October 2024 Linkpost

Screening embryos for IQ? I would note that a buddy might quip it’s like upgrading from economy to first-class genetics, but at $50,000, you’d hope for more than just a smarter toddler tantrum.

Philosophy & Human Nature

Tsuyoku Naritai: Embracing the Desire to Become Stronger (lesswrong.com)
This piece explores the Japanese concept of “tsuyoku naritai” – the drive to improve oneself without resentment toward those ahead. I would observe that in a world quick to celebrate mediocrity, admitting weakness as a step toward strength feels refreshingly honest, much like shedding old habits for better ones.

Challenging the Egalitarian Instinct in Self-Improvement (lesswrong.com)
Here, the discussion pits the urge to grow stronger against societal pressures to keep everyone on equal footing. I would point out that my friend might say it’s like resisting the pull to dim your light so others don’t feel overshadowed – a reminder that true progress often means leaving comfort zones behind.

The Power of Conversation in Changing Minds (philosophybear.substack.com)
This essay argues that direct, patient dialogue can shift deeply held views more effectively than we assume. I would reflect that in heated debates, a calm chat often uncovers common ground, turning adversaries into allies without the noise of online echo chambers.

Rationalism and Its Social Dimensions (philosophybear.substack.com)
Delving into how rational thinking intersects with social dynamics, this post suggests we balance pure logic with human connections. I would note that someone close might observe it’s like navigating a group hike – individual smarts help, but group harmony gets you to the summit.

When the Doors of Heaven Shut: A Poetic Reflection on Existential Closure (interestingstantonians.blogspot.com)
This poem contemplates the quiet end of divine access, not by angels but by humanity’s own drift. I would muse that it captures that lingering sense of lost wonder, like watching a familiar path fade into obscurity, prompting us to cherish fleeting insights.

To Space: A Call to Cosmic Ambition (interestingstantonians.blogspot.com)
A poetic urging for humanity to reach the stars, emphasizing sacrifice for exploration. I would highlight how it echoes the restless spirit of pioneers, reminding us that bold leaps often demand leaving the familiar behind for the vast unknown.

Understanding Egalitarianism in Human Societies (anthroencyclopedia.com)
This entry examines how egalitarian structures emerge and persist in various cultures. I would suggest that a colleague might appreciate its insight into balancing power without hierarchy, like a well-tuned orchestra where every voice contributes without dominance.

Seeking Simcha: Balancing Health Pursuits with Joy (seekingsimcha.com)
Reflecting on whether fitness regimens enhance or detract from true happiness. I would observe that chasing physical ideals can sometimes eclipse the simple joys, much like over-pruning a garden and losing its wild charm.

Academic Research & Science

Amortized Planning with Transformers: Insights from Chess (arxiv.org)
This paper evaluates transformers on chess as a planning task immune to memorization, using ChessBench—a dataset of 10 million games with 15 billion annotations from Stockfish 16. Methodology involves supervised training of transformers up to 270 million parameters, comparing to Leela Chess Zero and AlphaZero. Key findings: Models predict action-values accurately, achieving a 2895 Lichess Elo (grandmaster level) without search, but perfect distillation of Stockfish’s algorithm remains elusive. Implications suggest transformers generalize well in reasoning-heavy domains, with potential for strategic AI advancements. “Our largest models… achieve a surprisingly strong Lichess blitz Elo of 2895 against humans (grandmaster level).”

Drug Use and Infectious Diseases Among Dockworkers (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
In a cross-sectional study of 232 dockworkers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 12.5% reported illegal drug use (mostly marijuana at 93.1%), with 91.4% aware of co-workers using under influence. Methodology used structured questionnaires, NASA-TLX for workload, and Poisson regression, revealing higher prevalence among wharfage workers (PR 2.23), smokers (PR 2.60), and those with longer hours (PR 1.17 per hour). Testing 93 workers found 2.2% positive for hepatitis B, 3.2% for hepatitis C, and 2.2% for syphilis. Conclusions stress need for interventions in collective tasks; implications highlight occupational safety links to public health, urging treatment to boost productivity.

