Museletter the 105th

Evolution has always been based on the survival of the fittest, right? But that doesn't mean survival of the smartest, kindest, or best.

The crude and irreverent 2006 satire Idiocracy was based on the idea that evolution will lead to the IQ of the human race dropping…?a lot. That's a problem, of course, because intelligence is tied closely to our ability to solve problems. And as the world's problems become more complex, we must develop the critical thinking skills required to tackle them.

I do believe that humankind's emotional intelligence is slowly (very slowly) increasing. But overall problem-solving intelligence? The kind of intelligence that values scientific thinking, reasoning, and careful troubleshooting? Unfortunately, belief in conspiracies, reliance on AI and social media, dependence on religious teachings or cultural movements (such as nationalism, political correctness, or identity politics)…?these things all make me think we may be in a period of devolution.

That worries me, because intellectual stagnation or recession is far worse, in the long run, than an economic recession.

Look, I'm no intellectual saint —?I can be as stupid as the next guy. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't take this opportunity to wave a red warning flag. Hopes and prayers are not going to solve our world's problems; nor will resigning ourselves to "whatever."

What can you do today —?right now —?to exercise your thinking muscles? Even doing a web search for "how can I learn to think better " could help!

Undersea Adventure

The funny thing about air is that it's basically a fluid. I mean, sure, it's made of gas, but scientists and engineers use the same equations to model the air around us as the fluid in a river. Water is just much denser, and therefore heavier.

So sometimes I find it amusing to imagine that I'm walking (or driving, riding…) at the bottom of a vast ocean, like a lobster or a crab. In this world, birds and bugs aren't flying, they're swimming above me. Trees are like tall seaweed waving in the currents.

The lightweight, slightly viscous fluid surrounds me, pressing gently against my skin at about 14 pounds per square inch, helping me keep my form. Gravity tugs our oxygen-rich ocean toward the surface of the planet, making it easier to pull into my lungs. If I focus, I can feel this fluid enter my nose and mouth; I can feel it against my hand waving through it.

We see our ocean no better than fish see theirs; but just because it's invisible to us most of the time, it's no less real and powerful.

Or have I simply seen too many episodes of Spongebob?

Time Flies…

Adobe gave out lovely pins at their annual Adobe MAX conference this year; you just had to tell them how long you've been using Adobe products. "39 years," I told the woman at the booth. Her fingers dove into a box and out came a pin stamped with the number 40 alongside "Rubber Cement". I laughed at the memory of rubber cement. Yes, I can still recall the smell. (If you know, you know.)

But I pushed back: "Well," I told her, "I don't think anyone here has been using Adobe products for 40 years." After all, Adobe's first product —?the PostScript programming language — didn't show up in the Apple Laserwriter until 1985 —?39 years ago.

She looked at me and smiled, and I realized that it was ridiculous for me to argue this point with her. I took the gift and walked away, laughing at myself for wanting… what? Historical accuracy? Precision?

I've pinned this celebration of how far we've come since rubber cement on my conference lanyard. I hope I remember to bring it to next year's show, where we can truly celebrate 40 years.

Thank You

I enjoy sharing my musings… and I enjoy hearing yours! Please share this newsletter with a friend,?follow me on LinkedIn, and send me feedback. You can always reach me at [email protected]