point or the indoctrination that they have received through their education has closed their minds to the message. That is exactly the opposite of what education should do. Great stuff Eric – I will be reading more of your work.

Please, Please do a part 2

Overton’s Window, Bigoteering and the Champion/Challenger Model

(Disclaimer, I realize I am borrowing these ideas and repurposing them.)

WRT a frontal assault on Bigoteering by giving it a name, what about expanding on this concept to encourage intelligent discourse by creating a broadly accepted Champion/Challenger model for social media?

Champion: Someone advocating for or building upon an idea or position, regardless of whether they agree with or have even formed a personal position about the idea.

Challenger: Skeptic, person pushing against the idea or widely held belief, for the purpose of advancing, clarifying and possibly disproving the original thought.

A Champion or Challenger (there can be many of both and a person never need be just one) would declare themselves and adhere to three simple rules of discourse:

1) Commentary stays focused on the idea and not an attack on the originator of the idea and/or the stereotype or group they are part of

2) Emotion and feeling may be part of the discussion but may not be played upon to insight virtual rioting, used as leverage, or used simply because you have nothing else to say

3) Facts and logic a premium but application of facts and logic, connecting seemingly disparate parts will be held in the highest regard and celebrated by both sides of the discussion

Using this method we collectively raise the quality of discourse on social media and the boundaries of Overton’s Window (or however you define societies many “windows”) can be pushed, challenged, widened, or completely removed.

One additional rule may be in order. The quality of one’s writing need not be used as a measure of their position so long as they are adhering to the Champion/Challenger Rules of Discourse (C/C RoD).

Want to take a position on this idea or improve it? Simply reply to it using “Champion” or “Challenger” in the title or lead sentence of your response.

Tim, I know you view this blog as your virtual living room and appreciate you letting us borrow it for this conversation.

Re: question of the day

I struggle with and deeply admire minimalism. It’s something that ties into all areas of life but hasn’t become autopilot for me yet.

Thanks! Love your podcasts!

With “bigoteer.” The problem is not so much that that there are few implications for labelling people racist, sexist and so on. Will labelling someone a bigoteer really help resolve the issue? No. What will happen is that you will just add one more unPC label to an ever-increasing list. What is really required to transcend this problematique is to teach people how to assume responsibility for their projections. And this requires a deep, experiential understanding of how the mind functions. Call that mindfulness if you like.

On the specific subject of race and intelligence. Sure, in an ideal world we should be able to point to the data without being labeled a racist. However, those making such claims should also problematise that data, i.e. they need to address the issues which potentially undermine their own argument – those things which contextualuse that data. A lot of “left-brained” folk want to believe that data exists in a vacuum, and is not affected by the human beings who perceive, collect and communicate that data. For example, in intelligence theory there is the obvious issue that intelligence is culturally defined. At this time in history, knowledge economies tend to value mathematical/logical, linguistic and creative intelligence. However, intuitive intelligence is not on the map, and so brilliant intuitive people are often completely left out of discussions. Those we label “smart” often don’t even understand intuitives, because their own intuitive facilities are undeveloped. Then moving on, neural plasticity brings into question the presupposition that there is a direct, linear link between genetics and intelligence. Epigentic variation suggests that gene expression is environmentally mediated. So that brings us to “culture,” that most despised of words amongst empiricists. Finally, the Flynn effect shows that measured intelligence has increased massively in economically developed societies. The capacity for such cognitive functions as abstract conceptualisation and visual abstraction are massively more acute in an average person today as compared to people of years gone by. It has been stated that an average 100 IQ person today would beat about 98% of IQ test takers from a century ago (there were no such tests then, BTW). Black IQs have doubled in the US in some places since WW2, when tests began. All this indicates that the “hard” data on racial intelligence is not at all straight-forward. And it is unlikely the get any less complex, I predict, as the inadequate models we have been force-fed about nature of consciousness collapse in the next decade or two.

Hi Tim.. A great admirer of your creative genius.

The entire humanity’s future can be transformed if we can crack one philosophy well (more than higgs boson experiments) I.e. Present Moment consciousness or consistent Mindfulness .. Can’t technology just shut up this non stop chatter of mind ?

