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Daily Science Brief · November 14th
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The Last Word (and the word after that)
In “The Five People You Meet on Substack,” the author reflects on the meaningful connections made through writing and sharing experiences. They share a poignant quote from *The Perks of Being a Wallflower*, emphasizing the impact of simple affirmations on our lives. The piece dives into their evolving relationship with the Bible, exploring themes of suffering, faith, and personal growth. The author introduces their upcoming series on the Bible, focusing on the human struggles behind its stories. They discuss the challenges of outgrowing old beliefs, the discomfort of confronting new ideas, and the complexities of navigating life after leaving religion. They also highlight their new book, *The Practice of Being Alive*, which encourages readers to rediscover their desires and the importance of participating in life fully. This journey of self-exploration is essential for those seeking to build a life after faith, emphasizing the value of trusting one's judgment and understanding what truly matters.
Getting over self-reproach
Hey! So, I was reading about self-reproach, and it got me thinking about Abraham Lincoln, which is wild, right? Apparently, after his first love, Ann Rutledge, died of typhoid, he was absolutely devastated and blamed himself, even though there was nothing he could have done. It's like, our brains just try to find a way to control things, even when it's impossible. This article really breaks down the difference between guilt, remorse, and self-reproach. Guilt is feeling like you did something wrong. Remorse is realizing you messed up and it can actually help you make amends or change your behavior for the better. But self-reproach? That's the one that really digs in, making you feel like you're fundamentally flawed or a lesser person because of something that happened. The article suggests a lot of this comes from how we're raised, this cultural conditioning where we're taught to feel bad to conform. And it’s not just about things we *actually* did, but also things we feel responsible for that are way outside our control, like global warming or poverty. It’s like we’re punishing ourselves for not being able to fix everything. It uses this example of a woman who drove to see her dying father, stopped to rest because she was exhausted, and he died just before she got there. She spent years blaming herself for stopping, thinking if only she'd pushed through, she could have seen him. But the article points out she couldn't have known when he'd die, and driving while exhausted could have been dangerous. It’s about judging past decisions with future knowledge, which just isn't fair to ourselves. So, the key takeaway is to really pause and ask yourself if you can learn from something or make amends. If the answer is no, then you're probably in self-reproach territory, beating yourself up over something you couldn't control. It’s about recognizing that we can’t be responsible for everything, and letting go of that impossible burden.
storyflo · science·7 minDaily Science Brief · November 14th
This is your daily audio brief. The morning read — ten things in science worth the eight minutes. Scientists Discover a 98-Million-Year-Old Mantis With 'Leaves' on Its Abdomen, Trapped in Amber.
Thank You, from the bottom of my heart.
Hey! So, I saw this article and wanted to tell you about it. It's basically a really heartfelt thank you note from someone who's just released a new app called "murmur daily." They're feeling super grateful because, even though things can be tough and they've had their stumbles, they keep pushing forward. And they feel like the readers, you and me, are a huge part of that support system. They specifically mentioned how, when they launched the app, people really showed up for them. It's been in the top 10 for the past two days, which is pretty cool, and they're just so thankful for everyone who's downloaded it or supported it in any way. It sounds like they're really passionate about this app and about chasing their dreams, and they wanted to share that feeling of accomplishment and gratitude with us. They even hinted at a surprise coming to the app soon, which is always fun! It’s a nice reminder of how much support can mean, you know?
Vote In The 2026 Book Review Contest
If you’ve enjoyed the finalists in this year's non-book review contest, it’s time to show your support by voting for your favorite. You have until the end of the day on November 20 to cast your vote. This year’s voting system is approval voting, which means you can check the box for all the reviews you like, giving you the freedom to support multiple entries. The finalists include a diverse mix of titles, starting with "The Book of Abraham" and "Great and Desperate Cures," followed by "Breakdown in Pakistan," "The Epic of Gilgamesh," and "The Escape Artist." Other notable mentions are "A Residence of 21 Years in the Sandwich Islands," "Thomas Urquhart’s Translation of Rabelais," and "The Tale of Genji." The list continues with "This is Going to Hurt," "Lee Kuan Yew’s Memoirs," "We Present Television," "Storm of Steel," "The Ghost in My Brain," "The History and Adventures of an Atom," and "Orality and Literacy." After you vote, there’s a prediction market available, but it’s best to wait until you’ve made your choices before checking it out. Happy voting!
November 13, PM Weather Video Forecast
We're looking at a significant warm-up in the weather over the next few days, which is a nice change as we head into mid-November. Expect temperatures to rise, making it feel more like early fall than late autumn. However, this pleasant stretch won't last too long. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, a shift is on the way. We can anticipate some rainfall, which could bring a brief dip in temperatures. So, while you might want to enjoy the warmth now, be prepared for a cooler snap as we approach the holiday. Overall, it sounds like a mixed bag, but at least we’ll get a taste of that warm weather before the colder days set in.
Who decides the price of nature?
Eyes on you, @markjcarney 👀 I sat down with @akaashmaharaj from @naturecanada_ on the latest pod to chat all about Bill C39 and the role of democratic law in creating better futures.
FRIDAY THE 13TH
In the latest episode of "Sin's Interlude," the host, r.h. Sin, shares personal reflections on the significance of Friday the 13th. He explores the cultural superstitions surrounding the day, discussing how it often evokes feelings of fear or anxiety for many. Sin invites listeners to reconsider these feelings, suggesting that embracing the day could lead to personal growth and transformation. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the potential for turning negative associations into positive experiences. The episode is a gentle reminder to challenge our beliefs and find meaning in the unexpected. It's a thoughtful take on a day often shrouded in superstition.
Why Are You So Confident?
The article discusses the puzzling nature of extreme confidence in beliefs that lack strong supporting arguments, particularly in debates surrounding consciousness and AI. It highlights how proponents of biological naturalism often exhibit over 90% confidence in their views, despite the absence of solid evidence. The author emphasizes that while we can have reasonable doubts about what constitutes consciousness, many people assert their beliefs with unwarranted certainty. The piece also critiques the confidence some hold regarding the AI industry being a bubble, arguing that historical progress suggests we’re likely on a path to superintelligence rather than an imminent plateau. It stresses that confidence should align with the strength of the arguments presented. The author reflects on their own past overconfidence regarding AI risks, acknowledging that predicting outcomes in this complex field is fraught with uncertainty. Additionally, the article touches on moral considerations around meat consumption and the treatment of animals, emphasizing the need for thoughtful reflection rather than blind confidence. It concludes by questioning the common tendency to dismiss the moral status of simpler organisms, urging readers to reconsider the basis for their convictions. Overall, the piece advocates for a more measured approach to confidence, especially in complex and uncertain domains.
Dig Deep Enough for Strangers
In this reflection, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual thirst. Jesus offers "living water," which symbolizes the fulfillment found in God's Word, contrasting it with the temporary satisfaction of worldly pursuits. The prophet Amos warns of a spiritual famine, emphasizing the need for a deeper connection to God's teachings. Isaac's perseverance in re-digging his father's wells illustrates the effort required to maintain our spiritual resources, while William Tyndale's dedication to translating the Bible highlights the importance of sharing these teachings, even in the face of adversity. The call to dig deep into Scripture is a reminder that our understanding can nourish not just ourselves, but also those around us, including future generations. Ultimately, it encourages us to prepare our spiritual wells for those who may come seeking hope and truth.