What is rationality? There are two types of rationality: Epistemic rationality is the willingness to update one's beliefs based on logic, critical thinking, and empirical evidence. Instrumental rationality is the ability to make good decisions and achieve goals effectively. For both types, we can embrace rationality by living in accordance with reason (= rational), oppose rationality by thinking and acting contrary to reason (= irrational/emotional), or transcend rationality by … [Read more...]
When to Endure Meaninglessness
The inequality of meaning Meaning, the long-term aspect of happiness, makes us feel purposeful, fulfilled, and content with our lives. But not all sources of meaning are equal. Some purposes are better than others, and sometimes it's better to have no purpose than to have a bad one. For example, it's better to be a depressed teenager who doesn't know where to go in life than a frustrated teenager whose passionate purpose becomes the gunning down of his classmates. Likewise, it's better to be … [Read more...]
Metaphysical Toughness: The Antidote to Bigotry
Humans are often said to have a "need for metaphysics" (Schopenhauer). Aware of our own mortality, we deeply desire knowledge of and meaning in life. This drives us to create myths, religions, philosophies, value systems, and scientific paradigms. We like to see meaning as something profound and glorious. We say, "Meaning is precious because it makes our suffering worthwhile." But what if the meanings we find and invent are just our weak mind protecting itself with rationalizations? What if … [Read more...]
Is Progress Good for Humanity?
Introduction Historical progress is the advancement in science, technology, economics, politics, and quality of life over years, decades, and centuries. If human well-being has increased along with such improvement, that is moral progress and as such good for humanity. Part 1 of this article argues that historical progress is real. Humans have substantially improved their lives over the course of history. Part 2 investigates whether historical progress coincides with moral progress. Have … [Read more...]
New Meditation Mindset
Even after years of practice, I still find it hard sometimes to sit in silence and meditate. Especially when I have important work to do. Then I keep thinking about how many more minutes it will take for my alarm to go off so that I can go back to work. But today during meditation, a new mindset came over me—a mindset sub specie aeternitatis that quickly made my workaholic worries go away. Here it is in a nutshell: The alarm is never going to go off. I will be sitting here for all eternity, … [Read more...]
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