Clustering of Nobel Laureates in Academic Genealogies (link.springer.com)
Analyzing 727 Nobelists in physics, chemistry, medicine, and economics, 696 (96%) form one main tree, with 360 professor-student Nobel pairs (255 same discipline). Methodology used AcademicTree and other genealogies, modeling as a 33-generation graph with centrality measures. Chemistry laureates have most Nobel ancestors (5.9) and descendants (7.0); economics least (1.0 ancestors). Concentration decreases over time. Conclusions emphasize mentorship’s role; implications suggest seeking Nobel-connected mentors, though distinguishing excellence from nepotism needs further study. “31% of laureates descend from John Strutt, Lord Rayleigh.”

Cost-Benefit of Embryo Selection for Intelligence (gwern.net)
Simulations model IVF embryo selection using SNP-based PGS (variance >33%, up to 44% for IQ), incorporating process losses. Key findings: Selecting from 10 embryos yields ~9-10.87 IQ points (0.62 SD); real-world models like Tan et al (3 eggs, 50% normality) give ~0.38 points. Multiple traits add +3.7-5.3 SD with correlations. Methodology: R simulations with order statistics, normal distributions, GWAS data (e.g., Benyamin et al 2014, 1800 SNPs). Cost-benefit: Marginal IVF cost $1,500/embryo; lifetime IQ value $6,000-15,000/point. Data: Optimal at 24 embryos ($80k). Implications: Feasible gains for polygenic traits like IQ, height, BMI; extends to diseases, urging ethical scaling.

Reassessing the Health Impacts of Seed Oils (dynomight.net)
Reviewing seed oil debates, no unified theory but correlations with obesity (BMI rise 0.6%/year), processing concerns, and mechanisms like inflammation from linoleic acid (LA). Evidence: Sydney and Minnesota studies show harm; Hooper meta-analysis (2020) finds 21% reduced cardiovascular events replacing saturated fats. Methodology: Historical BMI trends (e.g., Kromlos 2010), inter-country omega-6 data (Micha 2014), RCTs. Conclusions: No clear harm, potential benefits; implications favor vegetable oils over saturated fats, but avoid overeating processed foods. “Reducing saturated fat (replacing with polyunsaturated fats) reduced cardiovascular events by 21%.”

Activating Brown Fat Through Seasonal Dressing (podclips.com)
Dr. Susanna Søberg discusses using cold and heat exposure for health, emphasizing dressing lighter in fall to activate brown fat. I would add that a pal might find this counterintuitive yet practical, like training the body to adapt naturally for better metabolism.

Colonial Origins of Economic Development (aeaweb.org)
This empirical investigation links institutions shaped by colonial settler mortality to modern economic performance. Methodology uses historical data on settler mortality as an instrument for institutions. Key findings: Higher mortality led to extractive institutions, correlating with lower GDP per capita today. Implications underscore how historical institutions persist, influencing development policies.

Technology & Society

Tragic AI Companionship and Teen Suicide (nytimes.com)
A lawsuit highlights a teen’s obsession with a Character.AI chatbot leading to suicide, raising alarms about emotional dependencies on AI. I would remark that this Black Mirror-esque scenario warns of tech’s double edge, where virtual bonds can blur into real harm.

Ethical Dilemmas in Embryo IQ Screening (theguardian.com)
Heliospect Genomics offers $50,000 for screening 100 embryos for IQ and traits, using polygenic scores despite scientific skepticism. I would note that my friend might see it as commodifying potential, sparking debates on equity in genetic enhancements.

Advancing General-Purpose Physical AI (physicalintelligence.company)
Physical Intelligence’s π0 model integrates AI for real-world tasks like folding laundry. I would observe that this bridges digital smarts with physical dexterity, hinting at robots seamlessly aiding daily life.

Integrating Claude AI into Daily Workflows (avitalbalwit.com)
Avital Balwit shares using Claude for tasks like editing and ideation. I would suggest that a colleague might value how it amplifies creativity, turning solitary brainstorming into collaborative efficiency.

