Exploring Knowledge, Authority, and Community in a Changing World
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In this fifth edition of the newsletter, I hope everyone had a fulfilling week. This newsletter began as an experiment and continues in that spirit. What does this mean for us?
- Format: What is the best structure for a newsletter focused on learning and information sharing? What elements should be included or omitted?
- Impact: Can this initiative genuinely help alleviate anxiety during ongoing global challenges like the pandemic?
- Growth: Is it possible to enhance our understanding and adaptability through a blend of learning, optimism, realism, and pragmatic idealism?
- Solutions: Can we address the pressing issues humanity faces before it’s too late? Acknowledging harsh realities may heighten short-term anxiety, but it also propels us toward potential solutions.
Additionally, I have observed a few things:
My years in journalism have taught me that newsrooms often instill a sense of authority in those who relay information to the public. However, this can sometimes lead to a misleading perception of expertise, where the speaker is viewed as more knowledgeable than the audience.
In contrast, my background in blogging, which began 18 years ago, emphasizes the opposite.
This phenomenon can manifest both overtly and subtly in newsrooms. For instance, individuals may feel embarrassed about their lack of knowledge. The culture of journalism can discourage admitting ignorance, prompting some to feign understanding until they can research the topic, akin to the modern practice of retweeting without verifying the content.
I strive to avoid this practice. Acknowledging what you don’t know should be viewed as an opportunity for inquiry, not as a source of shame.
Early exposure to philosophy has taught me the value of recognizing the limits of both collective human experience and my own. Admitting ignorance early on saves time and accelerates learning. This recalls Socrates’ assertion in Plato’s Apology:
> "Well, although I do not suppose that either of us knows anything really beautiful and good, I am better off than [the politician] is, — for he knows nothing, and thinks that he knows; I neither know nor think that I know. In this latter particular, then, I seem to have slightly the advantage of him."
This foundational understanding could foster a community eager to embrace uncertainty while simultaneously being committed to learning. This approach is universally applicable, and I believe our readership spans ages 18 to 80, each with varying interests in the content.
To reframe this perspective: this newsletter does not claim authority on any topic, but I firmly believe that my knowledge is limited and always has the potential for growth, as does everyone else’s.
As we expand our knowledge, we can begin to translate it into action. Humans excel at discussing problems but often struggle to devise solutions.
In previous newsletters, I’ve touched on my understanding of issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change, all anchored in a sense of optimism. Without that, navigating the world becomes far more challenging.
Never before has so much information been accessible to so many, thanks to the internet.
Regarding readership transparency, here are the statistics:
- Week 1: 87 (8 paid subscribers)
- Week 2: 107 (10 paid subscribers)
- Week 3: 150 (12 paid subscribers)
- Week 4: 183 (13 paid subscribers)
- Week 5: 233 (15 paid subscribers)
With an open rate of around 60%, engagement appears high. Interest in the shared links is evident, and I appreciate the lack of promotion on my part—this remains an exploratory phase! Paid subscriptions are completely optional, with all readers receiving the same content.
Some feedback I’ve received includes:
- Clarifying the format for new subscribers.
- More content on scenario planning and futurism.
- A concise reading list tailored for busy individuals.
- Correction of a typo.
I aim to improve my writing routine, ideally producing more content during the week instead of saving it all for the weekend!
Wishing everyone a great week! Feel free to keep this email handy for reference. If you enjoy the newsletter, please invite others to subscribe.
Best, Gavin
Table of contents
- News list
- Reading list
- Greek Tragedy Corner
- Podcast
- Documentary
- Still sitting in my tabs
News list — (insights into current events)
This week, we delve deeper into a topic that fascinates me: the ecosystems of conspiracy and misinformation and the media's role.
The Media's Influence:
Harvard’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society analyzed 55,000 news articles, 5 million tweets, and 75,000 Facebook posts, releasing a report indicating that disinformation is often driven by high-profile figures like Trump and propagated through traditional media.