Would love an episode dedicated to solve this mystery .. Very few can even attempt this so await to hear ..

Tim, on the podcast you said something about having difficulty getting started with musical instruments (aside from drums). Here’s a good lifehack for this: check out a few instruments that are easy to get started with, while still providing the ability to create serious music. Check out the Irish Pennywhistle (a.k.a. Tin Whistle), the Mountain Dulcimer, the Seagull Merlin and the Rock-it Stick. Hope this helps!

Best umbrella today: https://www.senz.com/en/

Doesn’t collapse by wind, but your legs still get wet… So still room for improvement 🙂

I start off creatively and quickly. Then I keep on I meet the struggles and frustration and if I finish an idea or project. I don’t know where to go with it. Thus a lot of things remain unfinished. Only God pats my back. I work alone. How do I keep pushing on? To complete a creative idea. Motivation and focus. And this is from a positive attitude I still struggle.

I think Eric has very carefully and purposefully crafted his narrative in hindsight because it’s a much cooler story than reality. He comes across as very ,very contrived. Certainly brilliant, but not genuine.

You should both look at International Baccalaureate education (IB). “Happy kids” is on the agenda and they hacked the system more than fifty years ago.

The mandolinist that Eric mentioned is Chris Thile. Here’s some great stuff from the Goat Rodeo days with Edgar Meyer and Yo Yo Ma …..

The problem is not the umbrella. The problem is in thinking that the umbrella solves the real problem – “I want to walk in the rain & show up at my destination warm & dry.”

That was “solved” years ago by the scuba industry when they invented custom-fit drysuits.

Website, enter your body dimensions, enter your preferred fit (e.g. tailored, loose, blow me up like a ball so I can roll to work), colors, blah blah, “ship to”.

As for design, people are freaking ass lazy, so you have to make it fun to get in & out of it. We don’t have Jarvis-tech just yet, but the porn industry of old brought us velcro rip-off pants, so that’s totally solvable until then.

Just need hot models, kick ass tunes, & a “you’re a freak and you suck” if you don’t wear one campaign. Voila, you’ve got your early adopters.

As for your briefcase/purse/etc – that was “solved” years ago by they kayak/boating/outdoor industry – waterproof bags & backpacks. Just make um match the drysuit & look fashionable. Done and done.

Now where’s my million dollars? Yeh. Not happening. I don’t give a flying F about umbrella’s. I live in Seattle – we just walk in the rain, keep rain-friendly hairstyles & bring a change of shoes. 🙂

ok, back to reality & subsistence living

p.p.p.s hoopskirts will keep your shoes fairly dry

Two rich white guys would like a safe space to voice their “radical” or “maverick” ideas. Lolol poor you, persecuted by bigoteers. I’m sorry you feel so constrained by the society that has afforded you every advantage.

No worries though, you can admit/promote drug use and claim membership among the psychedelic elite; legal/social consequences are for the unwashed.

I think Todd and Edster got it right on the umbrella topic. A raincoat is a great solution. Raincoats are hands-free as well. The umbrella is already following some principles of TRIZ. It’s big and small at the same time by being collapsible. Some use telescoping handles to make them compact when not being used. Some really small “pocket” umbrellas are very much like origami. It’s always fun to think creatively about reinventing things. Is the design really so poor in this case that it isn’t possible to find a sufficient umbrella or raincoat? This leads me to believe he had a really bad experience with an umbrella and has never been able to get over it.

Excellent episode!

I particularly liked the end — the same questions with different answers from other brilliant minds is always good.

