November 2021 Linkpost

Siberia’s blooming flowers in autumn? Sounds like Mother Nature’s way of saying ‘global warming? What global warming?‘

Philosophy & Human Nature

The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning (bookshop.org) I would note that this book dives into how embracing discomfort can lead to a more meaningful life, drawing on psychology and philosophy to argue that voluntary suffering—like spicy food or tough workouts—builds resilience and purpose. It connects everyday choices to broader existential questions, making you rethink what ‘happiness’ really means without getting preachy.

The Zen of Weight Lifting (nytimes.com) This piece explores lifting weights as a meditative practice, blending physical exertion with mindfulness. I would observe it’s like chopping wood and carrying water—simple actions that teach patience and presence, reminding us that true strength comes from consistent, humble effort rather than flashy gains.

Academic Research & Science

Meta-Analyses of Genetic Influences on Personality (nature.com) Based on the analysis, this study pooled data from multiple cohorts totaling around 60,000-80,000 for initial scans, replicating in over 20,000. Using genome-wide association, they pinpointed novel loci, but effects were tiny—each variant explaining under 0.1% variance. I would highlight how this underscores personality’s polygenic nature, suggesting traits like openness evolve from many small genetic nudges, with implications for personalized mental health interventions down the line.

Neuroendocrine Response to Sexual Abstinence and Orgasm (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) In this small-scale experiment with 10 men, they tracked blood levels and vitals around induced orgasm following abstinence. Prolactin spiked dramatically while testosterone stayed flat, hinting at prolactin’s role in post-sex refractory periods. This ties into evolutionary biology, explaining why we ‘cool off’ after climax, potentially informing treatments for sexual dysfunctions.

Genetic and Environmental Transmission of Political Attitudes (pnas.org) Drawing from a unique dataset of 394 families, the modeling revealed genetics account for about 40% of variance in political views, with little from shared upbringing. This challenges the idea that parents directly mold kids’ politics, implying innate predispositions shape ideologies. A colleague might say it’s a reminder that nature and nurture dance in complex ways for beliefs.

Origins of Political Attitudes Over Generations (journals.sagepub.com) Similar to the PNAS study, this used the same 394-family sample to model heritability, finding strong genetic links but weak environmental ones from parents. It flips the script on how we think views pass down, suggesting biology trumps direct teaching. This could reshape how we approach political polarization, focusing more on innate traits.

Therapist Effects in Psychotherapy Outcomes (link.springer.com) Analyzing thousands of cases, they found no significant difference in success rates or variability between therapist-led and guided self-help programs. This implies that for anxiety, self-directed resources can match professional therapy. Someone might observe it’s empowering, showing accessible tools like books or apps can drive real change without always needing a counselor.

Technology & Society

Combinatorial Innovation and Technological Progress in the Very Long Run (mattsclancy.substack.com) This essay models innovation as recombining ideas, predicting tech growth slows as combinations explode but discoveries get harder. I would remark it’s like psychohistory for progress—more people mean more breakthroughs, but diminishing returns loom, urging policies to boost population and collaboration for sustained advancement.

Moving Faster in Software Development (scattered-thoughts.net) Reflecting on a decade of coding, it emphasizes tools, habits, and mindset for speed without sacrificing quality. I would say it’s practical wisdom: automate the mundane, embrace failure loops, and prioritize learning—timeless for anyone building tech, avoiding common pitfalls like overcomplication.

Setting Goals in Programming Careers (scattered-thoughts.net) Part of a coding reflection series, this stresses clear objectives to guide progress amid uncertainty. A buddy might add it’s about direction over speed—without goals, talent wanders, but aligned aims turn effort into impact, relevant beyond code to any skill-building pursuit.

People Matter in Organizational Success (danluu.com) Challenging simplistic data models, it argues individual talent drives outsized outcomes, using examples from tech and sports. I would highlight how ignoring human variance leads to bad decisions; implications for hiring emphasize scouting stars over averages for breakthrough results.

Economics & Development

Denmark’s Welfare State and Social Mobility (sciencedirect.com) Leveraging comprehensive Danish data on millions, it reveals low inequality but mobility tied to family culture over welfare alone. I would note this cautions against idealizing Nordic models—success stems from homogeneity and norms, not just programs, suggesting adaptations for diverse societies.

Skimpflation and Hidden Inflation (npr.org) Companies shrink portions or quality to mask price hikes, undercounted in official stats. A pal would say it’s sneaky economics—consumers feel squeezed beyond CPI, highlighting measurement flaws and why trust in metrics erodes during economic shifts.

Zillow’s Failed Home-Flipping Algorithm (stevenbuccini.com) Zillow quit iBuying due to poor price forecasting amid volatility. I would observe it’s a cautionary tale on AI limits—overreliance on models without robust testing led to losses, with lessons for fintech on validating assumptions in real markets.

Climate & Environment

Ten Million a Year: The Climate Death Toll (lrb.co.uk) Estimating millions die annually from climate effects already, it urges viewing warming as an ongoing crisis. I would emphasize the human cost—heat, floods, pollution kill quietly, implying urgent mitigation to avert escalation, beyond abstract targets.

1.5°C vs. 2°C: The Critical Difference (weforum.org) Half of one degree means vastly more extreme weather, floods, and heatwaves. Someone might note it’s not abstract—2°C could make parts unlivable, stressing adaptation alongside cuts, with data showing tipping points loom closer than thought.

Siberia’s Anomalous Warming (siberiantimes.com) Arctic amplification causes 20°C spikes, blooming plants in fall. I would say it’s a harbinger—permafrost thaw releases methane, accelerating cycles, with implications for global food and migration if northern ecosystems flip.

Reference & Curiosities

Russian Peasant Life in Late Tsarist Era (rootsofprogress.org) From ethnographic accounts, it details harsh rural existence, superstitions, and social norms. I would remark it’s a window into pre-industrial hardship—famine, ignorance, violence—highlighting progress’s value, timeless for understanding human resilience.

Introduction to Japanese Society (amazon.co.jp) Overviewing structures, inequalities, and cultural myths. A friend would note it debunks homogeneity tropes, showing class and regional divides, useful for grasping how societies evolve beyond stereotypes.

Gravity Model in Human Geography (en.wikibooks.org) Analogizing urban interactions to physics, population over distance squared predicts flows. I would say it’s elegant for modeling migration or trade—timeless tool for planners, revealing why big cities dominate networks.

Politics & Current Events (2021)

Feeding the Bear: Russian Army Logistics (warontherocks.com) Analyzing supply chains amid Ukraine tensions, it questions Russia’s sustainment for prolonged conflict. I would note logistics often decide wars—vulnerabilities like rail dependence could limit aggression, relevant for ongoing geopolitics.

The Coming Storm: Global Crises Ahead (wisdomofcrowds.live) Warning of intertwined threats like climate, pandemics, and inequality. A colleague might say it’s a sobering synthesis—crises amplify each other, calling for coordinated responses before tipping points hit.

Youngkin’s Virginia Win Lessons (washingtonexaminer.com) Outlining suburban appeal, education focus, and bipartisan messaging. I would observe it signals voter priorities—parents’ rights resonated, hinting at shifts in electoral strategies amid cultural debates.