> "In the coming months, it will be crucial for editors of national and local media, especially television stations that reach politically disengaged audiences, to resist the strategies used by the president to manipulate narratives, avoid labeling journalists as partisan, and steer clear of creating confusion by emphasizing false equivalences."
(1,400 words/5 mins by Laura Hazard Owen) Full report available here (24,000 words/90 mins).
Improving Media Reporting:
If you’re not already following James Fallows, I highly recommend him. In a recent piece, he critiques media coverage of Trump, identifying three detrimental habits: false equivalence, horse-race mentality, and spectacle-driven reporting. (4,000 words/15 mins by James Fallows).
Disinformation and Real-World Consequences:
A Wired article examines how a rumor regarding antifa circulated online, originating from far-right groups and resulting in tangible repercussions in a community. Lauren speaks with individuals affected by misinformation surrounding an attack on a bus. (10,000 words/30 mins by Lauren Smiley).
Exploring Qanon and Gaming Culture:
A video from FT Alphaville offers insights into Qanon, including Adam Curtis’ perspective on why individuals are drawn into conspiracies. (16 mins by Izabella Kaminska).
Loneliness and Totalitarianism:
A compelling piece discusses loneliness and its historical context, particularly through Hannah Arendt’s lens. (3,400 words/12 mins by Samantha Rose Hill).
> "Totalitarianism capitalizes on loneliness, transforming it into a permanent state of being through isolation and terror, while using ideological propaganda to appeal to this loneliness."
Silicon Valley’s Political Shift:
Coinbase’s recent policy changes regarding political beliefs prompt an exploration of the broader implications of far-right views in Silicon Valley. (2,200 words/8 mins by Natasha Tiku).
> "In a since-deleted tweet, Costolo remarked, 'Me-first capitalists who think you can separate society from business are going to be the first people lined up against the wall and shot in the revolution.'"
Reading list — notable articles to explore
Politics and Future Conflict: Sweden plans to increase military spending by 40% over the next five years. This development deserves consideration, especially alongside similar shifts seen in other nations.
Science — Graphene: Graphene remains a groundbreaking discovery. This article delves into advancements in research and potential applications. (3,500 words/13 mins by David H Freedman).
Science — Evolution: An intriguing piece examines the origins of metabolism, merging biology with chemistry. (1,700 words/6 mins by John Rennie).
Science — Superconductors: Exciting progress in room-temperature superconductors is discussed. (1,500 words/5 mins by Charlie Wood).
Understanding Organisms: An extensive exploration into the cognitive capacities of living beings, examining the continuum of cognition across life forms. (6,000 words/22 mins by Michael Levin and Dan Dennett).
NASA and Orbital Refueling: NASA is investing in orbital refueling experiments, pivotal for SpaceX's plans for Mars exploration. (700 words/2 mins by Eric Berger).
COVID and Politics: A detailed account of the CDC's decline and future living scenarios with COVID. (12,000 words/40 mins).
US Politics: 1. Will the 21st century be defined by illiberalism? 2. Jeffrey Toobin’s analysis of potential legal implications during the upcoming election. (8,000 words/30 mins). 3. Jake Tapper's insights into the influence of television on US politics. (2,800 words/10 mins).
Social Platforms: An in-depth review of Facebook's moderation history and its perception as a PR challenge rather than a societal one. (7,500 words/27 mins).
Greek Tragedy Corner
This week, we turn our attention to Antigone, a significant work in the Theban plays. I encourage you to watch the 1986 production:
Podcast Episode
Listen to Peter Geoghegan discuss his new book with Shaunagh Connaire. I even make a brief appearance related to my road trip with Peter. (25 mins).
Documentary
Watch The Death of Yugoslavia Part 5: A Safe Area (49 mins), detailing the events in Bosnia and the UN's role.
Additionally, check out The Trial of the Chicago 7, based on true events. (2hr 10 mins).
Still Sitting in My Tabs
- American Christianity’s white supremacy problem
- The rising threat of political violence in the US
- Potential extremism in the GOP post-Trump
- AI learning without data?
- Twitter's ban and its effect on misinformation
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this week’s edition, consider subscribing!