Thanks again Tim for another great episode!

to me “bigoteer” is a word… neither good nor bad… and in certain contexts it could be useful to describe a very rare type of person… however, in my opinion the majority of people who will use the term “bigoteer” are going to be the people who are unaware of the their own racism, sexism, homophobia, etc… and want a quick way to shut down anyone who critiques them… ironically anyone who is going to use the word “bigoteer” is very likely to do so to maintain and defend the status quo… just as with people who coined the term SJW and whine about “PC” culture… to me, in most cases, bigoteer, SJW and “PC-ness”, tend to be ideas/terms used by privileged people who are unaware of their own privilege and want to have the freedom of saying offensive things without repercussion… in other words they want the “freedom” of preventing anyone else from expressing their criticism… you look at the underlying current of sexism and racism in business and politics (just take a look at Washington and Wall Street… esp. the recent email scandals) and then tell me if we really need yet another a term for rich white guys to “defend” themselves against minorities pointing out to them that what they say and do is often discriminatory and harmful in subtle and not so subtle ways… in any event this is all theoretical… i would be curious to know what specific incidents inspired Tim Ferriss to coin that term… is he trying to address a specific problem we are not aware of… or is he simply going along with herd of rich white guys who like to think of themselves as the “victims” of imaginary “reverse-discrimination”… here is the thing… if you show me a statistic or study that points out to an uncomfortable idea… we can talk about the numbers, the science, etc… you won’t get nearly as much backlash from the SJWs if you stick to the numbers (unless you hastily use those numbers to dishonestly support your own preconceived biases)… however, in most cases people don’t talk about facts and evidence… they simply voice their own biased opinions and then feel personally victimized when someone points out their belief system is not based in reality… having your belief system challenged feels bad, but the response should not be to call other people “bigoteers”… it should be to stop and think… and finally… i really doubt that the consequences of being (mis)-labeled a racist or sexist are as bad as Tim Ferriss seems to believe… if that were the case… Trump would not be so popular…

Good examples of a high agency individuals can be found in Richard Feynman’s book “Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman”, as well as Casey Neistats youtube videos. Both are individuals who essentially analyzed societies rules, and then created their own rulebooks and blazed their own trails. Both are good studies on developing creativity.

I wonder if Eric Weinstein performs well team settings? Playing in band? An orchestra? Sports? Or leading a trekking party in a far away land etc.?

His implicit definitions of what is intelligence and what constitutes/creates ‘genius’ are narrow and limiting. How about appreciating Howard Gardner’s multiple types of intelligence? Or acknowledging that every genius was nurtured and cultivated, often with close intellectual interlocutors.

Running through his discourse (and it’d be interesting to know if he shares this with Thiel) is an implicit Randian belief in the disruptive individual hero, who struggles against the world and overcomes it. That ‘mental model’ I think neither describes the world very well nor is a useful guide for action.

Which is not to say that I don’t believe in healthy, robust and open debate about the issues of our day. From where I sit and listen (a Brit in Belgium), it is surprising to hear that both of you feel that expression and freedom in the USA is somehow being repressed under a weight of political correctness and justice warriors; and that Eric feels issues of race and intelligence cannot be aired. Respondents below, particularly Marcusanthony have made the counter argument here well. Debate seems alive and well…

Because seriously gentleman, when your public discourse is saturated with pre-englightenment attacks from Christian fundamentalism; a leading Presidential candidate makes incendiary remarks about Moslems and Mexicans; and you can buy assault rifles in supermarkets- I don’t see the USA mired in some soggy 1970’s consensus that has somehow emasculated you.

On the contrary, the slow erosion of enormous power and wealth, is precipitating deep feelings of anxiety and fear, causing polarisation within US society, the rise of populism and the collapse of bipartisanship. Similar populist movements are happening across Europe. The answers to that lie both in heroic individuals speaking out AND the groups networked and committed to act.

Eric is a bigoteer when he describes the Republican Convention is homophobic

One of my favorites, right up there with Ed Cooke’s interview.

I liked it when you asked Dr. Weinstein the billboard question, and he gave his answer, then explained without relating it back to the question. I had to listen to it a second time to understand. He expects you to follow his logical leaps. My dad is a physicist, and he does the same thing. They think on such a level of abstraction that it’s remarkable that they can find words at all.

Thank you for your podcast again. First time hearing Peter Thiel speak. Barely know anything about him aside from a little re: involvement with PayPal. There was also the thing with Hogan/Gawker(?)

He speaks so matter-of-factly, it’s a little funny. Like every sentence should end with “fact.”

Disagree somewhat with what he said about most talented people attending same schools and/or career tracks. There’s a quote that says “what if the cure for [x] was locked in the mind of a person unable to pursue an education.”