What’s Our Problem??Lessons from the book
??What’s Our Problem??
What’s Our Problem? Let me break it down for you in a snappy way! I'll unravel the mysteries of our modern times, the craziness that's got everyone acting bonkers, and spill the tea on how societies function, crumble, and flourish. Brace yourself for a fresh perspective that'll revolutionise your thinking and communication skills in this chaotic world of ours. Get ready to level up!
In a recent interview conducted in 2018, Tim Urban, the renowned writer and sketch artist known for his work on the popular platform Wait But Why, presented an intriguing thought experiment. Urban proposed a scenario where the entirety of human history, spanning a vast 100,000 years, is condensed into a concise 500-page book, with each page representing a span of 200 years. According to Urban's calculations, the initial 450 pages of this hypothetical book would be dedicated solely to the era of hunter-gatherer societies. In a rather lacklustre turn of events, the situation at hand has been deemed quite uninteresting by the author.
In a riveting turn of events, the narrative takes an electrifying twist within the final 50 pages, delving into the profound subjects of Jesus and the Enlightenment. In a stunning conclusion, the reader is bound to experience a mind-boggling revelation upon reaching the final page. In a remarkable turn of events, a wave of technological advancements has swept across society, ushering in the era of cars and phones. These groundbreaking inventions have revolutionised the way people communicate and travel, bringing about a new level of convenience and connectivity. However, amidst this period of rapid progress, the world has also been marred by the devastating impact of two World Wars. These global conflicts have left an indelible In a fascinating exploration of technological advancements, one delves into the captivating realms of aeroplanes, the internet, and the iconic moon landing.
In a stunning revelation, it appears that the genesis of this unfolding narrative can be traced back to the enigmatic final page. In this unprecedented era, the current generation bears a significant responsibility to ensure that we navigate these uncharted waters with utmost precision and accuracy. In a potentially abrupt turn of events, there is a looming possibility that the book's narrative may come to an unexpected conclusion on the subsequent page.
In a remarkable endeavour, Tim has penned a thought-provoking literary work titled "What's Our Problem? (A Self-Help Book for Societies)." In the midst of an era characterised by exponential technological advancements, there is a growing concern that our collective ability to reason and think critically is diminishing. In an era marked by growing societal divisions and a breakdown in effective communication, one cannot help but ponder: when did our collective anger and inability to engage in meaningful dialogue take hold? In a recent statement, Urban has put forth a series of innovative ideas and potential solutions.
Lesson 1: The four main thinking styles work like a ladder.
In his book, Urban introduces a pivotal concept that he refers to as "the Ladder." Introducing "The Ladder": A Thought-Provoking 4-Rung Vertical Framework Emphasising the Primacy of Thinking over Content
In the realm of human cognition, it is widely acknowledged that each individual possesses two distinct facets of the mind: the "higher mind" and the "primitive mind." In a remarkable display of cognitive prowess, the more recently evolved regions of our brain have demonstrated an impressive capacity for reason, restraint, and meticulous analysis. In contrast, the more primitive aspects of our nature simply seek to fulfil basic needs such as nourishment, rest, and procreation. In accordance with the prevailing faction or the one exerting greater influence, individuals will adopt one of four archetypes, each occupying a lower position on the hierarchical ladder:
In any given topic or situation, instead of inquiring about an individual's thoughts, it is more prudent to delve into the level of thinking they are currently occupying. In the realm of intellectual discourse and problem-solving, true progress is found solely on the higher echelons.?
Lesson 2: Politics only works when top minds with various perspectives collaborate.
Urban believes clear-thinking politicians focus on 3 questions:
In the realm of political discourse, a recurring pattern emerges where the ideological factions of the left and right find themselves at odds, typically on the third question. Despite potential disagreements over the approaches to achieve progress, it is generally feasible to collaborate and establish a collective direction for the future. In a world where collaboration and open-mindedness are key to success, one crucial factor stands out: attitude. The ability to embrace alternative perspectives and engage with individuals who possess differing worldviews can make all the difference.
In a harmonious display of political unity, governance continues to thrive as long as politicians maintain this shared attitude. In the realm of high-level intellectual discourse, individuals may hold divergent opinions and perspectives. However, what truly sets them apart is not the content of their thoughts, but rather the commonality in their approach to thinking. This shared cognitive framework is what ultimately distinguishes these esteemed thinkers from the rest.In the world of local politics, such aspirations seem unattainable. Urban has dubbed it "Political Disney World." In a world where political parties vie for power, each faction presents a narrative that appears as flawless as a Disney film, reminiscent of beloved classics such as Aladdin or The Lion King. In a thrilling display of courage and determination, every member of the party assumes the role of an underdog hero, fearlessly confronting what can only be described as the embodiment of "pure evil." In a stark departure from the collaborative spirit of map analysis, the scene has transformed into a tumultuous encounter between two towering figures, their voices resonating with fury and discord.
In the realm of politics, the presence of low-rung thinking has become a significant obstacle hindering any form of progress. In order to achieve progress as a society, it is imperative to rely on the intellectual prowess of individuals who possess a higher level of cognitive abilities. These individuals, often referred to as high-rung thinkers, not only possess the capacity to accomplish tasks but also play a crucial role in propelling us forward.
Lesson 3: The two most important things an individual can bring to a well-functioning society are awareness and courage.
Even though it may seem like the world is more divided than ever before, Urban is still optimistic. He proposes that we need two things—awareness and courage—to construct an upward spiral out of the low-rung-thinking quagmire
Realising that you, too, can be a low-level thinker at times is the first step towards self-awareness. Thankfully, figuring out when and where it occurs simply requires a few questions. Some illustrations: How much control does your primitive mind have over your emotional life? When does your primal mind come out of hiding? When you're feeling most mature, wise, and on top of things, where do you usually find yourself?
Being conscious of our own thoughts is a terrific first step, but it won't be enough to effect societal change. "Courage is an Outer Self project," Urban states. And while those are indeed daunting, there are three steps we can do to build up our courage:
1.Don't pretend to be something you're not.
2. Get comfortable being honest with intimate friends and family first.
3. Take it online and to the streets if you have the guts.
In a seemingly effortless manner, the initial task presents itself as a straightforward endeavour. In order to navigate certain situations successfully, it is imperative that we exercise discretion and refrain from speaking at specific moments. In a remarkable display of trust, individuals are extending a unique opportunity to their loved ones - the chance to express their thoughts and opinions openly. This act, known as a trust advance, serves as a testament to the deep bonds shared between these individuals and their close companions. In a significant development, the final stage of this process effectively broadens the scope of trust by extending it to a larger number of individuals. In a powerful display of solidarity, individuals are finding solace in the realisation that they are not alone in their dissent against the prevailing norms. This growing movement is emboldening people to express their opinions without fear of retribution, fostering an environment where freedom of thought is celebrated. In this book,this? one key takeaway stands out above all else, serving as a powerful reminder. It is a principle that forms the foundation of any prosperous society.
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