Building the Ultimate Exoplanet Telescope (palladiummag.com)
Casey Handmer advocates for a massive space telescope to image exoplanets, leveraging Starship tech. I would point out that this could unlock cosmic discoveries, much like Hubble but on steroids.

Critiquing NASA’s SLS Program (caseyhandmer.wordpress.com)
Handmer lambasts SLS for delays and costs, contrasting with SpaceX’s progress. I would reflect that it exposes bureaucratic hurdles in space innovation, urging leaner approaches.

AI Developments Beyond Podcasts (thezvi.wordpress.com)
Zvi Mowshowitz discusses AI advances, noting NotebookLM’s limitations with large inputs. I would add that a buddy might appreciate its conversational summaries, transforming dense reads into engaging dialogues.

Essential Details for Credible Claims (astralcodexten.com)
Scott Alexander stresses including specifics in arguments for transparency. I would note that this fosters trust, like providing maps in a debate rather than vague directions.

Rethinking Education Beyond Schooling (map.simonsarris.com)
Simon Sarris argues schools trap kids in busywork, advocating real-world learning. I would observe that historically, greats started young – a call to let curiosity drive development.

Building Better Parent-Child Bonds (juliawise.net)
Julia Wise shares decade-long parenting insights for harmony. I would suggest that my friend might find its practical tips timeless, like prioritizing empathy over perfection.

Designing a Family-Focused Village (esmeralda.org)
Esmeralda envisions a community for future-building families. I would remark that it revives village living with modern twists, fostering collective growth.

Dissecting Online Arguments (defenderofthebasic.substack.com)
This breaks down how social media debates devolve, urging better navigation. I would note that a pal might see it as a guide to avoiding toxicity, turning scrolls into insights.

The Zombocom Paradox in Digital Limits (newsletter.squishy.computer)
Exploring boundless online promises versus real constraints. I would observe that it humorously critiques hype, reminding us imagination often outpaces reality.

The Grand Bargain in Urban Planning (viewpointvancouver.ca)
Illustrating mixed-use developments for vibrant cities. I would point out that blending living and working spaces creates soulful environments, countering sterile suburbs.

Economics & Development

Optimizing Lifecycle Investments (ssrn.com)
Analyzing asset allocations, methodology uses nonparametric models preserving return dependencies. Key findings: Optimal mix is 1/3 domestic, 2/3 international stocks, no bonds, outperforming stock-bond strategies in wealth and bequests; target-date investors need 63% more savings for equivalent utility. Data: Long-horizon returns. Conclusions: Challenge age-based equity reduction. Implications: Shift retirement planning toward sustained equities for better outcomes.

Mapping America’s Frontier Belt (lostnomad7.substack.com)
Identifying a cultural region of rugged individualism in the US interior. I would reflect that it explains enduring pioneer精神, shaping economic resilience in overlooked areas.

Reference & Curiosities

Exploring the Enneagram of Personality (en.wikipedia.org)
A system categorizing nine interconnected personality types. I would note that a friend might use it for self-reflection, like a map to understanding motivations and growth paths.

Becoming Sufficiently Awesome (lesswrong.com)
Discussing paths to exceptional skill-building. I would observe that it encourages deliberate practice, turning average pursuits into masterful ones.

Caution Against Single-Study Reliance (lesswrong.com)
Warning on over-relying on isolated research. I would suggest that my pal might appreciate its call for broader evidence, avoiding cherry-picked conclusions.

Anti-Racist Roots of Columbus Day (theamericansaga.com)
Tracing the holiday’s origins to combating anti-Italian prejudice. I would remark that it reframes history, showing how celebrations evolve from social struggles.

Politics & Current Events (2024)

Persistent Laws Against Fortune-Telling (inquirer.com)
Pennsylvania’s ban on fortune-telling, punishable by jail, persists amid modern enforcement debates. I would note that a colleague might find it a quirky relic, blending superstition with legal oddities.